Summer temperatures 27C(77F) (average)Start at 400m climb to 1000m
This climb starts on Tafelberg Rd 1km past the lower cable station. Clear signposting. The initial ascent is up a rocky path which winds up to the contour path at 500m, with a waterfall on your right. Shady resting place at the junction with the contour path. The image opposite shows the climb route from the contour path up.
Be prepared for a stiff climb from here with no respite! At least 800 steep rock steps to mount with the path zigzagging up thru the gorge.Allow 1.5 hours to the top although some will do this in much less. At the top there is a further short climb onto the front table and 500m walk to the upper cable station and restaurants! Remember to take plenty of water and have some warm clothing handy...it can get quite chilly high in the gorge. The very fit will return via the same route!!! Otherwise its down with the Cable Car...an experience all on its own.
Be prepared for a stiff climb from here with no respite! At least 800 steep rock steps to mount with the path zigzagging up thru the gorge.Allow 1.5 hours to the top although some will do this in much less. At the top there is a further short climb onto the front table and 500m walk to the upper cable station and restaurants! Remember to take plenty of water and have some warm clothing handy...it can get quite chilly high in the gorge. The very fit will return via the same route!!! Otherwise its down with the Cable Car...an experience all on its own.
Looking up from the contour path, this is how the gorge appears on the West face of Table Mountain...an imposing sight! A world famous climb popular with locals and visitors.
Don't be deceived by the apparent slow incline....its pretty steep from here!!
Abundant flora all around in late Spring...here a magnificent example of Pelargoniums!!
Here again is a striking representative of our indigenous 'fynbos' Erica species.
As you reach the top of the gorge between the rock faces, pause and look back through the natural arch at the city and bay spread out below.
This is the view you will have from the front table looking south towards the back table and Hout Bay in the distance.