Hiking excursions up Table Mountain, Lion's Head & Devil's Peak

This offer is very popular 33 people recently chose this activity

Activity Snapshot

Fitness level: from Occasionally sporty to Sporty
Duration: from 3 hrs to 6 hrs
Spoken languages: Afrikaans, English
Minimum age: From ages 10, 12 or 18 (depending on option)
Cancellation policy: moderate More info
Opening seasons:

Activity description

Table Mountain, proclaimed a natural monument in 1957 and one of the 7 New Wonders of Nature, is truly a stunning backdrop to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town below. Standing 1084.6 metres at the highest point, a wonderful world full of nature awaits to be enjoyed on one of the many hiking trails on this truly magnificent range stretching all the way to Cape Point.

As a company, Table Mountain Treks and Tours have over 40 years’ experience in mountain guiding on Table Mountain, and their primary focus is on private hiking trips, catering solely for your interests and requirements.

Table Mountain is bigger than you think and is host to a vast number of routes, ranging from well-defined footpaths such as Platteklip Gorge & Kasteelspoort, to cairned off-trail routes.

These minor routes require varying degrees of route finding ability and typically involve rock scrambling, exposure to heights, walking on loose earth and often a little scratchy passing through the fynbos. The reward of these more challenging and unique routes is that there is usually a sense of solitude about them when compared to more defined and popular hiking trails. Adding to this sense of solitude is the history, untouched natural beauty and the scenery which is well worth the effort.

All mountain outings are interpretive and tailored to suit your fitness level and time available.

Offers

1
Kasteelspoort
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This is a moderate to strenuous hike with mild exposure to heights however the first section, along the Camps Bay pipe track, is easy and shady in the early morning. Ascending Kasteelspoort, along the Twelve Apostles, is very rewarding with great views of Camps Bay and Lion’s Head.

After a visit to the site of the old cable way at the top of the ravine, the trail of the old railway track is followed to the Waterworks Museum which houses the steam train (1898).

From the Back Table the trail rises to Echo Valley with great views over two of the larger reservoirs before overlooking the Mother City and the Atlantic.

Attractions: This one of the oldest routes up Table Mountain and a very popular one 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. Your rewarded views over False Bay, Hout Bay and more, depending on the weather.

Altitude: Start a 182m (597ft) - highest point reached: 1067m (3500ft) above sea level = total 885 m (2903ft) rise in altitude
Rating: Moderate
Time: Start to finish 5-6 hours to the upper cable station

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 2 litres of water
  • Trail lunch for a 5 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Occasionally sporty

Duration:

5 hrs

Minimum age:

From 10 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Lunch pack & water: R150.00
2
Lion's Head
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Beginning on Signal Hill Road, this spiralling, short, steep climb is extremely rewarding with 360 degree views of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, the Twelve Apostles, the Mother City and the Atlantic Seaboard.

In winter the distant Boland mountain range can often be seen capped in a blanket of snow and in spring the slopes of Lion’s Head are adorned in a wonderful display of floral beauty.

This moderate hike, with some exposure to heights, is ideal as a late afternoon trip and is perfect for soaking up a summer sunset and a rising full moon from the summit.

Attractions: 360° panoramic view from the top that includes Table Mountain, the City Bowl, Table Bay, The Atlantic Seaboard and Robben Island in the distance. It is one of the most climbed peaks in S.A and in the world

Altitude: Start: 290m (951ft) - highest point reached: 699m (2293ft) above sea level
Distance: about 2.3km up
Rating: Moderate easy with exposed summit ridge scramble
Time: 3-4 hours round trip depending on our pace

Activity requirements

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. A single supplement fee of R50 is charged if only one person is hiking.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 1-2 litres of water
  • Trail snacks for a 3 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Occasionally sporty

Duration:

3 hrs

Minimum age:

From 10 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Snack pack & water: R100.00
3
Devil's Peak
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This awesome hike ascends steeply to the Peak (1001m AMSL) via the King’s Blockhouse, old Fire Lookout, Mowbray Ridge and the Knife Edge with breath-taking views towards Table Bay, False Bay and the distant Boland mountains.

The descent is via the northern slopes or alternatively, after reaching the Saddle, via the forested Newlands Ravine and Contour Path. This is a strenuous hike with some rock scrambling and much exposure to heights.

Attractions: a stunning view over, Table Mountain, Lion's Head, City Bowl, Table Bay, Robben Island, and Northern and Southern Suburbs and False Bay area. It is only 84 metres lower than Table Mountain’s highest point. On a clear day the 180° is outstanding. There are various paths up this peak and a guide would be necessary.

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 2-3 litres of water
  • Trail lunch for a 6 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Sporty

Duration:

6 hrs

Minimum age:

From 18 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Lunch pack & water: R150.00
4
Platteklip Gorge
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This is the most popular, quickest, oldest and the busiest route to the top of Table Mountain (the upper cable station) even with being a moderate to strenuous ascent. The hike starts at the lower cable station with a short ascent to the Contour Path, which will be followed until the crystal clear stream in Platteklip Gorge is reached.

After passing by indigenous trees such as Wild Olive, Silky Bark and Red Alder, the winding climb is enjoyed at a leisurely pace all the while taking in the awesome views over the Mother City, the beauty of the fynbos, birdsong and the majesty of the mountain.

Once at the top, traverse the Upper Table to Maclear’s Beacon (1084.6m AMSL), before heading across to the cable car.

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 2 litres of water
  • Trails snacks for a 4 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Occasionally sporty

Duration:

4 hrs

Minimum age:

From 10 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Snack pack & water: R100.00
5
India Venster
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This challenging and spectacular ascent on the north face of Table Mountain offers stupendous views over the Mother City, Kloof Corner, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay. Visit the famous “Window” which together with India Ravine gives this route its name.

This is a moderate to strenuous hike with some rock scrambling and exposure to heights. In March, spot the Guernsey Lily possibly being pollinated by the Mountain Beauty butterfly while scanning the awesome, rugged cliffs.

A hike traversing the Front Table to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the Table Mountain Chain, is an optional extra.

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 2 litres of water
  • Trail snacks for a 4 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Sporty

Duration:

4 hrs

Minimum age:

From 18 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Snack pack & water: R100.00
6
Skeleton Gorge
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This moderate to strenuous hike, with slight exposure to heights, starts off with a leisurely walk through the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. The contour path is soon reached before ascending Skeleton Gorge via a cool, running stream, magnificent indigenous Afro-montane forest and a few sturdy timber ladders.

Once at the top of the gorge, the Smuts Track is followed to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain, offering stunning views in all directions. After walking the entire length of the Front Table, the upper cable station is reached for the descent.

Attractions: Short walk through part of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens including the Boomslang Treetop walk, shady Skeleton Gorge, indigenous forest, beautiful views (on a clear day), variety of Fynbos, Maclear’s Beacon (highest point of Table Mountain) and the flat plateau of Table Mountain overlooking the city bowl and harbour.

Altitude: Start at 180m / 591ft to highest point 1085m/3560ft = total climb of 905m/2969ft
Distance: approx. 6 – 7 km
Rating: Unrelenting but a pleasant ascent, physically demanding and mountain fitness is required.

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 2-3 litres of water
  • Trail lunch for a 6 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Sporty

Duration:

6 hrs

Minimum age:

From 12 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden entrance fee
  • Lunch pack & water: R150.00
7
Maclear's Beacon & Echo Valley
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After ascending via cable car, this easy to moderate, awe-inspiring and scenic hike, initially traverses the entire length of the Front Table to Maclear’s Beacon (1084.6m AMSL), the highest point on the Table Mountain Chain.

The trail eventually passes through Echo Valley via the Smuts Track which overlooks the eastern, forested slopes. After enjoying a stunning view overlooking Hout Bay in the distance and two of the larger reservoirs on the Back Table, the trail ascends gradually to the Front Table and to the upper cable station for the descent via cable car.

Disas, of the Orchid family, can be seen from December until February along this route.

Activity requirements

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.

Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Always pack a warm top/jacket in case
  • Approximately 1-2 litres of water
  • Trail snacks for a 4 hour hike
  • Sun protection: lotion and hat
Sensation Level:

Chill

Fitness level:

Occasionally sporty

Duration:

4 hrs

Minimum age:

From 10 years-old and up

Meeting point:

Offer n° 1, 4

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 2

Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.

Offer n° 3

Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.

Offer n° 5, 7

Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Offer n° 6

Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Excluded:
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Snack pack & water: R100.00
100% secure payments
by credit card or Paypal

Meeting point

Offer n° 1, 4
Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.
Offer n° 2
Make your way to Kloof Nek parking.
Offer n° 3
Make your way to the Rhodes Memorial parking.
Offer n° 5, 7
Make your way to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
Offer n° 6
Make your way to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Rycroft Gate).

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 10 days or more prior to the agreed activity date
You will be automatically refunded for the full amount for the activity
10 days
Cancellation between 4 and 10 days prior to the agreed activity date
You are entitled to a 50% refund
4 days
Cancellation 4 days or later prior to the agreed activity date
No refund will be possible
Weather Guarantee
Regardless of the date, if the activity is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule

Reviews

Average rating
5 / 5
  • (2)
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  • 5 / 5

I really enjoyed this 6h + journey that started in a must see botanical garden on the east side of Table Mountain. I had Mike the guide for me alone. He knew everything about the plants and the animals of the place, thus I do not regret my choice. The trek up the gorge was steep though well kept by the local rangers and in the shade. I did not have any hiking shoes and can confirm that unless the conditions are wet the climb was easy. The views from the top are fabulous. We used the cable car down the mountain and decided to finish the day at Camps Bay beach, close-by. I can only recommend this hike

  • 5 / 5

Parcours stupéfiant, paysages splendides.