Hike Addicts
Table Mountain hike difficulty levels and Table Mountain hiking
Before a Table Mountain hike, one must know and understand the various Table Mountain hiking routes and Table Mountain hike difficulty levels. After all, you don’t want to commit to something that you will not enjoy or cannot do.
India Venster safety and difficulty
This blog discusses India Venster safety and difficulty and is written by a qualified guide from Hike Addicts. Hike addicts is a local Cape Town company that specialises in guided hikes up Table Mountain.
The Best hike up Table Mountain
The best hike up Table Mountain is India Venster. At the very least, it is one of the best Table Mountain hikes in Cape Town. The route takes approximately three hours to complete, covering a distance of close to three kilometres. This factors in rest breaks, an average fitness level and India Venster safety.
The Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town
No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of the Constantia Wine Route, a rich and diverse wine-making destination with many wonderful attractions. The structures on the estates here are grand and historic, the world-class wines are delightful and the astounding landscapes will take your breath away!
Constantia’s Wine Route hums with the sweet serenity of the Western Cape countryside. Its natural unspoilt beauty makes it the perfect escape from any bustling city. Conveniently, though, the wine farm gems of Constantia are just a short drive away from the Cape Town city centre. Less than 20 minutes.
A brief look at Constantia’s history and offerings…
Simon van der Stel, VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope built a Cape Dutch-style manor house and began to produce wine on the grounds of Groot Constantia. The land was granted to him in 1685. In addition to wine production, Van der Stel used the grounds to grow vegetables and begin cattle farming. After his death in 1712, the estate was divided into three – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet – and sold.
The part of the estate with Van der Stel’s manor house was sold to the Cloete family in 1779. Cloete upgraded the mansion. In addition, he planted extensive vineyards and added a wine cellar. In 1885, the estate, which had come to be known for its production of Constantia dessert wine, was sold to the government of the Cape of Good Hope. However, the house had to be restored following a devastating fire in 1925.
After becoming part of the South African Cultural History Museum in 1969 (the old manor house, that is), the Groot Constantia Trust took possession of the estate in 1993. Since then, several other Cape Town estates have joined Groot Constantia to form the lovely Constantia Wine Route. The original manor house now features an exhibition focusing on rural slavery and slave life during the Cape colonial period.
Estates that joined Groot Constantia include Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg and Constantia Glen. These are some of the best wine farms in Cape Town, each with their signature wines and unique history and tourist attractions in the Constantia Wine Region of the Cape Winelands. Eagles’ Nest, Silvermist Vineyards and Beau Constantia are other estates forming part of the scenic wine route.
As you might expect, wine tasting is a major reason why people visit the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town. And with so many fertile wine estates to explore, visitors are spoilt for choice. From award-winning dessert wines to full-bodied whites and premium red wine blends, Constantia has it all. Furthermore, one can enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and there are some fantastic restaurants on the estates.
Restaurants that serve mouth-watering foods in Constantia include Jonkershuis Constantia, Green Vine Eatery, Bistro Sixteen82, the Greenhouse at Cellars Hohenort, Tryn, La Colombe and Beyond Restaurant. The Bistro @ Klein Constantia, Chardonnay Deli and Blockhouse Kitchen are other food establishments that are well worth visiting. Eating and drinking isn’t all that there is to do on the Constantia Wine Route, though.
On a Hike Addicts Constantia Wine Tour, you get to explore five-star wine estates with lush sweeping vineyards and beautiful buildings steeped in history. You’ll learn about the wineries and get personal insights into how winemakers produce wines, as you sample them in the process. These are world-famous wines that you commonly find on public ‘best wine’ lists. As a tour bonus, you get to sample delectable foods.
Groot Constantia produces wine greats such as Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon, Gouverneurs Reserve Red and, of course, Grand Constance. Klein Constantia continues its tradition of producing the naturally sweet Vin de Constance. It also manufactures red blends like Anwilka and Petit Frère and various white and red “Estate” wines. Additionally, they offer an affordable “KC Range” on the Constantia Wine Route.
The Constantia Uitsig estate specialises in the production of the white wine favourites Sémillon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also make a selection of blends, namely Natura Vista, Red Horizon and Méthod Cap Classique. Buitenverwachting, which has a unique cool climate, produces rich Sauvignon Blancs and reds. Moreover, it has a “Vintage” range. These are just some of the wines available on a few estates.
Ready to discover the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town? Book a wine tour of Constantia through our website now. Alternatively, contact us if you have questions about the tour or would like to learn more.
The fastest hike up Table Mountain
The fastest hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town is Platteklip Gorge. It takes approximately two hours to hike the Platteklip trail, which covers a distance of two plus kilometres. This Platteklip Gorge hike time or Platteklip Gorge hike duration factors in rest breaks, safety and a moderate fitness level.
While a Platteklip Gorge hike is the quickest hike up Table Mountain, it is not the best hike up Table Mountain, in my opinion. Some folks might disagree, of course. The route is pretty much the least scenic on the mountain. This is because the angle of Platteklip Gorge greatly restricts views. Hikers do still get to enjoy sights of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean, though, and the rock formations on the way up are amazing.
As hikers may expect, the fastest hike up Table Mountain is the most direct route. However, the Platteklip Gorge walking route is not only the quickest but also the steepest hiking route up Table Mountain. You do need to be fit to hike this route. Technically, Platteklip is an easy hiking route, as there isn’t any scrambling or climbing. Still, it can be challenging, especially for hiking beginners, and it is often hot and crowded.
Platteklip gorge route is a stair-like route, better described as rocks and boulders in a stair like form. It is not our favourite route, but it beats the cable car. I generally recommend a more adventurous and exciting Table Mountain hike, one where you enjoy incredible views the entire way up. India Venster or Kasteelspoort are great examples of alternate hiking routes up Table Mountain that effectively do it justice.
If you really want the fastest hike up Table Mountain and are terrified of heights, then Platteklip Gorge is your route. Otherwise, consider a Skeleton Gorge hike or a Kasteelspoort hike. The best time to hike Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge trail is early morning. There is little shelter from the sun on Platteklip Gorge. The route heats up quickly as the sun rises over and around from the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
Have a safe Platteklip hike. Know what to take with you and how to go about planning a Table Mountain hike. Be aware of your limits, and more importantly, what you are getting yourself into. If you are not fit, then you may wish to opt for the cable car or take one of the many Table Mountain hiking routes that don’t go to the top but instead go around Table Mountain. A Table Mountain guided hike is always a good idea.
Want to hike the fastest hike up Table Mountain? Perhaps try the Skeleton Gorge route or Kasteelspoort hiking trail? Check out our Table Mountain hiking tours on our website or contact Hike Addicts here.
Table Mountain hike time info for hikers
In this post, I list popular hike routes on Table Mountain and provide information on the Table Mountain hike time, distances, difficulty levels and more. Hopefully you will find this helpful.
There are many tourists that simply want to tick this adventure off their bucket list and get up Table Mountain. They want the fastest hike up Table Mountain; they want to get it done! And fair enough, any Table Mountain hiking route is better than taking the cable car (hiking fanatic alert).
Table Mountain hiking route information
There are various hikes up Table Mountain in Cape Town but how does a hiker choose the right Table Mountain hiking route? Choosing the best Table Mountain hike for you and your group can be a little tricky. This is especially true if you are not a local hiker and/or aren’t familiar with the famous mountain.
Planning a Table Mountain hike
Ready to hike and conquer Table Mountain? Well, it begins with planning. In fact, planning is the most important part of your hike up Table Mountain in Cape Town. This blog guides you through the most significant hiking factors to document and research, with the goal of helping you plan a hike on the iconic mountain.
Information on the Table Mountain cable car
The Table Mountain cable car in Cape Town is one of the oldest, fastest means of getting up Table Mountain. It enables hikers to get up the mountain while avoiding rugged, rough terrain. Since its inception, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has continued to evolve, consistently providing tourists with thrilling experiences.
Here’s some information on the cable car on Table Mountain…
Summer is peak tourist season for Table Mountain in Cape Town and warm summer days are ideal for a cable car trip. The downside is that there are often long queues at the Cableway. There are different ticket options and Cape Town tourists can purchase tickets for rides in the morning or the afternoon.
Mornings tend to be more crowded at the Table Mountain Cableway. Unsurprisingly, weekends and public holidays also typically attract more people. Visitors flock to the Table Mountain cable car in December normally, while January, February and March are less busy but still hot. The air is a lot cooler on top of the mountain. When the “tablecloth” cloud hovers over it, the air becomes cold, misty and/or dewy.
Once you reach the top of Table Mountain, pop in at the Table Mountain Café. You can have a breakfast, lunch or something from the gourmet deli, refuelling for your return to ground level. There is also a Wi-Fi Lounge where you can recharge electrical devices, check your email and the like. It’s enjoyable to have a bite to eat as you kick back and enjoy majestic views from the Table Mountain Cableway Wi-fi Lounge balcony.
The Table Mountain cable car in Cape Town regularly offers promo specials. These deals make it possible for tourists on a budget to enjoy a magically scenic ride without breaking the bank. Note that the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway closes during annual maintenance periods and when weather conditions are poor.
Table Mountain tours never fail to impress. They provide excitement, adventure, fun and beautiful sightings. There are a number of available hikes and tours on Table Mountain. These may be divided at the tour operator’s discretion into various hiking routes and excursions and include cable car rides. Either way, you are bound to have a great time. You can complete a Table Mountain tour in just a few hours on half-day tours.
It is no secret that tourists can buy their own Table Mountain tickets and make their way up the mountain in the Table Mountain cable car without any assistance. However, if you want to get the most out of your aerial ride, then taking a guided tour is a better option. With a professional Table Mountain guide, you can learn about the mountain and its Mother City. Of course, you also get to not worry about planning.
Table Mountain is not just another mountain, just as Cape Town is not just another city. There are numerous fascinating things that make the mountain and city unique. These include rare indigenous flora and fauna, ancient rock formations and a rich history. To maximise our Table Mountain cable car tours, we pair them with experiences in other Cape Town tourist destinations, such as Cape Point and the Cape Winelands.
If you’re not going to be hiking up Table Mountain, then you are going by cable car. And if you’re going to be doing either, then consider a guided tour through Hike Addicts. Our tours are hassle-free and a guide escorts you professionally, sharing knowledge, telling stories and revealing interesting Table Mountain facts.
Tourists to Table Mountain for Cape Town hiking and Table Mountain cable car tours in peak season may drive their own vehicles. Driving in the city is simple. The roads, while quite narrow, are easy to navigate and the signs are clear. Table Mountain stands out from anywhere in Cape Town. You may want to think about using alternative transport, though, to avoid the issues of traffic congestion and limited parking.
The MyCiTi bus is a good alternative transport option. It runs to the Corner of Kloof Nek and Table Mountain Road every half hour. Check out the MyCiTi bus timetables here. Uber, which has really taken off in Cape Town, is another option and it takes you straight to the Table Mountain Cableway station. You can download the app here. Finally, you have the options of meter taxis and guided Table Mountain tours.
Taking a guided tour is the best way to go about getting to the Table Mountain cable station. Tour companies provide hands-on information, tipping you on the dos, don’ts and musts. Additionally, they know the best times to go, where to park and usually have a few secret little tricks. Touring buses and some shuttle services have special permits that allow pick-ups, drop-offs and parking right outside the cable car station.
There is parking outside the Table Mountain Cableway station along the side of road the entire way. That is, with the exception of some corners and dedicated areas in close proximity.
There are another two parking lots at the bottom of Tafelberg Road, as you turn off Kloof Nek. It’s a somewhat lengthy walk to the lower cable car station from here but it’s worth it if it is late in the day and traffic is building up. The parking area is about 1.5 km (1 mile) from the station and it’s an uphill walk. There is, however, a free shuttle that runs between this parking lot and the cable car station every 20 minutes.
Early morning, before a hike and the station opens, there is plenty of parking. Hiking up Table Mountain and taking the Table Mountain cable car is recommended by Hike Addicts. Contact us for more information.
Table Mountain snakes awareness for hikers
Table Mountain is a beautiful and unique mountain in Cape Town, with dozens of adventurous Table Mountain hiking trails. And when you make the decision to hike this popular Natural Wonder of South Africa, you get to witness the incredible natural beauty on and around the massive structure. It’s truly magnificent.