A view of Platteklip gorge, from Devils Peak

Another route on the city side is India Venster. This route involves some easy climbing, (although no ropes are required) and should only be attempted when in the company of someone who is entirely familiar with the route and by those with no fear of heights. The path leads to a point almost directly below the cable car from where is follows Fountain ledge around the mountain above Camps Bay.

Above Camps Bay there are several routes onto the Back Table leading off the historic Pipe Track. The most popular of these is Kasteelspoort which begins with a relatively gentle climb as it cuts diagonally accross the mountain before becoming steeper and getting into the ravine itself. Like Platteklip this route although steep, has no exposure and should be assailable by anyone of moderate fitness. Other routes on this section of the mountain include, Woody Ravine, Corridor Ravine and Diagonal Path. Of varying levels of difficulty all have unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles, Lions Head, etc.

The Kasteelspoort look out point

On the other side of the mountain, above Kirstenbosch again, there are several routes to choose from. What makes the effort even more worthwhile is the differences between the different areas of the Mountain. Although covering a relatively small area Table Mountain creates her own weather patterns and the vegetation and character of the wetter False Bay side of the mountain is totally different from the drier Western seaboard. Thus whilst above the city and camps Bay the paths have little shade and the vegetation is relatively sparse. Above Kirstenbosch you ascend through thick indigenous forests and follow river beds which continue to flow as a small trickle right through the summer. The most popular routes here include Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine, or the easiest route of all, The concrete road which ascends the Back Table from Constantia Nek.

Skeleton Gorge

Whichever route you choose once on top of Table Mountain a new world awaits. Away from the cableway you see few people and feel yourself to be in a complete wilderness area. The streams are pure and clean. The fynbos thick and beautiful. The 5 reservoirs add beauty and a visit to the small waterworks museum a wonderful addition to the day.

So to answer the title question. Can I hike up Table Mountain? yes. Find someone who knows the mountain well. Take plenty of water and be prepared for all weather conditions. Then lose yourself for a few hours, or even a whole day. A walk on Table Mountain offers not only excercise but a while away from the stresses and strains of the modern world.