Kasteelspoort Hike

Kasteelspoort hike starts off with magnificent seascapes for the initial 1.5 hours after which the views extend all the way down the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point on a clear day. The terrain levels out at the top where you will find yourself surrounded by mountain vegetation and get to one of the mountains most extraordinary viewpoints looking across the elevation over Camps Bay and Lions Head. A diving board-like rock extends out above a long cliff drop, making for unique photo opportunities, one of the reasons Kasteelspoort is ever so famous.

It take approximately 4.5 hours from the start of the Kasteelspoort trail to the Table Mountain Plateau and 6km distance along single rocky paths, a jeep track, and stone steps. The trail is not quite as steep as northern and eastern routes, winding through valleys, rock formations, and showcasing a large area of Table Mountains indigenous fynbos landscape. Although it is not as steep, it is still steep and a longer hike and a good level of fitness is required to complete the Kasteelspoort hike.

Along the way, you will find the remains of an old steam engine cableway that was assembled in the 1890s. Don’t worry, we’ll be taking the new cableway down to the bottom which can hold up to 65 people and has a 360° view with rotating floors. From the old ruins, the route passes through the Valley of Red Gods, then into the Valley of Isolation and finally to the new upper cableway station. Enjoy spectacular views of Cape Town at the top before taking a ride back down.

Kasteelspoort hike is quieter than other routes which makes it ideal for those who want to get out into the tranquillity of nature. It offers mainly ocean and mountain views as opposed to seeing much of the city until you get to the summit. There are three ladders along the way, but the trail is non-technical with little exposure to steep ledges.