Table Mountain. A landmark that embodies everything about Cape Town. In last weeks post I spent my time hanging off the side of the mountain, but my abseiling adventures represented only a small fraction of the time I spent in Table Mountain National Park. In reality, there were numerous hikes and one lucky cloudless day where the views of the sprawling urban landscape below were truly unparallelled.
There are several different hiking trails winding up through the mountain and each caters for a different type of hiker.
The Platteklip Gorge route is the easiest hike and follows a well formed path. It is easily the most popular route, so for solo travellers nervous about making the hike alone, this is the best bet.
Skeleton Gorge is a bit tougher, but definitely more gorgeous. Hike this one in a small group and watch your step if you are planning to hike back down. The step-like formations on this one look sturdy, but you want to be careful, hikers slipping and falling isn’t unheard of, and on this route, a slip could very easily lead to a broken bone.
India Venster was my favourite trail. Definitely one of the most scenic, and can be quite tough for those of us that aren’t huge fans of the gym (ahem). This one requires scrambling and climbing up rock formations, so unless you are experienced with the route, do not hike this one alone. Also remember to pack a lot of sunscreen and water for this particular route.
Lion’s Head is a mountain not quite as high as Table Mountain, but no less gorgeous. The hiking route to this peak is especially popular at night and on full moons. Full moon Lions Head hikes are common in Cape Town, and it’s best to get in early in the evening, as the slopes can get rather packed as the night goes on.
I didn’t always take my camera when exploring the mountain, as the stories of robberies on tourists occurring on descent are prevalent. So unfortunately I don’t have as many photos of the area as I would have liked. However, there was one amazingly clear day that I just couldn’t resist packing my camera.
I should note that the weather in Cape Town is moderately bipolar and that this effects the views from the top of the mountain significantly. If you have a bit of time, try to climb and explore the mountain on a day with little cloud cover and minimal wind. You can also check the Aerial Cableway website for up to date weather and visibility information.
The mountain itself is teeming with native flora and fauna. My personal favourite were the many Rock Hyrax’s, or ‘Dassies’ as they are known by locals. Dassies are mammalian, and despite resembling a large guinea pig, genetically, their closest living relative is the enormous African Elephant!
Climbing a mountain with such unpredictable weather means that sometimes, on even the clearest day, periods of total cloud cover occur. Its amazing how the clouds seem to appear out of nowhere and pass as quickly as they came.
Though the hiking can at times be very intense, the absolutely stunning views from the summit are worth each and every aching muscle.
There are plenty of ‘must-see’ parts of Cape Town, but the view of the Mother City from the highest peaks has got to be up there with the absolute best.
THE LOWDOWN
Hostel: Green Elephant Backpackers
Camera: iPhone 5 and GoPro Hero
Budget: R150 ($15) per night for an eight bed dorm
Remember: Sunscreen, at least 2L of water, hiking shoes and a hat
Get There: Catch the number 110 MyCiti Bus to the base of table mountain, or catch a cab or minibus cab to Kirstenbosch gardens depending on which route you choose to take
this is so cool!!
Thankyou! So glad you liked it 😊
Beautiful. And the dassie is adorable!
Thankyou! I think so too! I went to try and pat one but people stopped me haha
Really nice shots of the scenes. It must have been fun and refreshing.
Thankyou! It was so much fun! Pretty darn hot on the day though!
Great photos!
Thankyou! So glad you liked them 😊
The photos are gorgeous! You are so brave for climbing so high. 🙂
Brave or a little stupid? Ha! Thankyou for reading 😊
Wow the difference between different weather conditions is striking! How long was that cloud cover there for? It looks like you were walking through mist
It only lasted about two minutes! Came and went so quickly!
Hahaha sounds like rain in Vietnam >< Amazing!
Amazing place! and nice pictures!
Thankyou!
Looks like a gorgeous hike!
It’s absolutely stunning- definitely one for the bucket list 😊
There is a cricket ground somewhere in there. Did you get a chance to see it.
I’m afraid I didnt! I’ll have to look for it next time I’m there 😊
It’s really a world famous cricket ground…arguably the most picturesque in the world!
Great shots of my beautiful country! Spent three years of my life in Cape Town studying and it is truly a beautiful city! Nice pics and good information 🙂
Thankyou! Cape Town is amazing 😊
Yea it really is! Miss SA a lot, in South Korea at the moment but heading home in a couple months so I’m pretty excited!
Where in SA are you from?
I’m from Durban actually. Haven’t had a chance to read much more of your blog but definitely will read some more. Good info and good pics 🙂
My grandfather is from Durban! I didn’t make it there on my last trip but I definitely will at some stage 😊
And thankyou!
No problem it all 🙂 more of a pleasure to read other travelers adventures 🙂 yea you really should it’s a beautiful place!
Gorgeous photos! I did this hike several years ago from the gardens ( and we got somewhat lost on top) but it was well worth it!
Did you eventually find your way to the summit? 😊
Yes, and we took the cable car down!
Did you like the cable car? I really enjoyed it! Definitely nice to take it down after a long hike up 😊
It was beautiful! Even if I’m not a fan of heights, the ride down was enjoyable! Glad you enjoyed it as well!
You are soooo cool! and very adventurous. your blog style flows so smoothly, and the pics are just great. good job!!!
Thankyou so much! I love getting comments like this, I can’t wait to share more adventures with you!
Would be happy to host you in Delhi
Might take you up on that some day! 😊
Sooo pretty!
nice story telling along with beautiful photos. I can just visualize your adventure.
Ah beautiful pictures of my home 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it! We recently hiked up Lion’s Head as well, really must get to it more when it is Spring as it is currently pouring in the Cape. https://myhomelifeblog.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/hiking-up-leeukoplions-head-cape-town-south-africa/
Wow your photos are gorgeous! Can I ask what camera you use?
Thanks! Yours is beautiful as well! What camera did you use? I use a Canon 600D SLR – a bit big to just carry around, but he goes everywhere with me.
I don’t have a proper camera yet- I only use my little iPhone! I’m planning on investing in a DSLR soon but not quite sure what to get. I’m looking at the Olympus OM-D E-M1 but still not 100% sure!
Good luck with finding the perfect match! It is difficult to know what to take and what not.
Mesmerizing. Thank you for sharing.
Totally awesome photos to go with your great descriptions. I’ve read about some of those trails before, but you’ve managed to bring them to life. Lovely photos of you looking so happy, too. 🙂
Have you ever been in Cape Town? One day you must hike them yourself! 😊
It’s on my list of places to visit. One day soon, I hope… 🙂
I promise you that you wouldn’t regret making the trip! 😊
I believe you. Your posts have convinced me of that already. 🙂
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Love the pictures!
Spectacular!!
Thankyou 😊
This is absolutely gorgeous ! You inspire me to travel and see the world. To take in and experience all there is this world has to offer. Please keep up the great work !
Wow that’s wonderful to hear! I absolutely love sharing my adventures with you and cannot wait to share more 😊
The cloud cover makes for wonderfully atmospheric photos!
This was a great post! Lovely photos! I plan to use your experience as a reference when I travel there in the future. Thanks for sharing!
Thankyou so much! Are you heading to Cape Town soon?
Yes! I will be in Cape Town starting July 4th. So I will be using your tips for Table Mountain. Where will your travels take you during that time? Will you still be in South Africa?
No I’m no longer in SA 😞 I have been blogging retrospectively as I am terrible at writing on the road. How long will you be in SA for?
Oh!! Ok! I thought there might be a chance we could cross paths. I am in SA currently until the 7th of July. I’m in Johannesburg right now for the next two weeks and then I’ll head to Cape Town.
Enjoy! Cape Town is absolutely unbelievable!
I love this!
I dream of travel and love to read about your journey. http://www.nichetravelgroup.ca/blog/dont-let-life-pass-you-by/
Thankyou so much! 😊
Absolutely beautiful!! Thank you for sharing!!
Thankyou! Glad you enjoyed 😊
Thanks for risking robbery to get these awesome photos. It looks like a great place for hiking 🙂
I think the robbery stories are a bit exaggerated but nonetheless my pleasure 😊
Wow that view is to die for!
It’s certainly worth a morning hiking for! Thanks for reading 😊
South Africa just got a lot higher on my list of places I have to visit! Great pictures!
Yay! I love getting comments like that. When you do head to SA be sure to send a link to your posts to me, I’d love to read them!
Hi! I just nominated you for the Creative Blogger Award. You can find more information on my blog post at https://gamjahouse.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/creative-blogger-award/. I hope you accept 🙂
I love “The Lowdown” section of your post!
Thankyou! I love getting comments like this 😊
How long was the hike up there? It must of been so rewarding once you reached summit? 👍
It took me about 2.5 hours on the India Venster route and about 1.5 hours on the Skeleton Gorge route, but I know proficient hikers can do it much more quickly! It certainly was rewarding, the views make it so worthwhile!
How was the climb. Was it really steep or was it manageable. Yeah Cape Town seems like a nice place to visit. Definitely on my bucketlist….
It was definitely hard work but by no means impossible! I’m not an incredibly fit person so if I can do it, anyone can!
Sounds good. This will definitely be on my bucketlist! How long have you been in Cape Town?
I’m not in Cape Town anymore (writing retrospectively) but I was there for about 3 weeks, plus another 4 weeks spent along the garden route. Definitely worth spending a bit of extra time on!
Yeah. I’ve seen vids on Cape Town on YouTube from vloggers and it seems like a nice place to visit. Have you been to Johannesburg?
I have not! Still on the list though 😊
Where are you based at? Yeah South Africa as a whole is a place that would be nice to visit!
I’m based in Adelaide in South Australia! Hbu?
Ah the Land Down Under!…I’m based in Toronto Canada.
Amazing! I hope to get to Canada soon- it looks like an amazing place 😊
Yes indeed it is. Likewise, Australia looks like a nice place to visit as well…
Australia is a pretty wonderful country, I need to see more of it myself!
Ah the Land Down Under…I’m based in Toronto Canada!
How was the climb. Was the incline really steep or was it manageable. Yeah Cape Town seems like a nice place to visit. Definitely on my bucketlist….Have you tried paragliding there in Cape Town?
Must be fun hiking in such a picturesque landscape .. 🙂
And the pictures are great !!
Was absolutely amazing 😊 thankyou!
Stunning photo!
Such fantastic pictures…its now on my list of places to go!
Definitely worth a trip! Glad you enjoyed 😊
These pictures are stunning! Looks like quite the refreshing weather too.
The clouds were nice but at times it was scorching hot! The African sun is beautiful but relentless 😊
Amazing photos! Great post.
Such a beautiful view!
Beautiful.
See Kenya beauty too
http://misshopeshi.com/2015/06/08/5-things-i-love-about-kenya/
Wow! I would love to visit Kenya! It’s definitely on the list.
We’d be happy to have you 💕
Will definitely keep that in mind 😊
Wow absolutely gorgeous!
great post, great photos, you’re very photogenic. if you’re a hiker, come to colorado, US for the rockies. i’d be happy to be your guide 🙂
I’ll definitely keep that in mind! I’m potentially visiting the U.S. next year before heading to Colombia so that may work 😊
Awesome review!
Dassies are cute! And Table Mountain is a gorgeous place indeed.
They certainly are 😊 and it definitely is! An absolutely stunning part of Cape Town!
Amazing pictures! I’ll be in Cape Town in January, would you recommend Green Elephant?
Absolutely! When I go back to Cape Town I will definitely stay with them again. Make sure you are there on a Friday for their homemade pizza night!
stunning views indeed! great shots.
Mesmerizing views and adrenaline-pumping hikes! What more could you ask for? This place is amazing!
Oh you lucky lady! 🙂 🙂
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