There are a few ways up Table Mountain, and some are certainly more difficult than others.
I decided to take the easy(ish) way up. Of course, the really easy way would be the cable car, but I consider that cheating! There are, however, some good views of the cable car on the India Venster route, as seen below.
The simple and least difficult hike is via Platteklip Gorge. This is accessible via the road from the visitor center and us about a 5km hike to get to the top. The views from the top on a clear day are very good. I obviously had a very nice day, but I’m told that when there are clouds, they can easily cover the city and you will see nothing.
There is a nice, and fairly inexpensive cafe on the top, as well as a souvenir shop and a postbox. Apparently when you use this postbox, the postcards get stamped as Table Mountain.
After eating, I decided that the hike up was too easy, so I had been told by a guide that I met along the trail to try the harder route on the way down. The trail begins with a rather ominous warning sign.
It’s fairly clear that they do not want inexperienced hikers taking the trail, and for good reason. There are several sections which are straight down with hand holds they have put into the rock. I think if I were to do this again, I would recommend going up this way and down the easier route. All in all though, it’s a pretty great, but challenging hike. Don’t forget to take enough water.
About 1km after the warning sign, you get a reminder, which I think is the best hiking sign I have ever seen.
