Platteklip Gorge
Also known as: Table Mountain direct
Straight up the face of Table Mountain to the plateau, with Cape Town, Table Bay and the Cape Peninsula below
The route
The line through Cape Town, South Africa - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round (early morning; avoid the midday heat and the SE "tablecloth" wind)
Fierce sun and heat on the climb, then wind/cloud on top; no water en route
Open year-round; dangerous in the strong SE wind or when cloud (the "tablecloth") covers the top. Confirm.
On the trail
A rocky staircase straight up the Platteklip gorge cleft
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
The gorge route is obvious; the plateau can cloud over fast - know the way to the cable station
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
The busiest route up Table Mountain
Descend by cableway or on foot; combine with the plateau paths to Maclear’s Beacon
Getting there & staying
Tafelberg Road below the gorge, above the city
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway down (paid; wind-dependent)
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Cape Town; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit to hike up; the Aerial Cableway down is paid (when running); free to descend on foot
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat/dehydration, the exposed plateau weather, mugging risk on quiet sections (go in groups), cloud navigation
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.