Hiking Table Mountain is one of the great days out in Cape Town. The views over the city, Table Bay and the Twelve Apostles are unforgettable. But the mountain is steep, and the weather changes fast. In this guide, we cover the main routes recommended by SANParks, how long they take and how hard they are. We also explain the cableway, safety and what to bring. From Villa Helderberg, the start of the classic route is about an hour's drive away.
The front face of Table Mountain. Platteklip Gorge is the big cleft in the middle. Photo: Mike Peel (mikepeel.net), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Hiking Table Mountain: which route?
SANParks calls Table Mountain National Park "a walking Park", with trails for every level. However, most of the popular routes to the top are fairly strenuous. Here's a quick overview, based on the official SANParks trail page.
Platteklip Gorge: about 3 km up, 1 to 3 hours. Moderate to tough. The most direct route to the top.
Skeleton Gorge (Smuts Track): about 4 km, 2 to 4 hours one way. Moderate, with ladders. Starts in Kirstenbosch.
Upper Cableway Station to Maclear's Beacon: 5.5 km overall, 45 minutes to an hour each way. Easy.
The Pipe Track: about 6 km one way to Corridor Ravine, 4 to 4.5 hours return. Easy at first, then moderate.
Lion's Head: about 2 km one way, 1 to 1.5 hours up. See our guide to hiking Lion's Head.
Looking for something gentler? SANParks points to Silvermine, the Cape of Good Hope and the Constantiaberg as easier options. Steeper routes such as India Venster involve real scrambling. SANParks doesn't list it among its recommended routes, so only try it with an experienced guide.
Platteklip Gorge: the classic way up
Platteklip Gorge is the most popular route for hiking Table Mountain. It starts on Tafelberg Road and climbs straight up the big gorge in the front face. The path has well-built stone steps, so it isn't technical. However, it is steep and relentless. SANParks says it takes about an hour for the super fit and up to three hours for everyone else.
Our tip is to go slowly and stop often. That way, you also get to enjoy the view back over the city and Table Bay. At the bottom of the gorge there's a security hut, and there's a visitor information centre at the Tafelberg Road parking area.
The stone path in Platteklip Gorge. Photo: Lovemedead, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Plan your way down too
Many hikers plan to take the cable car down. However, the cableway can close suddenly when the weather turns. SANParks warns that this can leave hikers stranded at the top in the dark. So always leave enough daylight to walk down. It can also be much colder and windier at the top, even in January and February.
The reward for every step: Cape Town and Table Bay. Photo: Zenith4237, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Skeleton Gorge from Kirstenbosch
The Smuts Track up Skeleton Gorge starts in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, on the quieter back of the mountain. It's especially popular in summer. The first 40 to 75 minutes run through shady Afromontane forest, on log and stone steps. About two-thirds of the way up, wooden ladders help you over steep rocks.
The route is about 4 km and takes 2 to 4 hours one way. SANParks rates it moderate, but warns that many people underestimate it, especially if they continue to Maclear's Beacon. The second half has no shade. In addition, the rocks and ladders get slippery, so avoid this route during and right after heavy rain. Nursery Ravine, also from Kirstenbosch, is another fairly strenuous way up.
One of the ladders in Skeleton Gorge. Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Maclear's Beacon: the highest point
At 1,088 m, Maclear's Beacon is the highest point on Table Mountain. Surprisingly, it's only 21 m higher than the Upper Cableway Station. So this is a great walk if you take the cable car up. Head to the far corner of the Western Table and follow the plaques. After 10 to 15 minutes, chains and poles help you down a short rocky section. Then follow the yellow painted footprints to the beacon.
The walk is easy and suits children. However, don't attempt it in low cloud or mist, because it's very easy to get lost. There's no water along the way.
The stone cairn at Maclear's Beacon. Photo: Jack Zalium, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Pipe Track: a gentler mountain walk
The Pipe Track doesn't go to the top, but it's a beautiful walk below the Twelve Apostles. It starts where Tafelberg Road meets Kloof Nek. The path was built in the late 19th century to service a water pipeline. It's easy as far as Slangolie Ravine and moderate to Corridor Ravine. Dogs are allowed, and there's a tap at the start.
This route is very exposed to the afternoon sun. So walk it early on summer mornings, or in winter, when many proteas are in flower. For more fynbos tips, see our Cape flowers guide.
Using the cableway
Many hikers walk up and take the cable car down, or the other way round. At the time of writing, a one-way online ticket costs R300 for adults and R165 for children aged 4 to 17. A return costs R475 online. Tickets at the office cost more, and children under 4 ride free. These prices apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, according to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
The cableway only runs when the weather allows. Check its website or app on the day for opening times and status. It also closes for about two weeks of maintenance each winter. In 2026, that was from 27 July to 9 August.
The cable car above the Atlantic seaboard. Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Safety tips for hiking Table Mountain
Table Mountain is an urban park, and the mountain can be dangerous if you're unprepared. These tips come from the SANParks safe hiking guide:
Don't hike alone. Four people is ideal.
Start early, choose your route and tell someone when you'll be back.
Walk at the pace of the slowest person.
Stay on well-used paths and never take shortcuts into ravines.
Turn back if you're running late or the weather turns.
Keep cash, cameras and phones out of sight. If someone confronts you, don't resist.
Emergency numbers
Save these before you set off. Table Mountain National Park emergencies: 086 110 6417. SAPS (police): 10111. Table Mountain Cable Car Company: 021 424 0015. Some parts of the park have no phone signal.
What to bring
Bring plenty of water, because most routes have none. In addition, pack a hat, sunblock, a snack and a warm, windproof jacket, even on hot days. Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots. Finally, take a fully charged phone. Please don't feed the dassies or baboons, never light a fire and take all your litter home.
Getting there from Somerset West
From Villa Helderberg, the drive to Tafelberg Road takes about an hour outside rush hour, via the N2. In weekday morning traffic, it took us about 1 hour 20 minutes on Google Maps. So leave early, especially in summer, when Tafelberg Road gets busy. Kirstenbosch, for Skeleton Gorge, is about 40 minutes away.
Make it a full day: hike up in the morning, take the cable car down and have lunch in the city. Then drive back for a swim in our pool. For more ideas, see our top 10 things to do in Cape Town. Prefer to stay closer to home? Our best hikes around Somerset West and hiking page have plenty of options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way of hiking Table Mountain?
Platteklip Gorge is the most direct route, but it's steep. For an easy walk, take the cable car up and walk to Maclear's Beacon, which SANParks rates as easy.
How long does it take to hike up Table Mountain?
Platteklip Gorge takes about 1 to 3 hours up, depending on your fitness. Skeleton Gorge takes 2 to 4 hours one way.
Can children hike Table Mountain?
Yes. SANParks says older children can do Platteklip Gorge, although it's demanding. The Maclear's Beacon walk and Skeleton Gorge are also suitable for children.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not recommended on Platteklip or Skeleton Gorge, and they're not allowed on the cableway. The Pipe Track does allow dogs.
Is hiking Table Mountain safe?
Most hikes go well if you prepare. Go in a group, start early, stay on the main paths, check the weather and save the emergency number 086 110 6417.