Hike from Constantia Nek to Table
Mountain cableway
The hike from Constantia Nek to the cableway is one of the longer routes on the mountain so is definitely a full day hike. There are a number of different routes you could take but in general the distance is +/- 16km. The advantage of this route is that Constantia Nek offers the easiest route up the mountain, and of course you can take the cable car down.
The start of the hike is at the top of Constantia Nek. There is a large parking area at the circle at the top of the pass, you park here. (This is not a circular route so you need to organise a lift back from Tafelberg Rd to Constantia Nek.) Then simply follow the jeep track. After 5 minutes you pass a gate and a sign on your left. Take the small path leading to the left here. It is steep, but is much better than following the jeep track on a huge switchback here. The path is quite eroded but clear. It should take you about 20 minutes until you rejoin the jeep track. Here you can choose between continuing on the jeep track or taking another small path on the left. Although the path is a little quicker, the jeep track is a little easier especially if you are worried about your fitness.
The sign at the beginning of the walk
If you choose the path it rejoins the jeep track after about 40 minutes walking. Both routes then continue up the final bend. Eventually, about an hour after you left your car you will pass a small bridge. Here the road levels out slightly. It continues to lead you North past the De Villers dam and the Overseers cottage. Here it takes a sweeping turn to the left and leads you West past the Victoria and Alexandria dams. Here the road is good and the incline very slight so you can move quite quickly.
The jeep track offers one of the easier routes up Table Mountain
An hour after passing the De Villers Dam you arrive at the Woodhead dam. Here take a left turn to cross the dam wall. Below the dam wall is Orange Kloof the only restricted part of Table Mountain. It is filled with indigenous trees and the view from the dam wall is fantastic.
Crossing the Woodhead dam wall
Once on the other side of the dam follow the path until it comes to a junction. (There is a tap here if you need to refill your water) Turn right back onto the jeep track and follow it for 5 minutes. You need to look for a small path leading off to your left. This path leads you gradually up and around the side of St Michaels peak. As you climb, the views down on the dams and over the rest of the peninsula are terrific. After an hour you reach the top of this path and look down into Echo Valley. You can clearly see your route from here. You need to drop down 60m to the valley and then climb steeply up the other side to the central table. (The highest point on your walk)
Looking South towards Cape Point
Once on the Central Table you will notice the path becoming wider. You are now about 20 minutes from the cable car so in the main tourist area. Turn left and follow the path. It leads you down to the top of Platteklip Gorge then a final short up onto the Western Table. From here 5 more minutes will take you to the restuarant and cable car.
