Table Mountain Hiking & Running Tours EST. 1995
Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge Hike
Safety First: Check the Weather Before You Hike
Safety should always come first—check weather conditions before heading out, and make sure you’re properly prepared for the terrain and heat.
A Popular and Rewarding Ascent
Hiking Platteklip Gorge, which is the most popular trail up Table Mountain, is not only worthwhile but also incredibly rewarding. It has the shortest access to the summit of Table Mountain therefore the steepest.
Known as the Stairway to Heaven
Stairway to heaven is the go-to route up Table Mountain for locals alike. Although with 650 meters of elevation gained in less than 3 km it is no easy feat! Up-relentlessly up the route is challenging. The average time to complete the hike is about 2 to 3 hours depending consequently on your fitness level and pace. It may take longer for those less experienced.
Starting from the Lower Cableway Station
The hike starts under the cable car and ascent to the contour path situated at the rock base of Table Mountain, certainly a good warm up! The contour path circles the slopes of Table Mountain, offering therefore stunning views of the city and the surrounding.
Climbing Through the Gorge
The Platteklip gorge cuts through the front face of Table Mountain, the path zigzags all the way up until it gets narrower and steeper. The final 150m is spectacular with huge rock walls on either side, narrowing to 4m. It is not to be trifled with; in other words, it is a tough hike.
Essentials for a Safe and Comfortable Hike
Come with plenty of water, sunblock and appropriate footwear. To hike Platteklip Gorge is an unforgettable experience as you are treated with breath-taking views. It is best to hike at sunrise offering the best light for photos as well as a respite from the sun.
A Memorable Table Mountain Experience
All in all, the Platteklip Gorge hike offers a rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiast, providing an opportunity to conquer Table Mountain while immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the region. Way down by cable car.
Thanks to the incredible support and feedback from our guests, we’re honored to have received the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022, 2023, and 2024 — a recognition given to businesses consistently rated among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
Feel free to browse our latest Tripadvisor reviews or share your own experience on our Tripadvisor page.
Platteklip Gorge hiking tour highlights
- Contour path
- Table Mountain plateau
- Unabated views of Cape Town & the Lion’s Head
Hiking Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge Morning CEH 2
Tour Code: CEH 2
- Fitness Level Moderate
- Technical Level Moderate
- Hike Duration:Â 3.3hrs
- Distance:Â 6km
- Terrain:Â Many steps and single track all the way up!
- Depart Time:Â 06:30am
- Return Time:Â 1:00pm
R1,600.00
Guaranteed Safe Checkout
Kindly contact us prior to booking a tour, as our availability calendar is updated every 24 hours.
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Pickup Point
Pick-up from the Victoria & Alfred hotel Waterfront.
Or
Meeting point at the Table Mountain lower cable car station bus stop.
Return Point
The hike finishes at the top cable car station.
What to Wear
Windproof jacket, hat, hiking shoes, thermal long-sleeved base layer.
Bring
Sun block, water, energy bars or dried fruit & nuts.
Inclusions
Pick-up from the Victoria Alfred Hotel at the waterfront Cape Town.
Or Meeting point at the Table Mountain lower cable car station bus stop.
Registered tour guide.
Or Meeting point at the Table Mountain lower cable car station bus stop.
Registered tour guide.
Exclusions
All entrances, lunch and cable car fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Platteklip Gorge hike special?
Platteklip Gorge is the oldest and most direct route up Table Mountain. It follows a well-defined stone path straight to the summit, offering magnificent views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean along the way.
How long does the hike take?
This hike typically takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on fitness level, pace, and rest stops.
How difficult is the hike?
Platteklip Gorge is a moderate to challenging route. While it involves no technical climbing, it is steep and can feel strenuous, especially in hot weather.
Is the hike safe?
Yes — with a qualified guide, Platteklip Gorge is safe and enjoyable. We avoid the hottest parts of the day and maintain a steady, comfortable pace.
What wildlife might we see?
You may encounter baboons, antelope, ostriches, and a variety of bird species. It’s important to keep a respectful distance from animals and follow your guide’s instructions.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable hiking clothes suitable for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, a hat, and layers as coastal weather can change quickly.
What should I bring?
Bring at least 2 litres of water, snacks or a packed lunch, sunscreen, a camera, and a small backpack for essentials.
Is transportation included?
Tours include round-trip transport from Cape Town or designated meeting points.
Can children join the hike?
The hike is generally suitable for children aged 14 and older who are accustomed to full-day outdoor activity.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsafe (heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme heat), the hike may be rescheduled.
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Hiking Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge Morning CEH 2
Category Hiking Tours
Tag CEH 2
Hiking| Trail Running | Cycling | Site Seeing Tours
Customer Feedback
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In the early morning Patrick took us to climb the beautiful Table Mountain. He anticipated on the needs of the group, took great pictures for free and did every… read more thing with a smile. Absolute recommendation from me
jz202020202
9 February 2023 -
Patrick our guide was very knowledgeable about the region and the cable mountain ecosystem. He made the whole experience much more than just a hike up the mountain.
… read more /> He clearly knows Table Mountain inside out and was more than happy to go at our pace so that we got the most from the trip.
Would thoroughly recommend.
Stewart R
2 February 2023 -
Patrick is a very nice person, a great MTB-guide who is perfectly adapting to his customers’ skills. Moments of him sharing his broad knowledge of the CT-area are also moments… read more to catch breath, as the trails can sometimes be pretty demanding. Exploring the CT-region by MTB is great and Patrick made it an unforgettable experience. Thanks, Patrick!
CornelJac
28 January 2023 -
Cape Escape Tours has to be the best tour you could ever be on. Patrick makes your day. On timepick up, polite, knowledgeable, great driver. understands… read more the client, responds to any request, flexible. Full day tour to the cape of good hope with a great hike to the lighthouse. Had ample time for shopping and lunch. A wonderful stop @ Boulders Beach to visit penguins and a love at first site to see Simons Town. Was sad to leave at the end of the day. Any tour would be great but I’d say full days are the greatest. Going back to Cape Town I’d book everyday with him. Thank you Patrick for being amazing keep on being you as you are simply the best.
Q5792VWdianes
27 January 2023 -
I had the pleasure to (try) the “Mini” peninsula all day tour. Patrick met me at the lower table car station at Table Mountain to start the tour. I was… read more his only guest, so we had lot’s of time to chat. Being in CT for 30 years and doing mtb for more than 15, Patrick definitely knows the ins and outs and is a very good guide.
The views and impressions, but also the inside informations on the tour were very special and even though I had to realise I would not make it back to the cable car station (I was around 250 / 1500 altitude meters short…), I still loved every meter I rode.
Patrick was kind enough to go on on his self to get his car, after which he fetched me and brought me to my car.
In a nutshell: Patrick is a very nice and fit guy you enjoy being around with that knows the Cape very well. I can recommend booking him–should I be travelling to CT again, I will do so myself!
asseeger
25 January 2023 -
If you love to hike new places this is one to experience in Cape Town. Patrick of Cape Town Tours was knowledgeable of the history, the wildlife and flora… read more and fauna of this unique area. As we went by areas he was sure to point out areas of interest and explained throughly. The hike was a challenge for this elder hiker but Patrick was patient and the to assist when needed. If ever I return to Cape Town I will definitely book another tour!
Z6475ODcheryld
18 January 2023 - martindevin
A great tour to cape point! – We had a superior travel day to Cape Point with our driver and guide, Patrick……..he was friendly, a great driver, and a wealth of information……it all made for a memorable… read more day.
7 January 2023 - Jamie C
Spectacular Mountain Biking Experience in Cape Town and Wine Country – My wife and I had an amazing ride with Patrick both along Table Mountain and then a few days later in Paarl on some excellent single track and Jeep trails.… read more The varied fauna and spectacular views left us hungry to go back and continue to ride with such a great guide. Both trips included high-end dual suspension mountain bikes and ended at lovely wineries which served excellent lunches. Patrick will be one of the first people we contact when we return to Cape Town – I couldn’t recommend a guide more highly.
24 December 2022

















