The 5 Canyon Hikes in Cape Town That Earn Their Price

1.Table Mountain: Platteklip Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $93Our pick

Climb Table Mountain by the direct Platteklip Gorge route with a small group and an English-speaking guide such as Lynette, Nick, or Barry. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the strenuous ascent, then take the cableway down for views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, Robben Island, and Devil’s Peak.

“Paula was fantastic, she really took pace into consideration and was very knowlegeable about the trail and the nature surrounding the trail”

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2.Platteklip Gorge Half-Day Hike on Table Mountain

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · from $80Best value

You’ll climb Table Mountain by the direct Platteklip Gorge route with an experienced guide, capped at 10 people. Expect a steady, busy path, Cape Town and Table Bay views, central hotel pickup, water, and a snack. The cableway ride down costs extra.

“Well organised, collected direct from our hotel at the time agreed. Clear communication upfront.”

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3.Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 32 reviews · 3h 30m · from $93

Meet your English-speaking guide at Kirstenbosch and climb Skeleton Gorge through fynbos, shaded forest, ladders, and rocky stream beds. Guides such as Dohan, Tahir, Kieron, and Emily are praised for their plant, geology, and history knowledge. Allow 3.5 hours, or longer if your route is tailored.

“Un guide au top ! Compétent, calme et passionné par la nature. Il connaît chaque plante, chaque virage de Skeleton Gorge. Une vraie référence pour découvrir Table Mountain autrement.”

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4.3-Hour Table Mountain Hike via Platteklip Gorge

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 26 reviews · 4 hours · from $112

Climb Table Mountain’s original Platteklip Gorge route with an English-speaking guide and up to nine others. Expect steep stone steps, a rapid ascent, Cape Town and Table Bay views, and time at the summit. The cable car ride down costs extra and depends on weather and operation.

“No one showed up for this. I was standing alone in the dark on a quiet road. Tried contacting company by messaging and phoning and no response. Eventually after waiting 15min set off by myself. What a scam. Will expect a full refund, but suggest others steer clear.”

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5.Skeleton Gorge Hike to Table Mountain Summit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 5 hours · from $112

Join Dominic, Chai, or another local guide for a strenuous 5-hour climb from Kirstenbosch through Skeleton Gorge. Expect ladders, rocky sections, forest, fynbos, the historic dams, Maclear’s Beacon, and a long walk across Table Mountain to the upper cable station.

“This was one of the best hikes I have ever had! Dominic is very knowledgeable and he was super patient with me as I had to stop and take so many photos! What an absolutely beautiful hike. This is Cape Town at its best with definitely the best guide. I highly recommend the hike and Dominic!”

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