ABOUT

At the beginning of this year before COVID-19 and a pause on all our lives, the wife, a few friends and I took a trip out to South Africa and Namibia for a bit of exploring.

Plattekilp gorge was one of our hikes. It is located on Table Mountain and it is one of the most impressive passes I have traversed. In the dead of summer it can get quite hot so remember to bring enough water and snacks with you. Along the trail we saw many people fail to make it to the top due to heat exhaustion or they just pushed themselves too hard, so depending on the time of year this isn't for the faint of heart.

As hikes go it isn't difficult for the intermediate hiker but it is a steady climb to the top where you are greeted with an endless flat area to joyously wander around on. No wonder it gets the name!

Towering edges of rock engulf the area in which you pass through and the higher you get the cooler it gets, so make it halfway and it can be quite enjoyable. The trails extend along the edges of the mountain and can even take you farther across the mountain on top beyond any tourist traps or mass of people.

I suggest taking the trail halfway up Platteklip gorge back to the cable car as it is flat and gives you wide views of Capetown and of Lions Head mountain, another highly suggested hike and well worth it.

Atop table mountain near the cable cars is a cafe with refreshments and food to feed that starving hunger you gained while hiking. If you prefer to get away from the crowds there is enough space to get lost along the trails and you wont see anyone for quite sometime.

This is my second hike on this mountain and its still a very memorable one.