- Table Mountain From V&A Waterfront - Wynand Van Niekerk
South Africa is a popular travel destination. Travellers from Europe, North America and other first-world countries journey to this leading African democracy to encounter its awe-inspiring wildlife. The five most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa can all be found here – the lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard and the rhinoceros.
The other major South African tourist attraction is the city of Cape Town, majestically overlooked by world-famous Table Mountain. Many hiking trails abound on Table Mountain, some of which may require the services of a qualified mountain guide.
Table Mountain Hiking Trails
Table Mountain is an estimated 520 million years old. The first human inhabitants of the Western Cape many thousands of years ago, the Khoi, named it Hoeri ’kwaggo (“sea mountain”). The mountain does seem to rise up out of the ocean. António de Saldanha, the first European to set foot on the shores of Cape Town named it Table Mountain because of its flat top. He climbed it in 1503 and many others have followed him.
Table Mountain, a Natural World Heritage Site, is an open access national park affording hikers and ramblers the opportunity to explore its rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora. The mountain landscapes are arguably the finest in the entire world.
Mountain Hiking Safety Tips
Hikers most often ascend Table Mountain following the most traditional and accessible route, Platteklip Gorge, which takes anything from 2 to 3.5 hours depending on fitness levels. Many hikers will enjoy the spectacular views from the top before descending via the aerial cableway, which has transported over twenty million people to the summit since 1929, or back down Platteklip Gorge.
There are many more stunning hiking trails to choose from, but whatever option you settle on, common safety tips apply:
- Hiking alone is dangerous. Hike with at least one other person.
- Don’t venture off the path. Established hiking trails around Table Mountain are well maintained and clearly signposted. Take a map.
- Always carry enough water with you.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and always take along a fleece-lined sweater and windbreaker as the weather can turn very quickly on the mountain.
- Sunscreen and a hat are advisable in the harsh South African sun.
Table Mountain Guided Hikes
Hikers who are not careful endanger their lives. People have died on Table Mountain due to recklessness or avoidable accidents. Employing the services of a qualified mountain guide is a good idea if you are more adventurous and would like to explore some of the lesser-known trails on the mountain.
HeadStraight is one of several professional outfits in the Western Cape offering credible and trustworthy services to both novice and seasoned hikers. HeadStraight was started by Greg Andrews in 2008 as a way of bringing together his lifelong passion for the mountains and a gift for helping people conquer figurative and real mountains. Greg is also an avid rock climber and keen mountain trail runner. Whether it’s a leisurely and informative walk around the mountain you’re after or a more extreme activity such as rock climbing, a professional and licensed guide such as Greg Andrews is a prudent option for the discerning Table Mountain hiker.
Popular Hiking and Leisure Activities in Cape Town, South Africa
Professional Guided Mountain Hikes in Cape Town, South Africa
Marc de Chazal - Marc de Chazal is a writer and editor living in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa. Visit his professional blog to view ...
