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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Towering more than 3,000-feet above the city, Table Mountain defines the skyline of Cape Town. And while going up by cable car is an easy option for the unfit, hiking the mountain slopes is a far better way to appreciate the flora, fauna and fine views of this World Heritage Site.

There are dozens of routes on, up and around the mountain. The most popular, independently-tackled route is the well-marked Platteklip Gorge (a challenging 2- to 3-hour hike). If you want something more adventures – like the forested trails that lead up the eastern slopes above Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – book a guided hike. Guides will teach about the local fynbos and the Cape Floral Kingdom as you ascend.

The true summit is at Maclear’s Beacon, but keen hikers should allow time to discover the quieter trails that explore the ‘Back Table’ to the south.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

South Africa

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

The Table Mountain National Park stretches almost the length of the Cape Peninsula, though the most popular trails are centred on Table Mountain itself.

Independent hikes are easily accessible, but a good map (available from local outdoor stores) is essential for safe walking. Most of these begin close to the lower cableway station above the city, which can be reached by e-hailing or public transport. If you’re an inexperienced hiker, definitely hire a guide for all but the most popular routes.

Always wear appropriate walking shoes, carry sufficient water and a charged mobile phone with emergency numbers pre-loaded.

When to do it

Trails are accessible year-round, but be extremely cautious of the capricious weather. Sunny summer days can change rapidly due to high winds, covering the mountain in cloud, while winter cold fronts bring rain, high winds and occasional snow.

Summer sees the more popular routes get extremely busy. Start early to avoid the crowds.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Table Mountain Adventurous Hike & Cable Car Down

Table Mountain Adventurous Hike & Cable Car Down

Cape Town

Join a bucket-list African adventure. We will hike Table Mountain using the lessor known, more adventurous route up, away from the crowds....

$83 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [66 ratings]

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Adventurous Table Mountain Hike: Group or Private

Adventurous Table Mountain Hike: Group or Private

Cape Town

Join our magical experience and hike Table Mountain with a qualified guide from Hike Addicts. On this incredible experience we hike up India...

Z1,080 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [111 ratings]

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Hike Table Mountain's Most Scenic Hiking Route With Experienced Guides

Hike Table Mountain's Most Scenic Hiking Route With Experienced Guides

Cape Town

Hike an exceptionally scenic route to the top of Table Mountain and explore the remote side of the Table Mountain range. This hike takes you...

Z1,280 | Rating 5 / 5 [12 ratings]

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Table Mountain Half Day Hike: Platteklip Gorge

Table Mountain Half Day Hike: Platteklip Gorge

Cape Town

Zig-zag your way up the fastest route to the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the same path used before the cabl...

Z1,650 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Kensington Place

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.1 miles]

Stylish boutique gem at the base of Table Mountain; Cape Town’s coolest bolthole. 

Official star rating:

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.7 miles]

The ‘Nellie’ is the grande dame of Cape Town hotels and a much-loved local landmark, offering upscale dining and a plant-based spa.

Official star rating:

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.8 miles]

Central, romantic and boho-cool guesthouse, inspired by the decadence of Oscar Wilde.

Official star rating:

Camps Bay Retreat

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.4 miles]

Hidden away in a private garden, this boutique hotel offers contemporary style and easy access to the popular Camps Bay strip.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.9 miles]

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

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Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.2 miles]

The iconic flat-topped mountain – sometimes covered with ‘tablecloths’ of clouds – that towers over the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town. Cable car or hike to the top; cable car or abseil down.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

Hike up the Lion’s Head

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.8 miles]

A stunning 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of white, colonial building at dusk
Experience

South African Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.1 miles]

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Exterior view of the restaurant during the daytime
Experience

Neighbourhood Goods Market

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.9 miles]

This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Entrance to an aquarium on a sunny day
Experience

Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.3 miles]

In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.

Best for ages: 4+ | £10

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Mountains, hotels and deep blue water with waves at beach promenade
Experience

Walk or cycle the Sea Point Promenade

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.5 miles]

Join locals on ‘The Prom’ for a leisurely 5km seaside ramble, cycle or skate as you enjoy the city’s best sunset views. There are pavement cafes if you need a break, and play parks for kids.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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Round-ups that include this experience

24 Unforgettable short walks (< 1 day)

Multiple countries

From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.

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