Guide to Hiking Table Mountain (As a First-Time Hiker)
I had zero hiking experience, and yet I chose Table Mountain in Cape Town as my very first hike.
Ambitious? Definitely.
Worth it? Absolutely!
There are about five main trails you can take to hike Table Mountain, each with varying levels of difficulty. I chose Platteklip Gorge, which is rated 3 out of 5 in difficulty and typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
Choosing the Route & Booking the Hike
Locals call Platteklip one of the less scenic routes, but for a beginner like me, it was perfect. I booked a guided hike through GetYourGuide, and my guide picked me up directly from my hotel. Our small group of five hikers set off at 6:00 AM, hoping to beat the sunrise to the summit.
You can book this activity here
The Ascent Begins
Our hike started inside the park at an elevation of about 350 ft. After a quick safety briefing from the guide, we were off.
As we climbed, we saw other hikers in the distance — tiny figures ahead of us — and we were excited to eventually reach their height. Experienced hikers breezed past us, barely breaking a sweat. One local man, in his 50s, told us he hikes the mountain twice a day. He looked incredibly fit.
Midway Struggles and Slow Progress
About an hour in, one member of our group started struggling. The guide offered them the option to take the cable car up, but they were determined to finish the hike. Because of this, our overall journey took about 4.5 hours instead of the expected 2.5.
Still, the view gradually expanding as we climbed, Cape Town sprawling out in front of us was more than enough motivation to keep going.
The Wall Hits (and the Runners Appear)
At around the 2.5-hour mark, I hit a wall. My quads were screaming, my legs felt like jelly, and I started questioning why I was even doing this.
That’s when we encountered trail runners, yes, people who run this steep trail, sometimes multiple times in a single day. They shout “trail runner!” as they approach so you can safely step aside. One man ran past us with two dogs, and we were told this was his second time on the route that morning!
The Summit & The Reward
We took several breaks for water and snacks along the way. By the time we reached the summit, all the aches and pain melted away.
The views were stunning. The sense of accomplishment? Even better. I took in the moment, snapped some photos, and felt like I could conquer the world.
I took the cable car down and the views were equally stunning. Be prepared for a long wait though, depending on the time of the day. The cable car can only hold a certain number of people at a time, so we had to wait in line in the sun, so pack your sunscreen and reapply as needed!
What You’ll Need to Hike Table Mountain
If you’re thinking about doing this hike, especially as a beginner, here are some essentials you must bring:
- Sunscreen
Non-negotiable. The sun gets intense as the day progresses. - Hat or UV Sleeves
If you don’t want to apply sunscreen to your arms, wear UV sleeves and a hat to protect your face. - Refillable Water Bottle
Fill it at your hotel. Pace yourself, too much too quickly and you’ll be looking for a bathroom (there isn’t one on the trail!). - Lightweight Snacks
Choose high-energy, nutritious snacks. Don’t overpack, every ounce adds to your burden. - Electrolyte Drinks
Bring a small bottle of something like Gatorade to replace the electrolytes you’ll sweat out. - Small Backpack
Carry your essentials, but keep it light and compact. - Proper Hiking Shoes
If you’re not an experienced hiker, wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Some locals hike barefoot, but don’t try that. The terrain is rocky and uneven. - Comfortable, Breathable Clothes
Avoid jeans! Opt for moisture-wicking activewear. Bring a light jacket in case it gets windy at the top.
Final Thoughts
This was a challenge I’m so glad I took on. If you’re thinking about hiking Table Mountain, I say: do it early in your trip. It sets an amazing tone for the rest of your visit.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experience, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
