Hikers Paradise: Table Mountain in Cape Town

Mountain Walk [South Africa Tourism, used with permission]

A true hiking Mecca, Cape Town offers a variety of hikes that cater to a range of skill and fitness levels and ages. The one thing that all these hikes have in common is that they are all relatively accessible, some even begin from the city centre, and they all have incredible, breathtaking views. A number of accommodation options are available in the picturesque areas near to the mountain. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers modern luxury hotels while Camps Bay caters towards classy, seaside living and Constantia hotels offer a colonial, old-world feel. Table Mountain is where it all begins and ends, so strap on your hiking shoes and head on down to one if the new seven wonders of nature.



Lion’s head, which is located just next to the famous mountain, offers an easy hike or run that is best enjoyed with a sunset picnic when you get to the top. Paragliding is also available off Lion’s head with gorgeous views of the charming Camps Bay area.

Then on the actual Table Mountain itself there are too many trails to count. Hikers have the chance to take in views of the Atlantic and the Constantia vineyards while strolling through fynbos, a type of flora that is unique to Cape Town.

Platteklip Gorge takes roughly 2 hours to complete and is an exciting hike complete with stairs cut into rocks and steep ravines that are not for the faint hearted. Skeleton Gorge ascends from the slopes near Kirstenbosch Gardens and is best done with a guide as there are many ladders and waterfalls that need navigating. The route returns to the exquisite gardens where a picnic or light lunch can be enjoyed. To make the most of this beautiful area, consider staying at a hotel nestled on the slopes of the Mountain such as the Cellars Hohenort.

Cellars Hohenort & Spa
[South Africa Tourism, used with permission]

Devil’s Peak is a trail that starts of relatively easily with a series of well-constructed zigzags that will take you to the summit from where one gets panoramic views of Cape Town. If you decide to descend on the other side of the peak, you will encounter two gorges, the Dark Gorge has claimed several lives and is not recommended for non-professional hikers while Newlands Ravine provides a challenging trail in the shade of majestic trees.

On top of the actual mountain there are several tracks, the most easy of which start from the Constantia Neck area. These tracks cater towards a wide range of skill levels and can be completed in a couple of hours, a full day or even over a three day period. Towering 1088 meters over the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain provides the perfect playground for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. Boasting hundreds of plant species, magnificent bird sightings, and the chance to stumble upon a small mammal such as a dassie or mongoose or even a mountain buck or goat and a myriad of waterfalls and rivers this has to be one of the prettiest mountains to explore.

This article was written by South African Tourism. For queries about travel arrangements in South Africa, you are welcome to contact us:

• http://www.south-african-hotels.com
• http://www.south-african-lodges.com