Hike the route of the original explorers to the top of the Front Table.

The trail offers spectacular views all the way to the top with Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head flanking the mountain on either side. Take time to marvel at the views over Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City of Cape Town while also admiring the fynbos (the indigenous vegetation) and the awesome rock face of the gorge. At the top of the gorge a short 10 minute walk takes one to the cableway where plenty of time is allowed to take in the unrivalled panorama in all directions – look down on the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and south over the Cape Peninsula and the majestic Twelve Apostles.

There are normally a few friendly dassies (rock hyrax) to photograph before we take a ride down in the revolving cable car back to our start point. Allow 3- 4 hours for this route.

This walk may be extended to include a 1 ½ hour walk to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. This is a circular route which takes in the whole of the Central Table – well worth the extra effort.

This point to point walk across Table Mountain starts from Kirstenbosch Gardens.

An easy stroll through the gardens takes us to the steeper ascent of the gorge. Once in the gorge we are surrounded by magnificent indigenous forest which provides us with welcome shade. We walk close to the stream to the half way point where there are a couple of ladders to tackle and a rockfall to scramble over. Nearing the top the trees thin out allowing us views over False Bay and the Constantia Valley all the way to the Hottentot Holland Mountains. Breakfast rock signals the top of the gorge and from here we hike along the eastern flank of the mountain to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point. Here there are spectacular views over the whole of the Table Mountain chain all the way to Cape Point.

See typical mountain fynbos, some interesting rock formations and maybe a sunbird or even a sugarbird. At the beacon, Table Bay, Robben Island and Devil’s Peak take us by surprise as we realise we have crossed the mountain. Here we take a well earned break before walking across the Central Table with the City of Town, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill soon coming into view . An hour from the beacon we arrive at the cableway station with still plenty of time to visit the various viewing platforms and look for a dassie. Then we make our way down in the revolving car to Tafelberg Rd.

This scenic route starts from Camps Bay and ascends on the western or Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain.

Admire the majestic 'Apostles' before starting the more serious hike up the gorge. Stop to take in the panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, palm lined beach of Camps Bay, Lion's Head and Robben Island.

On reaching the top discover the old cableway and railway and pose if you dare for a dramatic photo shot.

We now make our way to the Front Table - still a way up passing through the Valley of the Red Gods and Valley of Isolation. Take time to admire the intricate rock formations, pristine fynbos and breathtaking views. Arriving opposite Fountain Peak between the Central and Western Tables we are now at the top and have earned well deserved break before catching the cableway down.

For those not wanting to exert themselves this is a good option to explore the quieter parts of Table Mountain without the effort.
Ascend by cableway and hike to Maclears Beacon, the highest point, with its incredible panoramic views.. Admire the unusual landscape and look down on the lower Back Table with its 5 reservoirs stretching all the way to Cape Point.

The return route is closer to the edge with views over the city, Robben Island and Table Bay. Marvel at the intricate rock formations and with luck see a Rock Kestrel hovering overhead. Spend some time at the various viewpoints before descending by cableway.

This route may be extended to Echo Valley with some descent and ascent - additional time 1 hour.

Exploring the Back and Front Tables and three hidden valleys, this full day hike allows you to appreciate the true beauty of Table Mountain.

Ascend Kasteelspoort from the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain and pause to admire the Atlantic coastline, Lion's Head and Camps Bay. Once at the top of the gorge hike through the three valleys with their lichen covered rocks and formations en route to Maclear's Beacon, the highest point. Now on the flat plateau easy walking takes us to our lunch spot on the edge overlooking the panorama of the city, Table Bay and the western coastline.

After lunch continue along the plateau to the top of Patteklip Gorge and descend this route (time permitting) or if you prefer by cableway.

Get off the beaten track and explore on foot this magnificent nature reserve situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Avoid the bus tours and crowds and arrive early to experience the isolation and exquisite coastline. Visit the lighthouses and walk to the Cape of Good Hope and recall the voyages of the sailors of a bygone era who first rounded this point.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Buffels Bay before the 2 hour circular hike to Kanonkop, a great viewpoint and site of an old signal canon – chances are you will see no one as you admire the panorama across False Bay, to Cape Point and all of the reserve to the Atlantic Ocean.

Spot a variety of birds and also bontebok, eland and zebra and even an ostrich or two. On leaving the reserve stop off at Boulders Beach to view the African Penguins before returning to your hotel in the city.