Table Mountain rises 1,085m directly behind the city centre. You can be at the trailhead twelve minutes after leaving a café, which is precisely why people get into trouble on it.
The three main routes
Platteklip Gorge — the direct route, 2–3 hours, relentless stone steps up a cleft in the front face. No scrambling, no exposure, no shade. The safest ascent for most people and the least interesting.
India Venster — 2.5–3 hours, with genuine scrambling and exposure, including chain-assisted sections. Spectacular and not suitable in wet weather or for anyone uneasy with heights.
Skeleton Gorge — from Kirstenbosch on the eastern side, through indigenous forest, with ladders and a stream bed. Longer, greener and much cooler on a hot day.
The cable car
Runs from around 08:00 to sunset and closes frequently for wind — sometimes at an hour's notice, sometimes for days. Check the live status before starting a walk you intended to descend by cable car, and always carry enough water and warm clothing to walk down.
Timing
Start at first light. Summer temperatures on Platteklip after 10:00 are brutal, and the south-easter typically strengthens through the afternoon.
Safety
Walk in a group where possible, particularly on the quieter eastern routes, and follow local advice about which trails to use. The mountain has an active volunteer rescue service; save its number before setting out.
For the rest of the city, see the Cape Town destination guide.