Platteklip Gorge Cape Town
The most direct and challenging hike up Table Mountain, offering relentless stairs and breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Platteklip Gorge Cape Town
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The most direct and challenging hike up Table Mountain, offering relentless stairs and breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town.
"This hike will definitely take your breath away... the views of Cape Town are epic!"
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person. It gets hot and there's no shade! :droplet:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail is essentially thousands of steep steps. Proper hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Relentless Staircase
Platteklip Gorge Trail
Thousands of steps ascend steeply, testing your endurance with breathtaking views of Cape Town unfolding below.

Panoramic Cape Town Vistas
Along the Platteklip Gorge Trail
Every step offers a new, epic perspective of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.

Summiting Table Mountain
Top of Platteklip Gorge
Reaching the flat summit is a huge accomplishment, rewarding you with unparalleled 360-degree views.
Planning Your Visit
Conquer Platteklip Gorge: Your Essential Prep
Safety & Timing on Table Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person. It gets hot and there's no shade!
:droplet:👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail is essentially thousands of steep steps. Proper hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen generously. The gorge offers no shade.
:sunwithface:🧥 Pack Layers
Weather on Table Mountain can change rapidly. Bring a windbreaker or warm layer, even on sunny days.
:cloud:Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person. It gets hot and there's no shade!
:droplet:👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail is essentially thousands of steep steps. Proper hiking shoes are a must for grip and ankle support. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen generously. The gorge offers no shade.
:sunwithface:🧥 Pack Layers
Weather on Table Mountain can change rapidly. Bring a windbreaker or warm layer, even on sunny days.
:cloud:💰 Cable Car Down Option
If you're tired or weather turns, take the cable car down. It's cheaper after 1 PM.
:moneybag:📱 Fully Charged Phone
For navigation, photos, and emergencies. Consider a portable charger.
:iphone:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Platteklip Gorge for its challenging yet rewarding hike and the absolutely spectacular, panoramic views of Cape Town. The direct ascent is a significant workout, but the sense of accomplishment and the stunning scenery make it a must-do for many. Some find the constant stairs monotonous, and the lack of shade can be intense, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Platteklip Gorge trailhead is located at the base of Table Mountain, accessible by car or taxi. There is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Many visitors combine this hike with a visit to the nearby Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station.While there isn't direct public transport to the trailhead itself, you can take a MyCiTi bus to the Lower Cable Station, which is a short walk from the Platteklip Gorge starting point.
The most direct and popular way to start is from the designated trailhead at the base of the gorge. It's clearly marked and the beginning of the steep ascent.
Yes, you can drive to the base of Platteklip Gorge. There is a parking area, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as it can get very busy.
Yes, the start of the Platteklip Gorge trail is well-marked and easily identifiable at the base of Table Mountain, often near the lower cable car station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or fees required to hike Platteklip Gorge itself. It's a public trail. However, if you plan to use the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to descend, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Platteklip Gorge is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor trail. However, it's strongly recommended to hike during daylight hours for safety reasons.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has specific operating hours.While Platteklip Gorge itself is free to access, Table Mountain National Park may have general entrance fees depending on specific access points or activities. However, for the gorge hike, no specific park fee is typically charged at the trailhead.
Absolutely! This is a very common and recommended approach. Hike up Platteklip Gorge and then take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway down. The cable car fare is cheaper after 1 PM.
Platteklip Gorge is a very direct and well-defined trail, often referred to as the 'highway to the top.' It's difficult to get lost on this specific route.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours to ascend, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop.
Many hikers take breaks to enjoy the views.Platteklip Gorge is considered a strenuous hike due to its steepness and the constant ascent via stairs. It's a significant physical challenge.
Yes, Platteklip Gorge is generally considered safe for solo hikers due to its popularity and high foot traffic. You'll likely encounter many other people on the trail.
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Bring layers, a hat, and sunglasses.
Yes, there are facilities at the top of Table Mountain, including restrooms, restaurants, and shops, accessible from the cable car station.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers stunning photo opportunities! Capture the panoramic views of Cape Town, the ocean, and the unique rock formations. The summit provides the most expansive vistas.
Absolutely! As you ascend, the views of Cape Town become increasingly spectacular. The higher you go, the more breathtaking the panorama.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, midday offers clear, unobstructed views.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks. It's best to check current regulations before flying. However, your phone or camera will capture incredible shots of the landscape.
The entire trail is a viewpoint! However, as you get higher, the expansive city and ocean views become more dramatic. The summit offers the ultimate panoramic photo backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Platteklip Gorge Hike: A Direct Ascent
Despite its difficulty, the Platteklip Gorge hike is incredibly popular due to its accessibility and the rewarding, ever-expanding views of Cape Town. It's often referred to as the 'highway to the top' because of its straightforward nature and high volume of hikers. Many visitors choose to hike up via Platteklip and then descend using the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, a popular combination that offers both a physical challenge and a convenient way down.
Key Takeaways for the Hike:
* Steep and Strenuous: Be prepared for a significant physical workout.
* No Shade: Essential to carry ample water and wear sun protection.
* Direct Route: A clear, well-trodden path to the summit.
* Popularity: High foot traffic generally ensures safety.
Safety and Preparedness on Table Mountain
Hikers are strongly advised to carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person, wear sturdy hiking boots, and pack layers of clothing, including a windbreaker, as temperatures can drop significantly and the wind can be fierce at the summit. Starting your hike in the morning is recommended to avoid the intense midday sun and to ensure you have ample daylight for the ascent and descent. If the weather turns, or if you're feeling fatigued, the option to descend via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is available, though lines can be long.
Safety Checklist:
* Water: Minimum 2 liters per person.
* Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots. :athletic_shoe:
* Clothing: Layers, including a windbreaker. :cloud:
* Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. :sunwithface:
* Communication: Fully charged mobile phone. :iphone:
* Timing: Start early, finish before dark.
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