Kasteelspoort

Know before you go

• The most accessible ascent of the Twelve Apostles range — morning shade makes this a good summer choice.
• The Diving Board viewpoint at the top is one of Cape Town's most photographed spots.
• If descending via the cable car, allow extra time for the long traverse from Kasteelspoort to the upper station.

If you need help

Falls on the descent are the most common incident type. At least one helicopter hoist rescue has been carried out on this route. Hikers carried down have been reported in WSAR callout records.

Emergency exit

Return down the gorge the way you came. The Pipe Track at the base provides a safe, level exit to Kloof Nek.

The cableway closes in high wind and for annual maintenance — sometimes at short notice while you are on the mountain. When it is not running, the descent is on foot: Platteklip Gorge is the standard route down, about 2 hours from the upper station. Check that time against sunset before you commit to the summit. If dark is going to catch you on the mountain, call Wilderness Search and Rescue on 021 937 0300 before it does, not after.

Cell reception

Spotty above the Pipe Track. Improves near the summit plateau.

Start point

Parking: Roadside parking on Theresa Avenue. Free, but residential — be considerate.

Elevation profile

Best time of year

Morning shade makes this kinder than Platteklip in summer.

Treat or filter before drinking — never trust a stream raw.

• Kasteelspoort stream

  Winter and spring only

  Reliable May–October. Trickles or dries in late summer.

Tell someone where you are going

Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.