Discover Cape Town's iconic flat-topped mountain through expert-guided hiking adventures. Experience unique fynbos vegetation, challenging mountain trails, and breathtaking views of the city and Atlantic Ocean that create memories to last a lifetime.
Join on the ultimate hike in Cape Town! conquer Table Mountain with breathtaking views, secret photo spots, and immerse yourself in local flora, fauna, history, and culture with our expert guide.
Platteklip Gorge is the oldest and shortest route to the summit of Table Mountain. It is a very safe route with hardly any exposure to heights. It affords stunning views of the city.
Hike through Platteklip Gorge on the shortest route to the top of Table Mountain. Take in the sweeping views of the Cape Town area from the top.
Table Mountain stands as Cape Town's most iconic landmark, a majestic flat-topped mountain rising 1,085 meters above sea level. Known to indigenous peoples as "Hoerikwaggo" meaning "mountain in the sea," this ancient sandstone plateau has been a sacred presence in the Western Cape for thousands of years.
The mountain is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, home to unique fynbos vegetation and over 2,200 plant species. Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, protects this remarkable ecosystem where coastal forests, fynbos meadows, and pristine wilderness create the perfect setting for challenging hiking adventures in the heart of Cape Town.
With numerous well-maintained trails, Table Mountain offers hiking experiences for every skill level, from gentle cable car access to challenging scrambling routes. The mountain's diverse ecosystems and dramatic coastal views provide some of the most spectacular and accessible hiking terrain in South Africa.
Discover History
Experience one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature with its iconic flat-topped plateau offering breathtaking views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Table Mountain defines the Cape Town skyline.
Discover the Cape Floral Kingdom with over 2,200 plant species, baboons, dassies, and unique Mediterranean vegetation found nowhere else on Earth. Witness incredible biodiversity in a compact area.
From gentle cable car access to challenging scrambling routes, find your perfect hiking adventure whether you're seeking scenic walks along the plateau or demanding ascents via chains and ladders.
Experience spectacular hiking with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, Camps Bay, and the Cape Peninsula. Every trail offers unique perspectives of the meeting point between mountain and ocean.
Ancient Times - Sacred Hoerikwaggo: Indigenous Khoikhoi people have revered this mountain as "Hoerikwaggo" meaning "mountain in the sea" for thousands of years, considering it a sacred place of ancestor spirits and spiritual significance.
1503 - European Sighting: Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha makes the first recorded European ascent, naming it "Taboa do Cabo" (Table of the Cape), though indigenous peoples had lived in harmony with the mountain for millennia.
1998 - National Park: Table Mountain National Park is established, protecting its unique Cape Floral Kingdom ecosystems and establishing it as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and conservation.
2011 - New Wonder: Table Mountain is officially declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, recognizing its unique biodiversity, iconic flat-topped silhouette, and cultural significance.
Present Day - Conservation Legacy: Table Mountain continues to serve as a UNESCO World Heritage site while providing millions of visitors with transformative mountain experiences and deeper connection to the Cape's unique natural heritage.
Explore mountain trails
The distinctive flat-topped plateau of Table Mountain offers some of the most spectacular and accessible mountain-top experiences in the world, with panoramic views across Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Multiple trails lead to this iconic summit destination.
The stunning views of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles from Table Mountain offer one of the most photographed vistas in South Africa, with pristine beaches meeting dramatic mountain peaks. Perfect for sunset and sunrise photography.
The unique fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, with over 2,200 plant species, provides a stunning natural backdrop to Table Mountain and represents one of the world's richest plant communities. A UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Encounter troops of baboons, dassies (rock hyrax), and numerous bird species on the mountain - an integral part of the Table Mountain experience in the heart of Cape Town. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound on all trails.
Make the most of your Table Mountain adventure with these essential planning tips:
Address: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Nearest Airport: Cape Town International Airport - 30 minutes drive
Coordinates: 33°57'29"S 18°24'33"E
Table Mountain National Park is located in the heart of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. The mountain is easily accessible from Cape Town city center via various routes including the Lower Cable Car Station, Platteklip Gorge trailhead, and India Venster starting points. Multiple trail access points provide different hiking experiences, with the Cable Car station and Platteklip Gorge being the most popular starting points.
Allow 2-4 hours for most Table Mountain hiking experiences depending on the route chosen. Platteklip Gorge typically takes 2-3 hours, while India Venster can take 3-4 hours. Lion's Head is shorter at 1-2 hours. Consider Cable Car options for different descent experiences.
Hiking trails on Table Mountain are free to access. However, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway costs approximately R365 for adults (return trip) and varies seasonally. Advanced booking is recommended during peak tourist season.
Table Mountain offers options for different skill levels. The Cable Car provides easy access to the summit, while trails like Platteklip Gorge are suitable for intermediate hikers. India Venster requires scrambling experience. Always assess your fitness level before attempting any trail.
Fynbos flowering season varies by species but generally peaks from August through October (spring in South Africa). Different plants bloom throughout the year, so there's always something flowering. The variety is most spectacular during the spring months.
Most day hikes on Table Mountain don't require permits. However, it's essential to inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Some guided tour experiences may require advance booking during peak tourist seasons.
Common wildlife includes troops of baboons, dassies (rock hyrax), various bird species including sunbirds and sugarbirds, and unique fynbos vegetation with over 2,200 plant species. Always maintain safe distances, especially from baboons, and never feed wildlife.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway provides wheelchair access to the summit plateau, which has some accessible paths with spectacular views. The hiking trails themselves are not wheelchair accessible due to their rocky and steep terrain.
