Table Mountain weekend permit — booking strategy before slots disappear
Everything you need to know about this one, based on 1 personal experiences.
Distance / Duration: 6km return day hike. Grade: Moderate.
Booking: via the SANParks My Activity Permit system online — weekend slots go within hours of release, weekdays easier. Do not leave this to the last minute — popular dates go many months ahead.
The trail: Platteklip Gorge is the easiest and most popular. Skeleton Gorge is more interesting — starts in the Kirstenbosch gardens. Both take 2–3 hours up. The mountain creates its own weather — conditions can go from clear to dangerous in 20 minutes. Always bring a waterproof layer.
What to carry: Minimum 3L water per person between refill points. A proper waterproof — weather changes fast in the mountains. Headlamp even on a day hike. High-energy snacks. If you are going multi-day, a lightweight sleeping bag rated to -5°C handles most SA mountain conditions year-round.
Safety: A Garmin inReach Mini or SPOT tracker is strongly recommended for any route where you will be out of cell signal. Mountain Rescue does charge for private rescues — travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation is worth having.
Best time: September and October for wildflowers and mild temps.
Questions welcome — happy to share more detail on any section of this route.
5 Replies
Did you do it in summer or winter? I am planning a June trip and keen to know what the conditions are like. Specifically the river crossing levels.
Useful breakdown, thanks. The booking situation is the thing that most people underestimate — I missed a chance at the Sentinel permit because I started looking too late. Set a calendar reminder 12+ months ahead and book the moment slots open.
The chain ladders are completely manageable for most reasonably fit people. The exposure is real but the chains are solid and the holds are good. Go slowly, face the rock on the way down, and you will be fine. The views from the top are worth every metre of the climb.
Did you do it in summer or winter? I am planning a August trip and keen to know what the conditions are like. Specifically the trail surface after recent rain.
Useful breakdown, thanks. The booking situation is the thing that most people underestimate — I missed a chance at the Sentinel permit because I started looking too late. Set a calendar reminder 12+ months ahead and book the moment slots open.
— steef_pretorius
Solo hiking safety: a Garmin inReach Mini is the standard now for any serious mountain hiking in SA. R5,000 device plus satellite subscription. Mountain Rescue charges for private rescues and helicopter evacuation is expensive. The inReach is cheap insurance.