Desk Mountain is Cape City’s most well-known attraction and a must-visit place in Cape City. Mountaineering on Desk Mountain is an effective way to see town and its environment. The views from the highest are really spectacular. The best and quickest approach of attending to the highest is to take a cable automobile. Strolling up following one of many Desk Mountain climbing trails is a much more difficult however way more rewarding expertise. There are a number of routes going up in addition to a few stunning hikes on the highest of the mountain. Mountaineering Desk Mountain is without doubt one of the most fun issues to do in Cape City.
Advised excursions and actions
How lengthy is the Desk Mountain hike?
There are 5 official routes (Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, Kasteelspoort, and Diagonal) for climbing up Desk Mountain. The gap and time rely on the chosen path. The Skeleton Gorge is the shortest and the most well-liked route – 2,5 km. It takes between 1 hour and 1h30 min. to get to the highest.
Is Desk Mountain a tough hike?
Mountaineering Desk Mountain is difficult whatever the chosen route. The typical ascent (relying on the route) is between 600 m and 700 m. The descent is simply as tough because the ascent contemplating the rocky terrain and steepness of the paths.
Is it protected to hike alone?
- When you observe one of many in style routes or hike on the highest of Desk Mountain you need to be fairly protected.
- Don’t hike at night time time or late within the night in winter.
- When you select a lesser-used route, fairly go on the weekend when there are extra individuals.
- It’s higher to be a few individuals on the route particularly for those who hike on weekdays or low season.
- When you don’t wish to hike alone you’ll be able to be part of a guided tour up Desk Mountain. There are a number of excursions that observe totally different trails.
- Carry sufficient water, at the least 1l per individual there are not any water sources on the mountain till you attain the highest. The Skeleton Gorge is the one route the place you will get water alongside the best way.
Is it free to stroll up Desk Mountain?
Sure, climbing Desk Mountain is free. There isn’t a entrance charge to Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Skeleton Gorge is the one path the place you pay the doorway charge as a result of the route begins contained in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard. If you wish to use the aerial cable automobile to go up or down you’ll have to purchase tickets.
When is one of the best time for climbing?
Within the sizzling summer time months (December – February), early morning is one of the best time particularly for those who’re planning to stroll on one of many trails which might be uncovered to the solar similar to Platteklip or India Venster. There are numerous nice espresso outlets in Cape City positioned near Desk Mountain the place you’ll be able to have espresso and breakfast earlier than tackling the climb.
Evenings are an excellent time as properly simply make certain to not stroll any of the routes at midnight to your personal security. When you’re planning to make use of the cable automobile test for the wind it generally will get very windy in summer time and it doesn’t function on very windy days.
Our favourite months for climbing on Desk Mountain are November and March, total these are one of the best months to go to Cape City.
In cooler months (April – October) you’ll be able to stroll just about any time simply ensure you gained’t get numerous rain. It’s not good to be up Desk Mountain within the pouring rain. Clouds are one other factor to observe for. When you see large clouds on the highest of the mountain postpone your go to you may not have the ability to see something from the highest.
The right way to get to Desk Mountain?
Renting a automobile is the best approach of transferring round Cape City. When you’re a few individuals sharing a smallish automobile it gained’t be costly to hire a automobile for a few days.
Utilizing a hop-on-hop-off bus is another choice for attending to Desk Mountain. There are 4 totally different sightseeing routes together with one which goes to the Decrease Cable Automotive Station (the purple route) and one which goes to Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard (the blue route). A 2-day ticket contains 2 strolling excursions, a seal & harbor boat cruise, and a sundown bus. When you’re planning to go up or down with the cable automobile you should buy a mixed ticket that features the bus, the cable automobile, and a free metropolis strolling tour.
Desk Mountain cable automobile
You’ll be able to stroll up and down or for those who don’t really feel prefer it or don’t have sufficient time you can use the cable automobile a technique or return. Don’t fear about skipping the climbing half for those who take the cable automobile there are a few very good trails on the highest of the mountain. No matter which approach you select it’s best to undoubtedly embrace Desk Mountain in your Cape City itinerary.
The views from the cable automobile are wonderful, the ground rotates clockwise through the journey you get 360° panoramic views of Cape City. The cable automobile operates every day throughout summer time months (November to March) from 6.30 am (first automobile up) to 4 pm (final automobile up)/5 pm (final automobile down). You should purchase your tickets on-line.
- To go a technique (up or down) prices ZAR 220/US$12 for adults and ZAR 120/US$6 for youngsters.
- For a return ticket, you pay ZAR 395/US$22 (morning time); ZAR 340/US$19 (after 1 pm) for adults, and ZAR 195/US$11 (morning time), ZAR 170/US$10 (after 1 pm) for youngsters.
- When you’re planning to make use of the hop-on-hop-off bus you should buy a mixed ticket that features a return cable automobile journey. It’s the most suitable choice for those who’re not going to hire a automobile.
Prime 5 Desk Mountain climbing trails
Platteklip Gorge path
- Distance – 5,5 km return
- Time – 2 hours return
- Complete elevation achieve/loss – 650 m
- Start line – Tafelberg Highway, about 1,5 km previous the Decrease Cable Automotive Station in direction of Satan’s Peak.
- Ending level (on the highest) – 700 m away from the cable automobile station.
- Problem – 3 out of 5*
- Terrain – footpath, rocks, and boulders
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg highway (on the left) previous the Decrease Cable Automotive station there’s a parking spot proper initially of the path however it’s typically full.
*issue evaluating totally different Desk Mountain climbing trails with the 5 being essentially the most tough route up Desk Mountain.
Mountaineering Desk Mountain Platteklip Gorge with a tour
Highlights
- Good views of Cape City metropolis heart and its environment.
- The surroundings on the finish of the path.
Challenges
- The steep ascent from the very begin of the path.
- The primary a part of the route is uncovered to the solar with no shade to cover.
- The second a part of the path includes a little bit of climbing over the rocks.
- From the tip of the path on the highest, it’s one other 700 m to the cable automobile station.
Route description
- The route is fairly simple, there’s a signal initially of the path.
- A rocky path climbs up the mountain from the beginning.
- A zigzagging footpath part within the center.
- A steeper and a bit tougher climb within the second a part of the hike.
When you’re planning on doing climbing or different journey actions in Cape City it’s advisable to have journey insurance coverage that may cowl you in case one thing goes fallacious. Some climbing routes up Desk Mountain are fairly strenuous and might be harmful, particularly in dangerous climate situations. Make sure that to have applicable journey insurance coverage at the least for the times you’re planning on doing outside actions. We will suggest utilizing World Nomads insurance coverage firm, They specialise in protecting journey actions like climbing and diving. Their insurance coverage coverage could be very versatile it could actually cowl your complete journey or solely a selected day. It takes a few minutes to purchase it on-line at any time throughout your journey. Get an on the spot quote proper now!
India Venster path
- Distance – 4,3 km to Higher Cable Automotive station, a technique
- Time – 2-3 hours from the begin to the cable automobile, a technique
- Complete elevation achieve – 722 m
- Start line – Decrease Cable Automotive Station
- Ending level (on the highest) – 700 m away from the Higher Cable Automotive station.
- Problem – 5 out of 5, it’s essentially the most difficult and harmful route up Desk Mountain, not appropriate for youngsters or aged individuals.
- Terrain – rocks, boulders, occasional chains and ladders, footpath on the very finish of the path.
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg Highway earlier than or after Lowe Cable Automotive station.
Mountaineering Desk Mountain India Venster with a tour
Highlights
- This route has one of the best views of Cape City, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and plenty of different metropolis points of interest.
- A few wonderful look-out factors
- Weird rock formations and cliffs
- A lovely path alongside the cliff on the finish of the hike
Challenges
- A steep and lengthy ascent.
- The path is uncovered to the solar for essentially the most a part of the day there isn’t any shade to cover.
- Many very steep climbs over rocks utilizing ladders and chains.
- Some components of the route are fairly near the sting; generally it’s a bit scary if you must climb up.
*all path information together with elevation profiles and maps for the submit we obtained from our Garmin Fenix GPS watch. We love utilizing our watches for climbing and coaching.
Route description
- The route begins with a gradual footpath that takes you from the Decrease Cable Automotive station to the Counter path, the best half.
- There you’ll see an indication indicating the India Venster path and the primary yellow footprints (behind the signal).
- From there the path begins climbing up over the rocks and boulders however nothing hectic but only a steep ascent.
- Someplace within the center whenever you attain the rocky partitions of Desk Mountain you begin scrambling over rocks and ladders.
- The final half across the mountain is fairly stress-free on a footpath with one final climb.
- From the tip of the path, it’s one other 700 m on the highest of Desk Mountain to the higher cable automobile station.
When you’re searching for extra locations to hike in Cape City take a look at Cape Level climbing trails – breathtaking surroundings and unimaginable climbing expertise.
Skeleton Gorge path
- Distance – 7 km return
- Time – 2,5-3,5 hours up and down, relying on how briskly you stroll
- Complete elevation achieve/loss – 600 m
- Start line – Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard
- Ending level (on the highest) – 100 m away from Hely Hutchinson Reservoir.
- Problem – 3 out of 5
- Terrain – footpath, stairs, rocks, and boulders (some fairly slippery), picket ladders.
- Parking – there are two fairly massive parking areas inside Kirstenbosch Backyard.
Highlights
- Lovely Kirstenbosch Backyard; the sky bridge is to not miss right here.
- Beautiful lush inexperienced forest.
- Breathtaking views over Cape City and False Bay.
- White-sand seaside and a dam with chilly water.
Challenges
- An extended and fairly steep ascent from the beginning.
- A few picket ladders to beat.
- A slippery rocky path that may be a bit tough for strolling down.
Route description
- The path begins contained in the backyard and there are a number of indicators at totally different components of Kirstenbosch indicating the best way to Skeleton Gorge.
- The ascent begins from the start first you go up picket stairs, then on a footpath with occasional rocky steps.
- The second half of the path is extra tough and includes climbing over rocks and picket ladders.
- The final bit is on a footpath with stairs.
Diagonal/Kasteelspoort path
- Distance – 11,5 km loop together with distance to the diving board and again to the path.
- Time – 3h30min. loop
- Complete elevation achieve/loss – 680 m
- Start line – Kloof Nek parking on the turn-off to Tafelberg Highway
- Ending level (on the highest) – 200 m away from the Diving board
- Problem – 3 out of 5
- Terrain – rocky/gravel footpath, rocks, and boulders, rocky stairs
- Parking – Kloof Nek parking if there isn’t any area search for a spot alongside Tafelberg Highway.
Mountaineering Desk Mountain Kasteelspoort with a tour
Highlights
- Beautiful views of Camps Bay and Lion’s Head from a lookout level on the Diagonal route.
- Lovely panorama and bizarre-shaped rocks on the highest of Desk Mountain.
- The diving board is a small rocky cliff hanging above the abbey that in form reminds a diving board. It’s a tremendous photograph spot not for the faint-hearted.
Challenges
- A steep climb over rocks and boulders on the Diagonal path.
- A steep descent all the way down to the Pipe Monitor from the highest.
Route description
- It’s a loop path. The route begins throughout the highway from Kloof Nek parking.
- The primary half is on the Pipe observe, an easy and flat stroll across the mountain with good views over Camps Bay and Lion’s Head.
- At 2,7 km there’s the primary cut up, the left path (Diagonal) climbs up the mountain, and the left continues on the Pipe observe.
- The subsequent cut up is at 4,5 km, the left route is the Diagonal path, and the best route is the Kasteelspoort path.
- When you proceed on the Diagonal path you’ll attain the highest at about 5 km.
- From there proceed straight for about 400 m till you see the signal pointing to the Kasteelspoort path. Quickly after that, you’ll see one other cut up the route on the best goes down the Kasteelspoort path.
- You can begin happening however earlier than trying out the Diving board, it’s about 400 m forward on the Outdated Cable Automotive station.
- The best way down is sort of simple; you simply observe the Kasteelspoort path all the best way to the Pipe observe and from there proceed strolling again to Kloof Nek parking.
Maclear’s Beacon path
- Distance – 5,4 km return
- Time – 1h30min. – 2 hours, return
- Complete elevation achieve/loss – 150 m
- Beginning/ending level – Higher Cable Automotive Station in direction of Platteklip Gorge
- Problem – 1 out of 5
- Terrain – footpath, boardwalks, boulders
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg Highway close to Decrease Cable Automotive Station
Highlights
- Beautiful views of Cape Level, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, Strand, Gordons Bay, and so forth.
- Weird rock formations alongside the route.
- The attractive panorama on the highest of Desk Mountain
Challenges
- The one problem is the warmth, it will get extraordinarily sizzling in summer time and there’s no shade
It’s a straightforward stroll appropriate for vacationers with youngsters and aged individuals. The route begins at Skeleton Gorge, about 700 m from Higher Desk Automotive Station. There’s a steel plank indicating the best way to Maclear’s Beacon. The path is marked with yellow footprints and arrows, it’s simple to observe.
The route is flat with hardly any ascent or descent. It’s an important hike for individuals who don’t wish to endure one of many difficult routes up Desk Mountain however nonetheless wish to discover its high and do a straightforward hike. The views of the best way and from the beacon are fairly spectacular. You get to see the surroundings on the opposite facet of Desk Mountain that’s not seen from the cable automobile.
Higher Cable Automotive Station to Skeleton Gorge
- Distance – 4,8 km
- Time – 1h20min. – 2 hours
- Complete elevation achieve – 66 m
- Complete elevation loss – 395 m
- Start line – Higher Cable Automotive station
- Ending level – the highest of Skeleton Gorge close to Hely Hutchinson Reservoir
- Problem – 1,5 out of 5
- Terrain – boulders, boardwalks
This route is an extension of Maclear’s Beacon path. The beacon is about midway. It’s a pleasant route that gives very totally different from the cable automobile facet views. The panorama alongside the path is sort of wonderful with wired rock formations, slender passages between two rocks, and so forth. Proper after Maclear’s Beacon, it’s a regular downhill all the best way to Skeleton Gorge.
Nothing very steep or scary I’d say the route is appropriate for anyone. You don’t need to go all the best way to the gorge you’ll be able to simply stroll somewhat bit and switch round. The stroll to Skeleton Gorge and again to the cable automobile is about 10 km. The stroll again is tougher for extra particulars learn the outline beneath.
There are free guided walks on the highest of Desk Mountain that anyone can be part of. The assembly level is close to the exit from the espresso store. Excursions depart every day each hour from 9am to 3pm. These usually are not lengthy hikes totally on boardwalks close to the cable automobile station. In the course of the stroll, you study fascinating details about Desk Mountain and uncover one of the best photograph spots on the highest.
The floor of Desk Mountain is a large space with a few water reservoirs, in a single day huts, a number of climbing trails, and monuments. One can spend hours if not days strolling and exploring it. In a approach climbing on the highest of Desk Mountain jogs my memory of the Mount Roraima hike in Venezuela.
What to pack for climbing on Desk Mountain?
Locations to remain
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack fairly than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is an enormous fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.