Kasteelspoort is a classic and beautiful Table Mountain route which should not be missed. It is longer, more forgiving and more scenic than many of the mountains other routes. The hike starts along the historic Pipetrack, a 150 year old path that is lined with the pipes which historically brought water down from the Table Mountain reservoirs. It winds its way along fairly flat ground for 45 minutes, a nice leg-warmer, before the Kasteelspoort turn-off takes you upwards.
The ascent is more forgiving than other routes and guides hikers up a massive ravine known as Kasteelspoort (Castle’s Gate) towards the top, but not before passing Breakfast Rock – the site of the old cable car lower station and an amazing place to have, well, breakfast, or a light snack.
Once at the top of the initial ascent, hikers will be taken to probably the most famous photography spot on the mountain – the diving board. This is a surfboard like rock that juts out over the abyss one has just hiked up. It is not for the faint-hearted but is well worth it for the picture.
From here, Kasteelspoort hikers will then make their way through the Valley of the Red Gods, an undulating 2 hour walk towards the Table Mountain summit.
Along the way are amazing sections of flora to look out for. Once on the summit, hikers will be afforded amazing views of the City Bowl, surrounding Oceans and Robben Island and there will be the chance to take an extended break at a semi-secret location and simply absorb all of the amazing surroundings. Having taken any and all desired pictures, you will slowly make your way to the cable car station having ascended one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Transport is complementary to the first 4 pax booked (subject to availability).
◉ Transport is complementary to the first 4 pax booked (subject to availiablity).
◉ Professional mountain guide
◉ Discovering local knowledge of flora & fauna
◉ Learning about historical reference points
◉ Safety & route navigation
This route requires a basic to moderate level of fitness. While there is no height exposure, there are one or two minor rock scrambling sections and hikers need to have a high level of endurance as the hike takes around 6 hours.
Rob our guide was incredibly knowledgeable of the area providing us with information about the local wildlife and plants. Our group was a mixture of fitness and confidence levels when it came to climbing table mountain. Rob found a pace that suited the whole group and supported us to conquer some of the more challenge aspects by explaining and showing different options of how to get up or down. Rob also correctly predicted the weather taking us out on a day many other guides cancelled. - Phil
© 2024 Tornado Tour Systems (Pty) Ltd ta Activitar.
