The view was brilliant the first time it hits you. The wind blowing your hair crazy when you are at the top of the mountain, overlooking the city and towards the jeweled blue ocean. Words cannot be described!
Hiking up Devil’s Peak for a view of Table Mountain, the Lion head and Robben Island
An aerial view of Cape Town and the majestic mountains from a Helicopter. Can you spot the Lion’s head?
I remembered the three of us back then, freshies when comparing to seniors who have been to Cape Town countless times. It was my second or third time to the amazing city of Cape Town and I have already explored the top of Table Mountain by cable car. The view was brilliant the first time it hits you. The wind blowing your hair crazy when you are at the top of the mountain, overlooking the city and towards the jeweled blue ocean. Words cannot be described!
It was a summer season, brilliant blue sky and weather. So why not give it a try to hike up Table Mountain? Too ambitious? But in the end, we took the wrong trail up for we ended up at Devil’s peak instead!
(There are a few routes to which you can hike up Devil’s Peak) We did take the Tafelberg Road route up which is a moderate climb with the best views. The hike up started off easy, bright sun, blue sky with a little breeze. A pleasant hike to begin with, the foot hills covered with thick plants and beautiful flowers. As we ascend further up, the landscape gives way to a more rocky surface, a little steep but an awesome view begins to unfurl in front of you once you are reaching the top of Devil’s peak. From here we can see Table Mountain and the cable cars as well as the Lions head! Yes, we were blessed at that point with superb weather, hot sun, but happy red, sweaty faces when we reached the peak!
I would say that such a blessing to our clueless and young minds, as we started off with a different aim all together, that is getting to Table Mountain, but ended up with one of the most spectacular views of Table Mountain instead from Devil’s Peak! Even Natalie Emmanuel the famed Game of Thrones actress who played the role of Daenerys Targaryen’s handmaiden Missandei has took up the challenge and hiked up Table Mountain in June this year! Try it on your next visit or even on your first!
Just be geared with …….
Remember to do a little bit of study on your prefered route (do not follow our example!), wear the right clothes (it can get quite chilly towards the top) and hiking shoes, sunglasses, bring a pashmina or a cap or both. Sunscreen, bottled water and a small towel to wipe off the sweat. Trust me it helps loads! If it does not rain, the sun can be quite hot and when you are at the top or ascending to the top it can get quite windy and a lil’ bit chilly despite the sun. A standard duration of the hike is approximately 4 hours up and down the mountain.
Table Mountain is not a mountain you want to miss if it is your first time to South Africa! If you are not up for hiking, taking the Table Mountain Cableway is surely a must. View a top will definitely take your breath away. There is a Table Mountain Cafe a top! Rest relax on top of the mountain with some light meal.
There are sign boards along most routes, look out for them! Most importantly be safe when you climb.
Standing at Devil’s Peak Lookout. The view and the achievement of hiking up and standing at the tip is amazing …..
The trail up to the top of Devil’s Peak is hard work, but the views are worth it.
Take the Table Mountain Cableway up. Many stars have been up! When the car is going up or down, remember to look back and view the city flowing out towards the ocean.
The view atop Table Mountain is grand! Remember it can get quite chilly even if it’s in summer. Be dressed for the weather.
View the formation of the rocks up close.
No regrets!
