Platteklip Gorge – The Most Famous of Them All (And Why)

Platteklip Gorge – The Most Famous of Them All (And Why)

Platteklip Gorge indeed boasts a string of superlatives: it’s arguably the oldest, quickest, shortest, and most popular route to the summit. Referred to as the ‘Highway,’ ‘Coca-Cola route,’ ‘Via Normale,’ or ‘Standard route’—it’s widely known, and often, incorrectly, as the ‘Easy route.’ You get the picture.

This brings us to a crucial distinction: Platteklip Gorge is the easiest route to the summit, not an easy route. There’s a significant difference that many hikers conflate to their detriment. Compared to other Table Mountain trails, Platteklip Gorge involves the shortest distance, the least elevation gain, minimal exposure to heights, and the lowest technicality. However, it still entails an ascent of approximately 650 meters (about 2200 feet) elevation gain from bottom to top. If you’re unfit, this climb will demand considerable effort. Attempting it late in summer, under the harsh sun, can quickly turn it into a grueling experience. Therefore, for many, especially during warmer months, there’s absolutely nothing “easy” about Platteklip Gorge.

Consider this: Platteklip Gorge experiences far more rescues than any other Table Mountain route. While this is partly due to its immense popularity, it underscores the fact that it’s not simply a walk in the park. If it were truly “easy,” why would rescues be necessary?

The ‘Platties’ Experience: Beauty vs. Convenience

Platteklip Gorge’s popularity stems primarily from its accessibility, not because it’s the most scenic or exciting. Many local hikers affectionately refer to it as “Platties” and generally agree it’s the least visually diverse and thrilling ascent. It serves as a highly convenient descent route when strong winds close the Table Mountain Cableway, necessitating a walk down.

However, as an ascent, some feel it doesn’t fully showcase Table Mountain’s majestic grandeur. This, of course, is subjective: if you’re new to mountain hiking, Platteklip Gorge’s dramatic upper reaches, with vertical sidewalls converging on the boulder-strewn path, will undoubtedly impress. Yet, if you’re an experienced hiker in at least average shape, seeking a deeper, more varied Table Mountain experience, several other routes might better suit your preference for adventure and beauty.

Let’s address fitness. If you rarely work out and aren’t regularly active, can you still conquer Platteklip Gorge? With determination, chances are good. The less fit you are, the more grit and enthusiasm you’ll need to bring to the hike. You must be prepared for a significant physical push. Those who find the route hardest are often those who expect a leisurely stroll. The hiking itself can be monotonous, offering little to distract from the exertion—unless you hike with a knowledgeable guide, who can regale you with stories of the mountain and share fascinating information about the fauna, flora, and geology. Which brings us to another common question…

Do You Need a Guide for Platteklip Gorge?

While some individuals, depending on their fitness, agility, and general health, might choose to hike unguided, utilizing a professional guide from Hike Table Mountain significantly optimizes your experience in several key ways:

• Logistics & Safety: Guides eliminate the guesswork from weather predictions and logistics, ensuring optimal conditions and providing thorough assistance should you become ill or sustain an injury (like a twisted ankle) along the way.
• Enriching Knowledge: Guided hikes are deeply educational, offering fascinating insights into Table Mountain’s unique fauna, flora, history, and geology, transforming a physical climb into a rich learning experience.
• Motivation & Support: You hike with a motivational, enthusiastic partner committed to getting you safely to the summit and providing the best possible mountain experience.

Given Table Mountain’s status as an iconic landmark, maximizing your experience of it just makes sense. Contrary to common perception, professional mountain guiding extends far beyond mere route-finding. At Hike Table Mountain, we are passionate about this mountain. We possess intimate knowledge gained through years of hiking and climbing every corner of it. We specialize exclusively in Table Mountain, offering a definitive and in-depth experience of this singular landmark.

When Platteklip Gorge is the Right Choice for You

So, what exactly makes Platteklip Gorge less visually attractive than other routes? It largely lacks diversity. The views remain consistent throughout the ascent, and the hiking can feel monotonous. Furthermore, it can become quite crowded during summer and on weekends. If you prefer peace and quiet in nature, this route might disappoint.

Are there any redeeming qualities? Absolutely. During the winter months, a strong stream often cascades down its lower section (reducing to a trickle in summer). The imposing cliffs that hem in the upper trail sections create a genuine sense of grandeur. And historically, Platteklip Gorge holds immense significance as Table Mountain’s oldest known route, first ascended in 1503.

Given that most other Table Mountain routes offer superior views and more engaging hiking, why choose Platteklip Gorge? Here’s a list of conditions where Platteklip Gorge is likely the best option for you:

• You’re unfit and lack motivation for a more challenging mountain hike.
• You have balance issues or an impairment affecting coordination and movement.
• You’re less concerned with nature immersion and primarily want to tick “hiking Table Mountain” off your bucket list.
• You simply wish to say you conquered the mountain on foot, distinguishing yourself from the majority who use the cable car.
• You’re recovering from an injury or dealing with a health issue impacting your usual vitality.
• You are genuinely short on time.

If any of these resonate with you or someone in your group, then Platteklip Gorge is likely your ideal route.

Descent and Maximizing Your Hike

Platteklip Gorge also serves as the default descent route when the Table Mountain Cableway is closed due to strong winds, requiring a hike down. It typically takes about 2 hours to descend at a moderate pace. Hiking down Platteklip Gorge isn’t generally described as a memorable experience. So, if you opt for a guided hike, it’s best to book early in your stay to allow for alternative days in case of adverse weather.

As dedicated mountain guides, we at Hike Table Mountain often steer clients towards more rewarding routes when we believe they’re capable, even if those routes are more physically or technically challenging. A lot depends on your attitude: an enthusiastic approach combined with resolve can often compensate for what you might lack in fitness or ability.

For those who lack the motivation, fitness, health, or ability for routes like Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, or the Twelve Apostles, hiking Platteklip Gorge with a knowledgeable, fun, competent, attentive, and experienced guide still ranks as one of the best Cape Town experiences. The route is steeped in history, its upper rock formations are dramatic, and the plant life along the trail is fascinating. Learning about the mountain truly brings your surroundings to life and deepens your appreciation for this unique environment.