Table Mountain, Cape Town · Western Cape

Platteklip Gorge hike

  • Distance3 km
  • Gradehard
  • Time 3 hours
  • DogsNot allowed
  • Map Directions
  • Official Conditions
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The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photograph, not this specific trail

Platteklip Gorge is the most direct route to the top of Table Mountain, climbing almost straight up the face of the mountain in a series of stone steps. SANParks rates it 1 hour for a very fit hiker up to 3 hours for a less-fit one. The route starts from Tafelberg Road near the Lower Cable Station, with paid parking that fills early on weekends. There is no SANParks pay gate at the trailhead itself. Dogs are not permitted on this route. There's very little shade and no water along the way, so it's a route to start early and carry plenty of water for. Contact the reserve for current trail conditions, or enquire below.

Questions

How hard is Platteklip Gorge?
Platteklip Gorge is graded hard and typically takes about 3 hours over 3 km. Difficulty grades are set by the reserve or operator, not a national standard — read the safety note on the listing before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Platteklip Gorge?
Dogs are not allowed at Platteklip Gorge.
Where do you park for Platteklip Gorge?
Paid parking at Tafelberg Road, fills early on weekends.
Where is the Platteklip Gorge hike?
On Tafelberg Road near the Lower Cable Station in Cape Town. SANParks rates the 3km stone-step climb at 1–3 hours. It reaches the Table Mountain plateau. There is no SANParks pay gate at the trailhead.
Where is Platteklip Gorge Cape Town?
Same trailhead: Tafelberg Road near the Lower Cable Station. Parking is paid and fills early on weekends. Dogs are not permitted.

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Nearby on the map

From this pin: India Venster 1.3 km; Pipe Track 2.5 km; De Waal Park 3.0 km; Lion's Head 3.4 km.

Hike at your own risk. Trail conditions change — weather, fire damage, water crossings and rockfalls can make a route unsafe with little or no notice. Distance, difficulty and other details here are compiled from public sources and may be outdated. Always verify current conditions with the relevant park or reserve authority before setting out, and hike within your own ability.