Table Mountain NP
Platteklip Gorge
Hard
Open: Standard conditions
Distance3km
Time2.5 - 3 hrs
Gain700m
Summit1067m
Critical warning
Extreme heat danger. The gorge acts as an oven in summer — enclosed with little shade and no breeze. Do not attempt after 10 AM between December and March.
Know before you go
The most direct route up Table Mountain. Well-marked with signage. The gorge receives no afternoon shade in summer. Cable car descent available at the top.
Rescue history
Highest incident rate on Table Mountain for heatstroke and exhaustion. Hikers consistently underestimate the unrelenting gradient. No flat sections — it is steep from start to summit.
Cell signal
Spotty. Drops halfway up.
Emergency exit
None. Once past the halfway mark, it is often faster and safer to push to the top than to descend.
Access point
Tafelberg Road (past cableway)