Platteklip Gorge
When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them.
Beat the heat with a sunrise start on Table Mountain's classic Platteklip Gorge route, with a registered local guide, then ride the cable car down. Private hike; hotel pick-up for up to 3 guests.
The day
- Hotel pick-up or meet at the trailheadWe collect up to 3 guests from their hotel about 15 minutes before sunrise and bring them back afterwards. Any additional guests, and larger groups, meet us at the Platteklip Gorge trailhead on Tafelberg Road at sunrise. After a safety briefing we start up the gorge.
- Up Platteklip GorgeA steady climb up the stone path through the great cleft in Table Mountain's front face, about 2 hours with regular rests. The view opens up behind you over the City Bowl, Lion's Head and the harbour.
- On top of Table MountainAt the top we leave the cable station crowds behind and follow the paths along the edge of the plateau to viewpoints over Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic, with time for photos and your own snack.
- Cable car downWe ride the cable car down from the upper station, with the city spread out below the rotating cabin. If wind closes the cableway, we walk back down Platteklip Gorge instead and refund the cable car fare.
- Back to the startA short walk along Tafelberg Road returns us to the trailhead. Guests who were collected are dropped back at their hotel.
Platteklip Gorge is a private guided hike in Cape Town (Table Mountain) for up to 8 guests: half day (4 h), with pick-up and drop-off included, from R2,100 per person.
Questions about this tour
How fit do I need to be?
Challenging: Steep and long, with ladders or scrambling. Good fitness needed.
What if the weather is bad?
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Is there a backup plan?
If wind closes the cableway, we walk back down Platteklip Gorge instead and refund the cable car fare.
Where is pick-up?
At your hotel in the Jimny, for up to 3 guests; others meet us at the Platteklip Gorge trailhead on Tafelberg Road. Meeting point: Platteklip Gorge trailhead, Tafelberg Road. Parking is along Tafelberg Road, or come by rideshare.
Do we sign an indemnity?
Yes. When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them. Parents or guardians accept it for anyone under 18.
What time do we start?
Starts at sunrise; pick-up about 15 minutes before; exact time confirmed by message.
Can more than three of us come?
Yes, up to 8. Hotel pick-up in the Jimny covers up to 3 guests; everyone else meets us at the Platteklip Gorge trailhead on Tafelberg Road.
What guests say about Geoff
“Geoff was also always helpful, patiently took photos and answered every question. We highly recommend him!”
“We really enjoyed the climb up Lion's Head, and it was definitely a highlight of our stay in Cape Town.”
“Geoff made me feel very comfortable, guided me calmly through all the tricky sections and was so patient!”
Price per person
Included
Private guided hike for your group onlyProfessional guide (nationally registered, Wilderness First Responder certified)Hotel pick-up and drop-off for up to 3 guestsOne-way cable car ticket down (refunded if the cableway closes)First-aid kitTable Mountain National Park access (no fee for the Platteklip Gorge route)Bring
At least 2 litres of water each (it's a hot, exposed climb)Your own snacks (no food or drinks are included)Comfortable hiking shoes with good gripA warm, windproof jacket (it is much colder on top, especially at dawn)Sun hat and sunscreenSmall backpackCamera or phoneNot included
Transport to and from the trailhead for guests beyond the first 3Food and drinks (none are included, including at the upper cable station)GratuitiesTravel insuranceKnow before you go
- Good fitness required: around 2 hours of steep, sustained climbing on stone steps.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not recommended for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Table Mountain weather changes fast. Hikes may be rescheduled or cancelled in high wind, heavy rain or poor visibility. If the cableway closes, we walk back down the way we came and refund the cable car fare.
- The hike starts at sunrise. Hotel pick-up is about 15 minutes before sunrise; guests meeting at the trailhead meet us there at sunrise. Geoff will message you your exact pick-up (or meeting) time before the hike.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for up to 3 guests. Any additional guests, and larger groups, make their own way to the Platteklip Gorge trailhead on Tafelberg Road; parking along the road fills up early, so arrive 15 minutes before the start or come by rideshare.
- No food or drinks are included; bring your own water and snacks.
Meeting point (if you're not collected): Platteklip Gorge trailhead, Tafelberg Road. Parking is along Tafelberg Road, or come by rideshare.
Cancellation and weather
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Bookings close 24 hours before the start.
Private hikes: one group per day. Geoff is the only guide, so once a date is booked, no other tour runs that day.
Hikes may be rescheduled or cancelled in high wind, heavy rain or poor visibility.
If wind closes the cableway, we walk back down Platteklip Gorge instead and refund the cable car fare.
Safety
Registered guide (WC14954), Wilderness First Responder, route chosen for the day's conditions.