Hike to the top of Table Mountain and you’ll see that this famous flat-top is just the start of a chain of mountains snaking away south to Cape Point. A multiday Table Mountain to Cape Point hike is one of the best hikes in the Western Cape, trekking 70km across flower-strewn mountains, thicket-covered hills and sandy beaches. Endemic birds, tortoises, baboons and antelope are some of the wildlife treats in store – and in spring you may even see whales.

Platteklip Gorge in thick cloud – an easy start!

There is however no single contiguous trail from Table Mountain to Cape Point. Private land and logistical issues dictate that such organising and leading an adventure is best left to the experts. You can decide how many days you want to walk for and a route will be suggested. The hike is not especially difficult. There are a few uphill (and downhill) sections but much of it is quite flat – you will need however to be used to walking for several days in boots and on tough terrain.

Looking back at Table Mountain from Vlakenberg on day two.

Walking the other way – Cape Point to Table Mountain – is also possible but it’s usually better to walk south during the hotter summer months.

Accommodation on the trail is in the form of tented camps, complete with proper beds, bathrooms with hot water and a fully equipped kitchen with facilities to recharge batteries. The camps lie tucked away in the mountains or next to the ocean – all are staffed and offer a very affordable and safe way to hike Table Mountain to Cape Point.

Breakfast at last! Fresh coffee and croissants plus juice and fresh fruit.

Transport is organised and all meals provided on overnight hikes with The Fynbos Guy. All you have to carry is your day pack and some of the food if necessary. As a rule, you will be guided from accommodation to accommodation with breakfast and lunch on the way. After arriving at that night’s camp, I return to Cape Town and leave you with the ingredients for dinner. I return in the morning with fresh coffee and breakfast as well as lunch and the next evening’s dinner and the hike resumes. This method reduces accommodation costs and the amount of food we have to carry and further guarantees fresh meals every day.

There’ll be plenty of this kind of path to walk on.

If you’d like a little more comfort, hotel and guesthouse accommodation can be built into a Table Mountain to Cape Point hike instead of tented camps. Breakfast and dinner are for your own account but lunches are provided as is all transport.

Hard to believe that it’s Table Mountain you’re looking back at!

You’ll enjoy views of mountains and oceans at every turn.

The best time for a Table Mountain to Cape Point hike is during the November to April summer months when there is little if no rain. It is warm and often windy; occasionally temperatures are very hot. There is rain from May to October (heaviest in July and August) and conditions can be severe with rain, cold and wind but utterly delightful in between rainy periods – ask me about the best time to visit Cape Town for this unique and unforgettable overnight hike.

Both oceans are visible from the mountains above Simons Town.

Great views of Simons Town from Swartkop on day four.

The final day’s hike lies ahead: Cape Point!