Platteklip Gorge Trail to Table Mountain

Platteklip Gorge is the most direct walking route from Cape Town's city bowl onto the top of Table Mountain, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The trailhead sits on Tafelberg Road above the Gardens neighbourhood, a short ride by Uber, Bolt or taxi from the city centre, and a few minutes' walk east of the lower cableway station. Roadside parking is limited, so most visitors arrive by ride-hailing or on the MyCiTi bus to Gardens followed by a steep uphill walk. Table Mountain National Park does not charge a fee or require a permit to walk this route. The path covers about 3 km one way and gains roughly 650 m, which makes it a sustained, strenuous climb rather than a technical one. Almost the entire route is a staircase of uneven stone steps and rock slabs set into the gorge, with some loose scree at the edges. There is very little shade, especially in the lower half, and the gorge walls can trap heat in summer while funnelling cold wind in winter. Landmarks are few: the path climbs steadily between sandstone cliffs, passes a few shaded rest ledges, and emerges on the plateau near the Table Mountain Cableway upper station, where the main path continues toward Maclear's Beacon. Most hikers take two to three hours to reach the top and about an hour and a half to descend, though many ride the cableway down for a fee. There are no reliable water sources on the ascent, so all water must be carried. Cloud, known locally as the tablecloth, can descend quickly and make the route slippery and hard to read. The sensible turn-around point is any of the rest ledges if weather closes in. The plateau has a restaurant and toilets by the cableway station, which serve as the main shelter and refuge. Emergency help can be sought through the park's emergency number and the cableway staff at the top.