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FFor those who wish to hike up Table Mountain instead of taking the cable car, the Platteklip Gorge route is the most direct route, although it's also arguably the most challenging one.
The Platteklip Gorge hiking route starts a few metres to the right of the lower cableway station as you face the mountain from the car park. The entire route is clearly signposted.
The first section of the Table Mountain hike is a steep, straight ascent that provides a great warm-up for hikers. Cable car passengers going up the mountain often look down on hikers with admiration and wave encouragingly through the windows as they enjoy their own effortless journey upwards.
Did You Know?
TThe dassie (or hyrax), which hikers are likely to encounter on Table Mountain, is the closest living relative of the elephant.
OOn clear days the Platteklip Gorge route presents hikers with excellent views of the Cape Town coastline, city centre and southern suburbs. On misty days, the mystical element of the ascent serves as adequate compensation for the lack of panoramic scenery.
TThere are more plant species on Table Mountain than there are in the entire United Kingdom, and hikers are likely to encounter fauna in the form of rock hyraxes, colourful lizards and a variety of birdlife.
The highest point on Table Mountain (1086m above sea level) can be reached on foot, although it is advisable to avoid this section in bad weather.
AAt the upper cable station there is a restaurant, a cafe and a curio shop. A telescope allows for enhanced views of the Atlantic seaboard.
Return tickets for the cable car can be purchased at the upper cable station for those whose legs are too weary for the hike back down. Please note that the cable car does not operate in inclement weather.
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