Desk Mountain mountaineering information – 5 wonderful trails

Desk Mountain is Cape City’s most well-known attraction and a must-visit place in Cape City. Climbing on Desk Mountain is a good way to see the town and its environment. The views from the highest are actually 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 mountaineering trails is a much more difficult however rather more rewarding expertise. There are a number of routes going up in addition to a few lovely hikes on the highest of the mountain. Climbing Desk Mountain is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Cape City.

Instructed 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 mountaineering up Desk Mountain. The space and time rely upon the chosen path. The Skeleton Gorge is the shortest and the preferred route – 2,5 km. It takes between 1 hour and 1h30 min. to get to the highest.

Is Desk Mountain a tough hike?

Climbing Desk Mountain is difficult whatever the chosen route. The common 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 secure to hike alone?

• When you comply with one of many in style routes or hike on the highest of Desk Mountain try to be fairly secure.
• Don’t hike at evening time or late within the night in winter.
• When you select a lesser-used route, reasonably go on the weekend when there are extra individuals.
• It’s higher to be a few individuals on the route particularly in case you hike on weekdays or low season.
• When you don’t need to hike alone you may be a part of a guided tour up Desk Mountain. There are a number of excursions that comply with totally different trails. 
• Carry sufficient water, a minimum of 1l per individual there aren’t any water sources on the mountain till you attain the highest. The Skeleton Gorge is the one route the place you may get water alongside the best way.

Is it free to stroll up Desk Mountain?

Sure, mountaineering Desk Mountain is free. There isn’t any 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 the very best time for mountaineering?

Within the sizzling summer time months (December – February), early morning is the very best time particularly in case you’re planning to stroll on one of many trails which are uncovered to the solar akin to Platteklip or India Venster. There are a lot of nice espresso outlets in Cape City situated near Desk Mountain the place you may have espresso and breakfast earlier than tackling the climb.

Evenings are an excellent time as effectively simply be sure that to not stroll any of the routes at the hours of darkness on 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 mountaineering on Desk Mountain are November and March, total these are the very best months to go to Cape City.

In cooler months (April – October) you may stroll just about any time simply be sure you received’t get a number of 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 won’t be capable to see something from the highest. 

How you can get to Desk Mountain?

Renting a automobile is the best approach of shifting round Cape City. When you’re a few individuals sharing a smallish automobile it received’t be costly to lease a automobile for a few days. 

Utilizing a hop-on-hop-off bus is an alternative 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 pink 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 in case you 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 mountaineering half in case you take the cable automobile there are a few very good trails on the highest of the mountain. No matter which approach you select it is best to undoubtedly embody Desk Mountain in your Cape City itinerary.

The views from the cable automobile are wonderful, the ground rotates clockwise throughout the experience you get 360° panoramic views of Cape City. The cable automobile operates each 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 experience. It’s the most suitable choice in case you’re not going to lease a automobile. 

High 5 Desk Mountain mountaineering trails

Platteklip Gorge path

• Distance – 5,5 km return
• Time – 2 hours return
• Whole elevation acquire/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 street (on the left) previous the Decrease Cable Automotive station there’s a parking spot proper firstly of the path but it surely’s typically full.

*issue evaluating totally different Desk Mountain mountaineering trails with the 5 being probably the most tough route up Desk Mountain.

Climbing Desk Mountain Platteklip Gorge with a tour

Highlights

• Good views of Cape City metropolis middle 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 entails a little bit of climbing over the rocks.
• From the top of the path on the highest, it’s one other 700 m to the cable automobile station.

Route description

• The route is fairly easy, there’s a signal firstly 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 mountaineering or different journey actions in Cape City it’s advisable to have journey insurance coverage that can cowl you in case one thing goes incorrect. Some mountaineering routes up Desk Mountain are fairly strenuous and could be harmful, particularly in unhealthy climate circumstances. Ensure to have applicable journey insurance coverage a minimum of for the times you’re planning on doing out of doors actions. We are able to advocate utilizing World Nomads insurance coverage firm, They focus on masking journey actions like mountaineering and diving. Their insurance coverage coverage could be very versatile it may cowl the whole journey or solely a particular day. It takes a few minutes to purchase it on-line at any time throughout your journey. Get an instantaneous 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
• Whole elevation acquire – 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 probably 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.

Climbing Desk Mountain India Venster with a tour

Highlights

• This route has the very best views of Cape City, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and lots of different metropolis points of interest. 
• A few wonderful look-out factors
• Weird rock formations and cliffs
• A stupendous path alongside the cliff on the finish of the hike

Challenges

• A steep and lengthy ascent.
• The path is uncovered to the solar for probably 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 knowledge together with elevation profiles and maps for the publish we obtained from our Garmin Fenix GPS watch. We love utilizing our watches for mountaineering 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 once you attain the rocky partitions of Desk Mountain you begin scrambling over rocks and ladders. 
• The final half across the mountain is fairly enjoyable on a footpath with one final climb.
• From the top 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 mountaineering trails – breathtaking surroundings and unimaginable mountaineering expertise.

Skeleton Gorge path

• Distance – 7 km return 
• Time – 2,5-3,5 hours up and down, relying on how briskly you stroll
• Whole elevation acquire/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 large 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 could be a bit difficult 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 difficult and entails 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
• Whole elevation acquire/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 house search for a spot alongside Tafelberg Highway.

Climbing 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 picture spot not for the faint-hearted.

Challenges

• A steep climb over rocks and boulders on the Diagonal path.
• A steep descent right down to the Pipe Monitor from the highest.

Route description

• It’s a loop path. The route begins throughout the street from Kloof Nek parking. 
• The primary half is on the Pipe observe, a very simple and flat stroll across the mountain with good views over Camps Bay and Lion’s Head. 
• At 2,7 km there may be 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 correct 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 correct 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 Previous Cable Automotive station. 
• The way in which down is kind of simple; you simply comply with 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
• Whole elevation acquire/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 on.
• Weird rock formations alongside the route.
• The gorgeous 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 kids and aged individuals. The route begins at Skeleton Gorge, about 700 m from Higher Desk Automotive Station. There’s a metallic plank indicating the best way to Maclear’s Beacon. The path is marked with yellow footprints and arrows, it’s simple to comply with.

The route is flat with hardly any ascent or descent. It’s a terrific hike for individuals who don’t need to endure one of many difficult routes up Desk Mountain however nonetheless need 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 aspect 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
• Whole elevation acquire – 66 m
• Whole 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 provides very totally different from the cable automobile aspect views. The panorama alongside the path is kind of wonderful with wired rock formations, slim passages between two rocks, and so on. 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 may simply stroll a bit of 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 a part of. The assembly level is close to the exit from the espresso store. Excursions depart each day each hour from 9am to 3pm. These are usually not lengthy hikes totally on boardwalks close to the cable automobile station. In the course of the stroll, you be taught fascinating information about Desk Mountain and uncover the very best picture 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 mountaineering trails, and monuments. One can spend hours if not days strolling and exploring it. In a approach mountaineering on the highest of Desk Mountain jogs my memory of the Mount Roraima hike in Venezuela.

What to pack for mountaineering on Desk Mountain?

Locations to remain

The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, 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 reasonably than to do a ten 000 km street journey (truly any street 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.