Hike the route of the original explorers to the top of the Front Table.

The trail offers spectacular views all the way to the top with Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head flanking the mountain on either side. Take time to marvel at the views over Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City of Cape Town while also admiring the fynbos (the indigenous vegetation) and the awesome rock face of the gorge. At the top of the gorge a short 10 minute walk takes one to the cableway where plenty of time is allowed to take in the unrivalled panorama in all directions – look down on the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and south over the Cape Peninsula and the majestic Twelve Apostles.

There are normally a few friendly dassies (rock hyrax) to photograph before we take a ride down in the revolving cable car back to our start point. Allow 3- 4 hours for this route.

This walk may be extended to include a 1 ½ hour walk to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. This is a circular route which takes in the whole of the Central Table – well worth the extra effort.

This point to point walk across Table Mountain starts from Kirstenbosch Gardens.

An easy stroll through the gardens takes us to the steeper ascent of the gorge. Once in the gorge we are surrounded by magnificent indigenous forest which provides us with welcome shade. We walk close to the stream to the half way point where there are a couple of ladders to tackle and a rockfall to scramble over. Nearing the top the trees thin out allowing us views over False Bay and the Constantia Valley all the way to the Hottentot Holland Mountains. Breakfast rock signals the top of the gorge and from here we hike along the eastern flank of the mountain to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point. Here there are spectacular views over the whole of the Table Mountain chain all the way to Cape Point.

See typical mountain fynbos, some interesting rock formations and maybe a sunbird or even a sugarbird. At the beacon, Table Bay, Robben Island and Devil’s Peak take us by surprise as we realise we have crossed the mountain. Here we take a well earned break before walking across the Central Table with the City of Town, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill soon coming into view . An hour from the beacon we arrive at the cableway station with still plenty of time to visit the various viewing platforms and look for a dassie. Then we make our way down in the revolving car to Tafelberg Rd or we hike down Platteklip Gorge: 5-7 hours

This scenic route starts from Camps Bay and ascends on the western or Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain.

Admire the majestic 'Apostles' before starting the more serious hike up the gorge. Stop to take in the panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, palm lined beach of Camps Bay, Lion's Head and Robben Island.

On reaching the top discover the old cableway and railway and pose if you dare for a dramatic photo shot.

We now make our way to the Front Table - still a way up passing through the Valley of the Red Gods and Valley of Isolation. Take time to admire the intricate rock formations, pristine fynbos and breathtaking views. Arriving opposite Fountain Peak between the Central and Western Tables we are now at the top and have earned well deserved break before catching the cableway down.

This route starts with a stroll through the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before we start the hike up Skeleton Gorge, one of the most scenic routes up the mountain.

The indigenous forest, provides welcome shade as we tackle the steps upwards.

At half way there are some ladders to scale and a short rock scramble – none of which is difficult. Breakfast rock signals the top of the gorge and the opportunity to enjoy great views over False Bay, south towards Cape Point and east to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.

We stroll along the edge of the eastern flank of the mountain admiring the variety of fynbos and fascinating rock formations before taking a short detour through Castle Rock cave to a unique view point.

From here we make our way slowly down Nursery Ravine before returning the gardens.

Reach the top of the Back Table via Cecilia Forest and pass the impressive Cecilia Waterfall en route. Ascend Cecilia Ridge and reach the top close to De Villiers Dam, one of the five dams on Table Mountain. Walk the full length of the eastern side of Table Mountain, detouring to Castle Rock cave - a great view point. Break just after passing the top of Skeleton Gorge before tackling the second part of the ascent. Admire the panoramic views, variety of fynbos and the magnificence of Table Mountain as you head to Maclear's Beacon, the highest point.

Lunch with the best view in the world - the city of Cape Town, and beyond, as we sit on the edge of the Central Table. After lunch we continue to make our way to the Western Table where we may see a dassie or two and have time to explore all the viewpoints.

Our descent is down Platteklip Gorge or if you prefer the cablecar to finish our day on Tafelberg Rd.

Get off the beaten track and explore on foot this magnificent nature reserve situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Avoid the bus tours and crowds and arrive early to experience the isolation and exquisite coastline. Visit the lighthouses and walk to the Cape of Good Hope and recall the voyages of the sailors of a bygone era who first rounded this point.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Buffels Bay before the 2 hour circular hike to Kanonkop, a great viewpoint and site of an old signal canon – chances are you will see no one as you admire the panorama across False Bay, to Cape Point and all of the reserve to the Atlantic Ocean.

Spot a variety of birds and also bontebok, eland and zebra and even an ostrich or two. On leaving the reserve stop off at Boulders Beach to view the African Penguins before returning to your hotel in the city.