TREKS – CAPE MOUNTAIN TREKS 

Hoerikwaggo Trail 

(Cape Point to Table Mountain)

The Hoerikwaggo Trail is a spectacular, green flag multi-day hiking trail in the Table Mountain National Park, stretching from Cape Point to Table Mountain and can be tailored to suit the needs, interests, time availability and fitness level of the client. The Hoerikwaggo Trail typically is 5-days long, however we can arrange for an additional 2-days of hiking, creating a 7-day trek. If time is a factor, the trail may be done in sections, such as hiking for 2-days from Table Mountain to Silvermine. The trail covers up to 110km depending on the length you choose, and may be walked either starting in Cape Town and ending at Cape Point, or the other way round. This epic hiking trail gives the trekker a real perspective for the landscape and topography of the Cape Peninsula. A wide array of Cape Town’s highlights and landmarks are experienced, from Cape Point lighthouse and walking the white sands of Noordhoek Beach, to wandering through indigenous Afromontane forests and standing atop Table Mountain’s summit.

Doing the full 7-day Hoerikwaggo Trail / Cape Peninsula Trek option can be physically demanding, especially when carrying all your hiking gear and food. Taking the slackpacking option, where we transport your gear and food to the accommodation each day, is the ideal way to make the most of this long trek.

Overnight at the beautiful SANParks tented camps which provide fixed sleeping structures with comfortable beds. The camps have hot water showers, lighting, a fridge, and stove, kettle, and microwave as well as braai facilities. When doing the 7-day trail option, 5 nights are spent in SANParks facilities with 1 additional night at a private guesthouse/backpackers. The use of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for either the ascent of descent of Table Mountain is weather dependent and up to you as the client. Food requirements as well as transportation of passengers and luggage, can be arranged on request.

Duration: 2-7 days

Prices on request 

 

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Lion’s Head

(Cape Town)

Beginning on Signal Hill Road, this spiralling, short, steep climb is extremely rewarding with 360 degree views of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, the Twelve Apostles, the Mother City and the Atlantic Seaboard. In winter the distant Boland mountain range can often be seen capped in a blanket of snow and in spring the slopes of Lion’s Head are adorned in a wonderful display of floral beauty. This moderate to strenuous hike, with some exposure to heights, is ideal as a late afternoon trip and is perfect for soaking up a summer sunset and a rising full moon from the summit. 

At Table Mountain Treks and Tours we want you to get the best experience. If you want to tackle Lion’s Head a little more adventurously we can take you up the B-grade scramble route which sees far fewer people using the trail. Pass Wally’s Cave, and more while tackling South Africa’s most popular peak. Lion’s Head makes for the perfect sunset hike…and a fantastic sunrise summit option too! 

Duration: 3.5 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

 

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Platteklip Gorge

(Table Mountain)

This is the most popular, quickest, oldest and the busiest route to the top of Table Mountain (the upper cable station) even with being a moderate to strenuous ascent. The hike starts at the lower cable station with a short ascent to the Contour Path, which will be followed until the crystal clear stream in Platteklip Gorge is reached. After passing by indigenous trees such as Wild Olive, Silky Bark and Red Alder, the winding climb is enjoyed at a leisurely pace all the while taking in the awesome views over the Mother City, the beauty of the fynbos, birdsong and the majesty of the mountain. Once at the top, traverse the Upper Table to Maclear’s Beacon (1084.6m AMSL), before heading across to the cable car.

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: R750.00pp* 

 Descent via cable car

 

 

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India Venster

(Table Mountain)

This challenging and spectacular ascent on the north face of Table Mountain offers stupendous views over the Mother City, Kloof Corner, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay. Visit the famous “Window” which together with India Ravine gives this route its name. This is a moderate to strenuous hike with some rock scrambling and exposure to heights. In March, spot the Guernsey Lily possibly being pollinated by the Mountain Beauty butterfly while scanning the awesome, rugged cliffs. A hike traversing the Front Table to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the Table Mountain Chain, is an optional extra. 

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: R850.00pp*

Descent via cable car

 

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Maclear’s Beacon and Echo Valley

(Table Mountain)

After ascending via cable car, this easy to moderate, awe-inspiring and scenic hike, initially traverses the entire length of the Front Table to Maclear’s Beacon (1084.6m AMSL), the highest point on the Table Mountain Chain. The trail eventually passes through Echo Valley via the Smuts Track which overlooks the eastern, forested slopes. After enjoying a stunning view overlooking Hout Bay in the distance and two of the larger reservoirs on the Back Table, the trail ascends gradually to the Front Table and to the upper cable station for the descent via cable car. Disas, of the Orchid family, can be seen from December until February along this route. 

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

Ascent & descent via cable car

 

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Kasteelspoort

(Table Mountain)

This is a moderate to strenuous hike with mild exposure to heights however the first section, along the Camps Bay pipe track, is easy and shady in the early morning. Ascending Kasteelspoort, along the Twelve Apostles, is very rewarding with great views of Camps Bay and Lion’s Head. After a visit to the site of the old cable way at the top of the ravine, the trail of the old railway track is followed to the Waterworks Museum which houses the steam train (1898). From the Back Table the trail rises to Echo Valley with great views over two of the larger reservoirs before overlooking the Mother City and the Atlantic.

Duration: 5-6 hours

Cost: R850.00pp*

Descent via cable car

 

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Skeleton Gorge

(Table Mountain)

This moderate to strenuous hike, with slight exposure to heights, starts off with a leisurely walk through the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. The contour path is soon reached before ascending Skeleton Gorge via a cool, running stream, magnificent indigenous Afro-montane forest and a few sturdy timber ladders. Once at the top of the gorge, the Smuts Track is followed to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain, offering stunning views in all directions. After walking the entire length of the Front Table, the upper cable station is reached for the descent.

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: R850.00pp*

 Descent via cable car

 

 

 

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Devil’s Peak

(Cape Town)

This awesome hike ascends steeply to the Peak (1001m AMSL) via the King’s Blockhouse, old Fire Lookout, Mowbray Ridge and the Knife Edge with breath-taking views towards Table Bay, False Bay and the distant Boland mountains. The descent is via the northern slopes or alternatively, after reaching the Saddle, via the forested Newlands Ravine and Contour Path. This is a strenuous hike with some rock scrambling and much exposure to heights. The direct route to the summit is followed, which adds a special element to the hike…narrow traversing above Newlands and some fun rock scrambles. The views are unique, and the summit of Devil’s Peak offers a different perspective of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. 

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: R850.00pp*

 

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Chapman’s Peak

(Noordhoek)

Starting on the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, this moderate to strenuous hike with slight exposure to heights offers the most spectacular views over Hout Bay and Noordhoek Beach with its turquoise sea, rugged scenery, interesting fynbos and a variety of bird species. Once at the summit there are panoramic views of the Peninsula which include the False Bay coastline, the Back Table and Kommetjie lighthouse.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

 

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Shipwreck Trail

(Cape of Good Hope)

This easy circular route, starting and ending at Olifantsbos, is suitable for all ages. Set in a tranquil area at the Cape of Good Hope, this hike has so much to offer in the way of history, beautiful rock formations, fynbos, game animals and birdlife. The remains of two shipwrecks (the Thomas T. Tucker and the Nolloth) and a military observation post dating back to WW2 are highlights along the way. 

Duration: 3.5 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

 

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Noordhoek Peak

(Silvermine)

Starting and ending at the Silvermine reservoir, this moderate circular hike has so much to offer especially in terms of scenic beauty, including magnificent views over Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, Noordhoek Beach and the False Bay coastline. Apart from the stunning fynbos and smaller bird species for instance Orange-breasted sunbirds, raptors such as the resident pair of majestic Verreaux’s (Black) Eagles may be seen. The return is via the skyline path to the viewing deck at the top of Blackburn Ravine. 

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

 

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Cave Peak

(Kalk Bay)

This route scales the relatively small peaks overlooking the picture-perfect Kalk Bay Harbour. Hike the cool, lush, south slopes of Cave Peak before tunnelling through Boomslang Cave to Echo Valley and onto Kalk Bay Peak via the Amazon Forest and the Amphitheatre before returning via Spes Bona Forest. Magnificent views of the False Bay coastline from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town as well as towards the distant, majestic, blue mountain ranges of the Hottentots Holland and Kogelberg.  This is a moderate hike with mild exposure to heights. 

Duration: 5 hours

Cost: R750.00pp*

 

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Swartkop

(Simon’s Town)

Beginning at Seaforth, just outside Simon’s Town, this scenic and adventurous climb up the front (eastern) face of this rugged peak along an off-trail route which involves minor technical skills (some ‘B’ grade rock scrambling) and the descent is via an old blockhouse at Blockhouse Gap. Views across False Bay to the Hottentots Holland and Kogelberg mountain ranges are dominant, while you get a great perspective of Simon’s Town, the Naval Harbour & Boulders Beach. The ascent is strenuous, with minor exposure to heights while the descent is moderate.

Duration: 5 hours

Cost: R850.00pp*

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*Further Information:

• All prices shown are for a group size of 2 persons.
• Price per person may be reduced depending on group size.
• Single person rates are R800.00 for up to 4 hours and R1000.00 for treks longer than 4 hours (as well as for India Venster).
• All transport is excluded from the prices listed; however we can arrange transport upon request.
• Lunch packs available:  Lunch pack & water – R150.00
                                     Snack pack & water – R100.00
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden entrance fee and Table Mountain National Park gate fees (Cape of Good Hope & Silvermine) are all excluded in the listed prices.
• Safety of the client is paramount, and should circumstances arise which would compromise this, the route may be altered at the discretion of the mountain guide.