Ultimate Training Hike for Multi-Day Treks
Platteklip Gorge is one of the most well-known trails up Table Mountain, offering hikers a direct and challenging route to the top. While not my favorite trail, it remains an excellent test of endurance and fitness, making it the best training hike for multi-day treks.
Having hiked it once a week for months in preparation for Everest Base Camp, I can confidently say that there’s no better way to build stamina for longer expeditions. Right now, we’re using Platteklip as part of our training for the Drakensberg Northern Traverse in April, another demanding multi-day trek that requires strong legs and endurance.
A Trail Steeped in History
Platteklip Gorge has long been a significant route up Table Mountain, not just for modern hikers but for indigenous communities who inhabited the region for thousands of years.
The San and Khoikhoi people, the earliest known inhabitants of the Cape, called Table Mountain “Hoerikwagga,” meaning “Mountain in the Sea.” They used the mountain’s slopes for hunting, gathering, and spiritual purposes, recognizing its importance as a source of life and sustenance.
The gorge itself was likely a well-traveled path long before European settlers documented it, serving as a crucial connection between the mountain’s resources and the people who relied on them.
The name “Platteklip” translates to “Flat Rock Gorge” in Dutch, a reference to the large, flat rock formations found along the trail. European explorers and settlers used this route to access the summit, making it one of the earliest documented paths up the mountain. Today, it remains a testament to the enduring connection between nature and those who traverse it.
A Cool Day And A Gruelling Start
We set out early in the morning of 7 February 2025, greeted by beautifully cool conditions—perfect hiking weather. Platteklip Gorge is a relentless climb, consisting of steep, rocky steps that wind their way up the mountain. Despite its intensity, we completed the entire hike in three hours, a solid effort for this demanding trail.
The Perfect Training Ground
For those training for high-altitude hikes or multi-day adventures, Platteklip Gorge is ideal.
The trail’s unrelenting ascent mimics the endurance required for long trekking days, making it a go-to for serious hikers. While the route can become monotonous after a while, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks.
The repetitive step-up motion strengthens the legs, improves cardiovascular fitness, and builds the mental resilience needed for challenging expeditions.
A Community on the Trail
One of the highlights of the descent was meeting a group of youngsters making their way up. It’s always great to see the next generation embracing hiking and challenging themselves on the trails.
Encouraging younger hikers fosters a love for the outdoors and ensures that iconic trails like Platteklip Gorge remain well-trodden for years to come.
The Cableway Charity Challenge
Platteklip Gorge is also home to the annual Cableway Charity Challenge, a fundraising event that has raised millions of rands for various charities over the years.
Participants take on the challenge of hiking the gorge multiple times in a day, pushing their physical limits while contributing to worthy causes. It’s an inspiring example of how hiking can be about more than just personal achievement—it can also be a force for good in the community.
Please support our favourite Kurdish bergix as she retains her crown as the Queen of Platteklip.
Safety Warning: Slippery Rocks and Trail Running Caution
While Platteklip Gorge is a fantastic training hike, it also presents some risks, especially for those descending too quickly. The rocks on this well-trodden trail have been worn smooth by thousands of footsteps, making them particularly slippery.
We witnessed someone take a bad fall on the way down today—a stark reminder that caution is essential.
Running up and down this trail is not advisable unless you are highly experienced, as missteps can lead to serious injuries. Trail runners should remain alert and ensure they have the right footwear and control their speed on the descent.
Respecting the Mountain: Leave No Trace
Hiking in a place as popular as Platteklip Gorge comes with a responsibility to protect the environment.
Sadly, I picked up some trash along the trail today, a reminder that not all hikers respect the Leave No Trace principles.
These principles—packing out all waste, staying on designated trails, and minimizing environmental impact—are essential to preserving natural spaces for future generations. A simple act like carrying out your trash or picking up litter left behind by others goes a long way in maintaining the beauty of this historic trail.
Final Thoughts
While Platteklip Gorge may not be the most scenic or varied trail on Table Mountain, it remains a benchmark for endurance and a must-do for anyone serious about multi-day trekking.
Beyond its modern-day significance as a fitness challenge, the trail holds deep historical and cultural importance, linking present-day hikers with the ancient pathways of the San and Khoikhoi people.
Whether you’re preparing for Everest Base Camp, the Drakensberg Northern Traverse, or simply looking for a solid fitness challenge, this hike is an unbeatable test of strength and determination.
Have you hiked Platteklip Gorge? Share your experience in the comments below!
Thank You
All pics courtesy of Comfort Bunting
Aslm Platteklip Gorge my favorite trail. I prefer the trail on a Saturday. Sundays not enjoyable at all. I love your colours in the pics. Nice and bright
It really was the perfect day. Thank you for inviting me. I had a great time.
Loving the blogs.
Keep them coming!!!