Platteklip Gorge Trail - Table Mountain
1-30 hrs one way. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 (150+ Reviews
Platteklip Gorge is one of the most popular trails on Table Mountain, and for good reason! It’s a direct route to the summit, offering jaw-dropping panoramas and a good workout for your legs. But don’t worry—our friendly, experienced guides are with you every step of the way to make sure you stay on track and soak up the magic of this iconic trail.
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SKELETON GORGE: Hike the shaded Trail from Kirstenbosch to Table Mountain's summit. Explore ladders, streams & forest beauty on this iconic Cape Town hike.: LEARN MORE..
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💡 Trail Highlights
| 🧭 | Most direct and popular route to the top of Table Mountain |
| 📸 | Stunning views of Cape Town, Devil’s Peak, and the Atlantic coastline |
| 🏔️ | Natural rock staircase leading through a dramatic gorge |
| 💨 | Cool morning breezes and cloud formations rolling over the cliffs |
| 🧑🤝🧑 | Ideal for first-time summit hikers with decent fitness |
| 🚠 | Option to descend via the Table Mountain Cable Car (weather permitting) |
| 🥾 | Great year-round trail, with experienced guides ensuring safe pacing |
⚙️ Specifications
| 💪 | Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous |
| ⛰️ | Trail Type: Direct uphill route through a rocky gorge |
| 📏 | Distance: ±2.5 km (one way) |
| ⬆️ | Elevation Gain: ±750 m |
| ⏱️ | Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours one way |
| 📍 | Start Point: Tafelberg Road, near the Lower Cable Car Station |
| 🌅 | Best Time to Hike: Early morning for shade and fewer crowds |
| 🌄 | Route Features: Stone steps, steep switchbacks, open gorge views |
| 🥾 | Descent: Via cable car 🚠 or same trail down (for the energetic!) |
🎒What to Bring
| 💧 | 1.5–2L of water |
| 🥾 | Comfortable hiking shoes |
| 🥪 | Light snacks or an energy bar |
| 🧢 | Sun protection & warm layer |
| 📸 | Camera or phone |
What's ✅ Include & ❌ Exclude
| ✅🧭 | Trained local guide |
| ✅🚐 | Free city-center pick-up & drop-off |
| ✅🥾 | Safety briefing & route guidance |
| ✅📸 | Scenic photo stops & local knowledge sharing |
| ❌🚠 | Cable car descent entrance ticket |
| ❌💧 | Snacks, water, or gear rental |
| ❌🧢 | Sun hat or personal hiking gear |
🎧▶️ Media Options
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Hiking Platteklip Gorge Trail in Cape Town: Your Burning Questions Answered!
Planning to conquer Platteklip Gorge? Don't get caught unprepared! This Q&A guide tackles the most frequently asked questions, from difficulty level and permits to what to pack and the best time to hike. Get the inside scoop and make your hike unforgettable!
Here are 10 trending Q&A style tour guide entries, incorporating long-stream keywords:
1: How difficult is the Platteklip Gorge hike, really? Is it suitable for beginners with moderate fitness levels?
Platteklip Gorge is considered a challenging but manageable hike for individuals with a moderate level of fitness. While it's a steep ascent, no technical climbing is required. Beginners can tackle it, but should be prepared for a strenuous workout and take it at their own pace. Proper hiking shoes are essential.
2: Do I need a permit to hike Platteklip Gorge, and how much does it cost? Where can I obtain one?
No permit is required to hike Platteklip Gorge itself. However, access to Table Mountain National Park may require a park pass if you plan on doing other activities within the park. Check the SANParks website for the latest details and fees.
3:What should I pack for the Platteklip Gorge hike? Are there any essential items I shouldn't forget?
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water (at least 2 liters), snacks, sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket (weather can change quickly), a first-aid kit, and a fully charged phone. Consider bringing a hiking pole for added stability.
4: What's the best time of year to hike Platteklip Gorge for optimal weather conditions and fewer crowds?
The best time to hike Platteklip Gorge is generally during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, and winter can be wet and windy. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
5:How long does it typically take to hike up Platteklip Gorge, and what's the average descent time using the cable car?
The ascent via Platteklip Gorge typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace. The cable car descent takes only a few minutes, but you may have to queue, especially during peak season.
Platteklip Gorge Trail | Table Mountain’s Oldest Route to the Summit
📜 A Trail Steeped in History
The Platteklip Gorge Trail is the oldest and most direct hiking route up Table Mountain, with roots tracing back to the 1500s when early explorers and settlers used this natural cleft in the rock face to ascend the mountain.
The name "Platteklip" means “Flat Stone Gorge” in Afrikaans — a nod to the large, flat rock slabs lining the gorge.
Famous naturalists like Carl Linnaeus and early botanists climbed this path to study the rich biodiversity of the mountain, making it one of the most historically significant trails in South Africa. Today, it remains a beloved route for hikers seeking a straightforward, scenic climb to the summit.
🌟 What Makes Platteklip Gorge Unique
- 🏛️ Historic route walked by centuries of explorers
- 🥾 Most direct trail to the top of Table Mountain
- 🪨 Natural rock steps and zig-zagging stone path
- 📸 Incredible views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and Devil’s Peak
- ⛰️ Ends at the upper plateau — with the Table Mountain Cable Car station nearby for descent
- 🌿 Offers a raw, authentic mountain experience with no scrambling
🔍 What to Expect
The hike begins on Tafelberg Road, just below the cable car station. From there, the trail ascends steadily through a well-defined stone path that zigzags up the gorge. The route is exposed to sun and wind, offering clear views — but little shade.
This is a physically demanding trail, with a continuous uphill climb that rewards you with a 1,000+ meter elevation gain and a massive sense of achievement at the top.
✅ Trail Snapshot
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous 💪
- Distance: ±3 km one way 📏
- Elevation Gain: ±700 m ⛰️
- Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours depending on pace ⏱️
- Terrain: Rock steps, switchbacks, exposed cliffs 🪨
- Descent Option: Table Mountain cable car 🚡 (weather permitting)
- Best Time to Hike: Early morning for cooler temps & fewer crowds 🌅
🎒 What to Bring
- 💧 1.5–2L water
- 🧢 Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- 🥾 Sturdy hiking shoes
- 🧥 Light jacket (weather changes fast)
- 📸 Camera for those epic summit views!
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