Activity Snapshot
Activity description
This one of the oldest routes up Table Mountain and a very popular route that forms part of the 12 Apostles!
It is situated on the Atlantic seaboard of Table Mountain, offering astounding views of Lions Head, Camps Bay and Robben Island. In the heat of summer the route has early morning shade to the top of the mountain. This excursion has rewarding views over False Bay, Hout Bay and more, depending on the weather.
Route description
Kasteelspoort if translated into English means Castle Gateway. The excursion route starts at Theresa Drive in Camps Bay, where you'll start off on a cement path with a beautiful view of the Twelve Apostles ahead. You'll cross the Pipe Track, which then meets the Kasteelspoort route (309m/1013ft). The path climbs steadily upwards and is not very strenuous. There are some easy ledges to navigate along the way.
As you ascend you'll see the breathtaking views of Camps Bay below. Half way up at Breakfast rock (517m/1696ft) you'll have a snack break and enjoy the panorama over Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head. From here it is 30 minutes via the actual “poort” to the top at (742m/2434ft) where you'll visit the old cable station site (1893).
From here you'll walk along the old railway line towards Woodhead dam. You'll then traverse via St Michael Peak (900m/2953ft), which has beautiful views over the ‘Back Table’. You'll then descend into Echo Valley (897m/2943ft) and then the last uphill to that takes you to the Upper Cable Station.
Here you'll explore the Western Table to the Upper Cable Station and take the cable car down. If the cable car is not in operation due to strong wind or poor weather you'll walk down Platteklip Gorge (1.5 - 2 hours).
Altitude start: 182m (597ft)
Highest point reached: 1067m (3500ft) above sea level
Total rise in altitude: 885 m (2903ft)
Rating: Moderate
Time: Start to finish 5-6 hours to the upper cable station
Please avoid cotton as it soaks up moisture, clings to the skin when wet, doesn’t insulate and takes longer to dry. You end up feeling uncomfortable, with a wet and sweaty layer of clothing.
Special terms
Please note you will have to pay a supplement for the following:
- The cableway fee: R135 pp.
- Walk down: R200 pp.
- Taxi fare back to the start of the hike: R80
If you want to include Maclears Beacon it will be R1000pp for two or more and R1400 for a single person.
You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation if you are staying within the Cape Town area.
Advice on what to wear:
The weather on the mountains can change unexpectedly and sudden drops in temperature are common. On a hot day the correct clothing can help prevent heat exhaustion and sunburn. Wearing the wrong clothes on your hiking/walking tour could spoil your tour.
Examples and good choices of clothing:
Top:
1st layer: A sleeveless or short sleeve T-shirt/top of light-weight moisture wicking fabric.
2nd layer: A long sleeve shirt with a collar (for protection against sunburn) from light weight moisture wicking fabric.
3rd layer: A body warmer is a practical choice for the tour (a sleeveless vest that zips up in front, designed to offer warmth and protection to your core, also known as a gilet). Choose one that is light, folds up small and can serve as a wind breaker and can add extra warmth when needed.
4th layer is for protection against rain and cold: Bring light weight jacket that is completely windproof, waterproof, breathable and can keep you warm and dry, preferably with a hood.
Trousers: Full length zip-off pants. Protects the skin form insects, thorn and blister bushes (similar to poison Ivy) and sunburn.
Hands: Gloves for the cold. If no gloves are available bring an extra pair of socks to put over your hands.
Head: Wide brimmed hats have excellent coverage. A cap or visor with a bandana for neck protection is also a good combination. Sunglasses, a beanie or buff in backpack in the event of weather changes.
Backpack: 25 – 30 litres for carrying personal items and your snack/lunch pack. If you do not have a day pack please notify us in advance.
Sunscreen: At least factor 30; the sunburn danger in Cape Town is high, even on a cloudy day.
Personal first aid e.g. personal medication, sticking plaster, headache tablets. If you have health problem asthma, diabetes or heart problems please inform the guide in advance.
- Bottled water
- Expert guide
- Cable way fee
- Taxi fare
- Comfortable clothes adapted to the weather conditions
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Snacks
- Closed shoes adapted to hiking
