Put Your Feet On The Table

Table Mountain is a hiking wonderland: a wilderness right in the middle of the city. But not all hikes are created equal. Some are more fun than others, or the trail is better maintained. These are our favourite – and most are free!

- Sven Hugo, Marguerite Hofmeyr, Esma

THE CLASSIC THREE

SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE

From October to April, the weather in Cape Town is perfect for paragliding. There are two spots where you can paraglide, either in tandem or on your own after completing a course: One is halfway up Lion’s Head and the other is on Signal Hill.

Fly Cape Town Paragliding R1 300 per person 082 851 7119; flycapetown.co.za

Table Mountain Paragliding R1 400 per person 066 427 1589; tmparagliding.com

Cape Town Tandem Paragliding R1 400 per person 082 881 4724; parapax.co.za

Platteklip Gorge 2 km

Don’t let the name fool you – this climb is anything but plat (flat). Although it’s the safest route to the top of Table Mountain – straight up the northern face – many hikers have run into trouble, usually because of the lack of shade. Hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the sun.

The first 300 m section ascends through fynbos along a stream, to a junction with the contour path. Follow the contour path to the left for about 100 m, to where the Platteklip Trail goes up on the right. From here, the zigzag route to the top is clearly visible.

There is no shade for the next 500 m. Don’t rest in the sun – rather push through to the rock face a few hundred metres further. The final section is straight up the gorge, but the cliffs cast a cool shadow. In winter there are usually streams of water running down the rock faces.

Where? The trailhead is on Tafelberg Road, 1,5 km past the Lower Cable Station. Look for a parking area next to the road.

Kasteelspoort 5 km