Maclear's Beacon

Know before you go

• Cable car required — factor in ride time and queuing, especially on busy weekends.
• One short chain-assisted descent section en route to the beacon.
• The least-visited part of the summit plateau — solitude and an eastern viewpoint most visitors miss.

If you need help

Plateau hikers occasionally lose the path in mist and wander toward cliff edges. The eastern end of the plateau (near the beacon) is less trafficked — carry sufficient water and a fully charged phone.

Emergency exit

Platteklip Gorge descent is the primary emergency exit from the plateau. Well signposted from the top of the gorge.

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

Good across the plateau.

Start point

Parking: Lower Cableway parking on Tafelberg Road. Pay-and-display.

Elevation profile

Best time of year

Avoid days with strong south-easter — cable car closes and plateau goes into cloud.

Tell someone where you are going

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