You can't visit Cape Town without conquering the iconic Table Mountain. And while most people either take the easy way up on the cable cart, or hike the main tourist route through Platteklip Gorge (relentless 2 hours of rocky steps, straight up), there is an alternate route that is much quieter and absolutely out-of-this-world beautiful.
Think lush forest, rickety step ladders, small waterfalls, a sand beach (yep, ON the mountain), more colourful fynbos species than you think possible, and of course views for days!
I recommend using komoot, but the trail is well-maintained.
Starting at the Cecelia's Forest entry, you continue through Skeleton Gorge, which offers a really fun experience clambering over rocks. Then, continue on until a sandy beach appears at the edge of the Hely-Hutchinson Reserve, a good spot to take a break. Afterwards, choose the Echo Valley route, via Fountains Peak, to finish at the Upper Cable Cart area.
If you are tired, you can take the cable cart down, or if you still have some energy left (or you are just unlucky and the cable cart isn't running), through quickest way down is via Platteklip Gorge.
