What is the best hiking route on

Table Mountain?

To the visitor to Cape Town, there is an overwhelming amount of information regarding Table Mountain. From different hiking trails to the cable car etc. Many people are torn between walking up and taking the cable car. Having made the decision to walk up. They then need to decide which route to take.

So here is my take on the matter. 

You need to decide: 1. How much time you have available. 2. If you have the necessary equipment for a full days hike. (suitable shoes, warm clothing etc) 3. if you know the route, or have a suitable map.

The cable car is an experience certainly, but if you are reasonably fit, it is really worth hiking up Table Mountain and only taking the cable car down. By hiking up, you get away from the classic tourist route and the crowds, plus you actually experience Table Mountain as a mountain, not just another view spot.

Having opted to hike, there is then the choice of routes. The paths most often mentioned are:

Platteklip Gorge: This is the most popular route on the mountain and it takes you to 15 mins walk from the cable car. The average time to walk up is around 2 hours. The views are magnificent. It is a steep relentless path, but well worth the effort. This route can be quite busy, and it is unlikely you will get lost. (although it does happen)

Skeleton Gorge ascends Table mountain above Kirstenbosch Gardens. Most of the way is through indinenous trees so quite shady. There are a couple of handily placed ladders to get you up a couple of difficult stretches. Once at the top, the views of the Southern suburbs and False Bay are fantastic. The climb from Kirstenbosch should take around 2 hours. However is is another 2 to 2.5 hours walk to the cable way.  So this is a full days hike, if you intend going to the main area of Table Mountain.

Kasteelspoort. The Kasteelspoort route up Table Mountain, ascends the mountain above Camps Bay. Here the views of the Atlantic seaboard are unbeatable. As with Skeleton Gorge, although the climb itself takes around 2 hours, it will take you another 2 to 2.5 hours to get to the cable car, if that is your plan.

For both Kasteelspoort and Skeleton Gorge. I recommend you have someone with you who knows the path. The Back Table, is an extensive wilderness area, with many paths. Getting lost is a very real possibility.

There are of course, many more routes and paths up Table Mountain. The 3 I mention are those most often mentioned in the guide books.

Driving on Chapmans Peak Drive.

Every now and then, its a good idea to take a break from hiking and just relax and enjoy a scenic drive. The most amazing road in The Cape Peninsula is Chapmans Peak drive. This is the road that is quite literally dug out of the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The building of this road began in 1915, but was only finished in 1922. During the 1990’s there were a number of rock falls and the road was closed for some years while it was rebuilt in some areas, and the mountain above it stabilised. When reopened it was as a toll road, with cars paying R30 at the present to drive through. Believe me, it is well worth this cost.  The views from the road are spectacular, whilst the road itself is a wonder of modern engineering. I really believe that a visit to Cape Town, is not complete without a drive along here.  It has a number of wonderful walks and hikes leading off it, with the climbing of Chapmans Peak itself being one of the best. Alternatively, include it in your itinerary when you plan a visit to Cape Point.

Chapmans Peak Drive

Chapmans Peak snaking around the mountain

A section of Chapmans Peak drive dug into the cliffs

I learned the other day, that in New Zealand, the word to describe what I would call hiking is “tramping” I googled the word, and indeed “tramping” is the word used to describe the “recreational activity that involves walking over rough country”

Having increased my vocabulary by 1 word, I thought I would do a bit of further investigation and see what other new words I could learn. As I have already stated, I would generally use the term “hiking” which is a term widely used throughout the English speaking world. I also often just use the simple term “walk“. However, I find that people often expect a walk to be a shorter and less energetic amble or stroll than a hike. (there we have 2 other words to describe the activity under discussion.)

My investigation did however reveal a large number of other words. In Autralia, the word “bushwalking” is often used to describe walking both off and on trail. Somehow this word reminds of another South African phrase “bundu bashing” this is a word we use for going off trail. Often into very difficult terrain we need to bash our way through. Many multi day hikes are described as “trekking” This word seems to be especially prevalent in hiking tours in Nepal and South America. Multi day trips are also sometimes called “backpacking“ ( this term can also be used to describe travelling with a backpack. Usually using cheaper accommodation, and travel, with no specific time frame or even destination.) I did discover that in the US marines, the term “humping” is used. This describes walking over long distances carrying  (or humping) your kit. I even found a reference to heli-hiking. This is hiking in inaccessible areas, that can be reached only by helicopter.

Finally the term “scrambling” seems to be commonly used to describe “technical hiking” or “non technical climbing” In other words, routes where you have to use your hands to get over and up obstacles/rocks, but don’t necessarily need ropes.

So there we have it. There are several words to describe the recreational activity of walking in the natural environment. Whatever you call it, spending time walking on Table Mountain, is the best way to appreciate this famous natural wonder that is a must see for any visitor to South Africa.

Keep your eyes open for sunbirds,

when walking on Table Mountain

One of the best sights you can see, when walking on Table Mountain is a sunbird. These tiny birds flit from bush to bush often seen as nothing more than a brief flash of colour caught in the corner of your eye. They have a sharp call that is easily recognised, so on hearing it keep you eyes open and move slowly and quietly. Seldom still for long, you may be rewarded with a sighting.

As with many brids, the females are rather less brightly coloured, but still move with intense swift movements, that cannot help but impress.

The different moods of Table

Mountain

One of the most amazing things about Cape Town, is the variety of weather conditions that can occur at the same time, in such a small area. This variety is of course, caused by the great lump of rock, called Table Mountain, that dominates our skyline.

On Sunday, on the Kirstenbosch (East) side of the mountain, we awoke to a glorious day. Clear skies, bright sunshine and very little wind. Needing some exercise we set off for a walk in the Silvermine region of Table Mountain.

A beautiful day over False Bay.

 From the top of the Constantiaberg, we looked over onto the Western side of the mountain, and saw a huge cloudbank moving ominously over the land.

The clouds moving in over Hout Bay

We continued our hike, down Blackburn Ravine and along the contour to  Chapmans Peak. All the time with the shadow of the clouds getting closer. From Chapmans Peak we climbed back past Noordhoek Peak and back into Silvermine. On that side of the mountain, you would still have no idea of the approaching rain.

Getting closer!

Yes, there was snow on Table

Mountain!

What a week for Cape Town. Not only did we host a couple of world cup soccer games. We also hosted quite a bit of snow on Table Mountain!! Although not totally unheard of, it is nevertheless  unusual, and a very special sight for anyone who saw it.

The snow on Table Mountain

In the early morning, there was a thin carpet over the entire main table, and even by 3pm there were large patches left. Enough to make a snow ball anyway!!  For those who hiked up, apart from the beauty, there was the additional hazard of icy rocks. The top of Platteklip gorge in particular, resembled an ice rink in places.

Elsewhere in the Western Cape, a much thicker blanket of snow can be seen from Maclears Beacon.  The white tipped mountains of the winelands, can clearly be seen from the top of Table Mountain.

Snow on the mountains of the Western Cape

A walk of no ordinary proportion

The Rim of Africa is South Africa’s first long distance hiking trail, and when I say long, I am not joking. This magnificent trail stretches from The Cederberg Mountains on the Capes West coast, to the Outeniqua Mountains on the Garden route. The entire distance covered is 650km, with a minimum of 48 days being recommended for the entire walk.

Of course, most people, won’t have the time, (or the legs) to do the whole distance, so you can do shorter stretches in whatever region you fancy. The first leg from Pakhuis Pass in the Cederberg  to Turret Peak in the Koue Bokkeveld, is now open and you are able to book onto scheduled trips in October.

Doing a multiday hiking trail, is an opportunity to really get away and commune with nature. Relax and reconnect with yourself and your friends. This hiking trail is an opportunity of a life time.

To learn more about the trail and to book go to www.rimofafrica.co.za

I won’t be able to make it this year, but before I am 50, I will have completed the entire trail. (It is number 1 on my list)

Training for Kilimanjaro in Cape

Town

Kilimanjaro, which is found in Tanzania, reaches 5898.7 m (19340 ft) was first climbed in 1889, and is the highest mountain in Africa. Since first being summited it has become a magnet to thousands of visitors every year. All wanting to reach the top. 

Table Mountain, although certainly not reaching the lofty heights of Everest, and thus not being able to assist with altitude training, is however often used as a training base for those with Kilimanjaro in their sights. The steep gorges offer good training for the climbs, whilst longer walks offer endurance training par excellance.

2 Cape Town locals,  Kirsty and Roddy completed their first training walk on Table Mountain with me last weekend. For an introductory first walk we climbed Platteklip Gorge. This steep ascent, gave them a chance to try out all their equipment. Day packs, hiking sticks, boots,  and hydration packs all passed the intial test. Next week we will be doing a longer walk to build up those endurance muscles.

Kirsty with all the kit

Roddy on Platteklip

Assistant Table Mountain

Walking Guides

Ridgway Ramblers, has 2 permanently employed assistant guides, who will grab any opportunity to walk on Table Mountain. They are enthusiastic hikers, with a real love for nature. Easy going and fun loving, they are happy to go on any route, and for any length of time.

If you would like Judy and Roderick to join you on your ramble. Please let us Know when booking.

Judy, is five years old, and of uncertain heritage. She especially enjoys the tougher routes, which involve a bit of scrambling.

What Roderick lacks in agility, he makes up for in enthusiasm.

http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/index.php/about/

Hiking on Table Mountain on

rainy days

It isn’t often that Cape Town has a series of bad weather days. Usually after a day or two of rain, the sun comes out, and we have perfect hiking weather. Clear, windless and relatively cool.

However, occasionally, if you are an addicted hiker, you just cannot avoid walking in the rain. Perhaps growing up in the UK acclimatised me to these conditions, but lots of South Africans and visitors, also take the opportunity to put on their raincoats, and get out there.

Table Mountain in the rain

And believe it or not. It is not only fun, but the mountain has her own magic at these times. Have you ever stopped to look up at the mountain inbetween showers, and noticed the waterfalls cascading down the slopes from several places? Even a relatively short walk, for example the contour path above Kirstenbosch, harbours 3 magnificent waterfalls that very quickly slow to a trickle once the weather improves.  Skeleton gorge, and Nursery Ravine both completely change character with water running everywhere. On the otherside of the mountain, strolling along the Pipe Track becomes an adventure of a different sort, as in several places a steady trickle pours onto the path.

So if you have wet weather gear, the next time it rains, consider a walk on Table Mountain. You’ll be surprised how many crazy people you will see there!!