Hiking Table Mountain’s 3 peaks in one day

Last weekend, I finally got the chance to accomplish something I’ve dreamt of doing for years: tackling all three peaks of Table Mountain in a single day. Let me tell you, it was no walk in the park! It’s the kind of challenge that’s not meant for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, if you’re in decent shape, have a head for heights, and can team up with someone who knows the ropes, then it’s bound to be one of the most exhilarating and fulfilling hikes you’ll ever experience on Table Mountain.

Hey there! I want to give you a heads up before we dive into this adventure: this isn’t your average walk in the park. Taking on all three peaks of Table Mountain in one day is tough stuff (if you’re looking for a more relaxed hike, I recommend checking out these five hikes and walks in Cape Town). We hiked from UCT to the parking lot at Lion’s Head, and it took us a solid nine hours. Trust me, we didn’t waste any time. Along the way, we encountered some exposed paths and had to navigate our way up steep rock faces, especially on the eastern side of Devil’s Peak and the ledges route up to Maclear’s. Oh, and let’s not forget about the first chain down Kloof Corner – it’s a six-meter drop into a narrow crack with a jaw-dropping 200-meter vertical drop on the right. It’s a thrilling experience, but definitely not for the faint of heart. If it’s windy on the day you’ve planned, I suggest finding an alternative activity. Safety first, right?

Before we begin, I want to make one thing clear: tackling Table Mountain’s three peaks on your own is not a good idea. It’s crucial to have a companion who has recently done it and knows the route well. Trust me, the ledges route up from the saddle is steep, not well-marked, and includes some sections of actual climbing. There aren’t any signs, except for a few cairns here and there to guide you. Consider yourself forewarned.

When it comes to reaching the top of Devil’s Peak, there are three main routes. The most direct one starts from the blockhouse and takes you over the knife edge and around the eastern face. It involves a bit of scrambling through a couple of cracks just below the peak. If safety is your top priority, opt for the western side, where clear paths await you every step of the way. If you’re unsure, head west.

When you take a break on the north buttress ledges, be careful because the climb is steep and tricky. It’s not a good idea to attempt it if no one in your group knows the way. Keep a sharp eye out for the cairns along the path, especially when you go under a low ledge. You don’t have to climb until you reach the waterfall at the end of the path, so don’t try to climb the waterfall itself. Just before the waterfall, there’s a rock face where a safer route is marked with a small cairn.

Following the ledges up to Maclear’s Beacon from the saddle is not an easy task. The path can disappear in the thick undergrowth, so it’s easy to get lost. However, the views from up there are absolutely breathtaking.

Speaking of peaks, Maclear’s Beacon is the highest point on Table Mountain. You won’t miss the rather unusual metal plaque dedicated to Jan Smuts on the ridge below the beacon. Look for it on the right side of this photo.

When you reach the top of Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain, you’ll find out about two intriguing routes to get back down. The first one is called the ‘India Venster’ route. It all begins with a helpful sign. As you turn the corner, you’ll see two different paths. One leads back to the main route, while the other takes you below the electricity pylons to Kloof Corner.

As I made my way down Kloof Corner, I encountered the first chain. Hanging down into a deep crack in the rock, this chain is not for the faint of heart. With a 200-meter drop on one side, I had to be extra careful. First, I lowered my bags down, and then I swung out to the right onto an exposed ledge. From there, I cut back into the crack and eventually made my way out on the left-hand side.

At the bottom of the first chain on Kloof Corner, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. It’s definitely not a journey for the faint of heart.

The second chain on the cliff is pretty tricky to navigate. It’s a long, vertical climb that doesn’t offer many places to put your feet. Your best bet is to trust the chain completely and slowly lower yourself down the cliff using it.

Everything turned out well in the end. Despite feeling tired, I was happy when we reached the top of Lion’s Head that afternoon.

I used Endomondo Sports Tracker to log our route. Check out the track it recorded.

If you want to learn more about hiking and staying safe on Table Mountain, visit the safety page on the SANParks Table Mountain National Park website.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation on Table Mountain, call 086 110 6417 for immediate help.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation on Table Mountain, call 086 110 6417 for immediate help.