Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain National Park: Hours, Address, Platteklip Gorge Reviews: 5/5
Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip Gorge
5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Platteklip Gorge is a national park trail of Table Mountain. The route that takes you the most directly up to the Cableway. Learn more about the various routes of Platteklip Gorge hike which takes place on Table Mountain tours and visit our website.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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548 within 5 kms
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0.6 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
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103
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Con Brio Bistro
75
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757
3 km₱₱ - ₱₱₱ • Cafe • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
House Of Taste
4
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5.0
241 reviews
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6
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0
_Mags_NL
Luanda, Angola283 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We used this trail to hike down Table Mountain. It has beautiful views and is well sign posted. The trail is partly made of wire mesh around the rocks, in places this has come loose and is actually a tripping hazard. In parts, the trail is bounded by razor wire, which is also not very well-maintained (or necessary if you ask me!)
The trail is quite busy and also a popular route for going up. The trail is very clean and surrounded by beautiful fijnbos and a lot of bird life. The trail ends at the road but you can also continue through Dear Park with adds a nice forest section to the route.
The descent took about one and a half hours in good weather.
The trail is quite busy and also a popular route for going up. The trail is very clean and surrounded by beautiful fijnbos and a lot of bird life. The trail ends at the road but you can also continue through Dear Park with adds a nice forest section to the route.
The descent took about one and a half hours in good weather.
Written 9 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Suanne Mescken
Lenasia, South Africa5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
It was an experience to remember, a little cloudy on the day that I hiked up, but got to see a picturesque landscape so all worth it in the end. Oh and not forgetting the encouragement from all the hikers descending the mountain, beautiful people.
Written 14 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,128 contributions
Nov 2021
The trail through Platteklip gorge is the easiest way for hiking up to Table mountain. There are several ways to reach the gorge which actually is more like a gully in the upper part of the mountain. The trail is easy in the sense there are no technical obstacles. It involves no scrambling over rocks. The trail is well maintained. It is basically a staircase.
Most people start at the lower cable station (shorter in distance but a bit steeper). I took the contour trail starting at Kloof Corner, just 1 km away from the saddle at Kloof Nek where there is also a bus stop. Elevation difference between Kloof Nek and Kloof Corner is 80m. The contour trail is longer in distance, but perhaps more enjoyable as you can walk almost leisurely along the slopes of the mountain, before it gets steeper at Platteklip.
It took me 2½ hours to get from the Kloof Nek saddle to the top cable station. I spent the same time for descending to the saddle again (2½ hours as well), but I took more breaks. For me this was part of a hike from Green Point adding another 1 hour and 20 minutes to the hike. For returning to Green Point I took a bus from the sadlle at Kloof Nek. I am 67, but fit. I was not exhausted when I got home again.
Take some protection against the sun and bring water.
Most people start at the lower cable station (shorter in distance but a bit steeper). I took the contour trail starting at Kloof Corner, just 1 km away from the saddle at Kloof Nek where there is also a bus stop. Elevation difference between Kloof Nek and Kloof Corner is 80m. The contour trail is longer in distance, but perhaps more enjoyable as you can walk almost leisurely along the slopes of the mountain, before it gets steeper at Platteklip.
It took me 2½ hours to get from the Kloof Nek saddle to the top cable station. I spent the same time for descending to the saddle again (2½ hours as well), but I took more breaks. For me this was part of a hike from Green Point adding another 1 hour and 20 minutes to the hike. For returning to Green Point I took a bus from the sadlle at Kloof Nek. I am 67, but fit. I was not exhausted when I got home again.
Take some protection against the sun and bring water.
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GUINNESS835
Milwaukee, WI406 contributions
Oct 2021
We chose this trail because it was the shortest hike to the top. The trail itself is well marked and you won't get lost. It is a very steep trail with rock steps pretty much straight up. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of water as it can get hot because you are exposed to the sun for 80% of the hike. We went on a Wednesday and parked near the lower cableway. There is a trailhead to the right of the lower cableway which meets up with this trail. We found the trail to be busy, but not crowded. Be sure to know your physical capabilities before attempting this hike. We took the cableway down, but be warned it can close at any time mid high winds start and you should plan for enough time to hike down if necessary. Once you are the top, the views are amazing.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JJBuirski
Cape Town, South Africa230 contributions
Jul 2021
Trying to be too clever, I went up in the cable car and walked down Platteklip, instead of the other way around, and as could be expected, I saw my backside! It was still an experience to add to all our previous hikes here, with the stupendous views as awesome as ever. Met many people hiking up in unsuitable clothes and footwear, and with only a single small water-bottle (or none!) and the heat for much of the hike was past hot. Also met three groups of people with unleashed dogs - is this allowed here? While stepping down a high rock step I almost did myself a serious injury when an unleashed dog came running up, right where I was stepping. Please try to arrive as early as possible when hiking this route and carry lots of water.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Trevor W
Rustenburg, South Africa68 contributions
Apr 2021
Scenic hike up the mountain. It is well marked and well established. I wish people would take their rubbish with them though, we picked up quite a bit. I would not recommend the hike for unfit people, it is short but steep.
Written 22 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter I
North Yorkshire, UK425 contributions
Feb 2020
This is the most popular route up the mountain by foot and the views are spectacular. Allow a good two hours even if you're reasonably fit and the advice now is to not go up alone but join an informal group. Great sense of achievement when you get there. Walk down or take the cable car.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fredrik
Trollhattan, Sweden118 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Fantastic hike up the mountain! Took two hours to the top, harder than I thought so basic fitness required.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rix1604
Richards Bay, South Africa98 contributions
Feb 2020
If you do not know your fitness level think twice. Take lots of water and start early. If you want to come down with the cable car you can if it is open.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John D
Kendal, UK28 contributions
Feb 2020
It's described as the quickest route to the top. It's clearly the most direct, but the suggested times are applicable only to fit hikers in their 20s-30s. As an agile pensioner, it took me more than three hours including rest-stops, but that was in temperatures above 30 degrees.
Even when the cable car carpark is crowded, there's plenty of space at the entrance to the trail (but don't forget you're going to have to walk back here from the cable car if you choose the easy way down).
Great views all the way up and spectacular at the top, assuming you choose a clear day. Definitely recommend walking up and cable car down, especially for anyone who's had any knee problems at all. The ticket machine for the trip down isn't easy to find - it's ticked away on the RH side of the building as you queue.
The route consists mainly of large rock steps, with minimal shade until you're near the summit. Take plenty of water! The last section is very worn, but a "via ferrata" chain handrail actually makes this the easiest part of the hike.
Welcome shade in the cafe at the top, crowded with tour groups. On a Monday afternoon in summer, we had to queue for 40 minutes to get down (R200 fee), but the revolving cable car is a nice touch.
Even when the cable car carpark is crowded, there's plenty of space at the entrance to the trail (but don't forget you're going to have to walk back here from the cable car if you choose the easy way down).
Great views all the way up and spectacular at the top, assuming you choose a clear day. Definitely recommend walking up and cable car down, especially for anyone who's had any knee problems at all. The ticket machine for the trip down isn't easy to find - it's ticked away on the RH side of the building as you queue.
The route consists mainly of large rock steps, with minimal shade until you're near the summit. Take plenty of water! The last section is very worn, but a "via ferrata" chain handrail actually makes this the easiest part of the hike.
Welcome shade in the cafe at the top, crowded with tour groups. On a Monday afternoon in summer, we had to queue for 40 minutes to get down (R200 fee), but the revolving cable car is a nice touch.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Verena Engel
Isselburg, Germany
Hallo, wie würdest Du die Schwere des Trails beurteilen bis zum Contour Path?
Sil I
Florianopolis, SC46 contributions
note that there are two climbs, one lighter and one more difficult! the most difficult takes 4 hours to climb.
Utkarsh R
Bengaluru, India35 contributions
Hi
I am traveling to Cape Town with 4 friends. We want to hike to the top of the Table mountains using Platteklip Gorge. Do we need to hire a guide or is the trail marked to help tourists reach the top of the mountain? All of us are in early thirties and have moderate fitness. Please suggest. Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards
Utkarsh
Adriana Martini
London, UK58 contributions
Hi And I apologise for never answering as I have been out of action.
I hope your trip and climb was successful and I am sure you found that you definitely did not need special clothing.
Finding the start to Platteklip is easy. Drive as though you are going to the cable car entrance but just continue along the winding road and keep looking out on the right for the sign where you will find road side parking.
As you went in the winter, warmer clothing that you can layer, always lots of water no matter what the weather, decent trainers (hiking boots not necessary but of course you wear them), always a hat, and always a snack. It is for me a 1 hour walk but of course with children it is going to take much longer. Not sure what age would be easy for them to walk up but I have seen many of about 6 and upwards. Younger than that, I would suggest you need a carrier to be able to put them on your back (and you need to be strong enough).
Once you get to the top, it is quite obvious and this is where you turn to the right and follow the path along (which will take about another 15 - 20 min) to the cable car.
The cable car used cost R110 per person. It rotates all the way down so you get the most fabulous views.
Truly hope you had a wonderful time.
Pankti Choksi
Mumbai, India1 contribution
hello, We are a group of 6 adults and 3 kids aged 3, 3 & 6years. How could you help me with the activities like scootor ride and abseling etc.
Evan B
Cape Town Central, South Africa92 contributions
As much as I encourage exposing children to new experiences, table mountain is still a mountain and thus a dangerous place for children. Platteklip Gorge is far more strenuous than Lions Head and I would never take a small child up Lions Head. It only needs a few seconds of inattention for a really bad outcome. I would advise the Cable Car and then stay close to the Upper Station where it is mostly guard railed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Platteklip Gorge
- Platteklip Gorge is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Platteklip Gorge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Platteklip Gorge tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Platteklip Gorge:
- Table Mountain Hike at Sunrise (From ₱5,884.81)
- Hike Table Mountain. (From ₱5,127.15)
- Table Mountain Hike for Morning (From ₱5,950.08)
- Table Mountain Hike for Sunset (From ₱5,950.08)
- Table Mountain hike in the Afternoon (From ₱5,884.81)
- Hotels near Platteklip Gorge:
- (1.75 km) MannaBay
- (2.00 km) Atlantique Villa Camps Bay
- (2.23 km) Boutique @ 10
- (2.13 km) Redbourne Hilldrop Guesthouse
- (2.29 km) twentytwo
- Restaurants near Platteklip Gorge:
- (0.56 km) Table Mountain Cafe
- (2.74 km) The Hussar Grill Camps Bay
- (3.49 km) Miller's Thumb
- (2.75 km) Liquorice and Lime
- (3.05 km) The Black Sheep Restaurant