Table Mountain Hiking and Scrambling Grading Explained — A Complete Guide for Cape Town Adventurers

Cape Town is world-famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and Table Mountain stands as its crowning jewel. With its dramatic cliffs, lush ravines, and panoramic views, Table Mountain attracts thousands of adventure-seekers every year. Whether you're a casual tourist or an experienced adventurer, understanding the local hiking and scrambling grading system is essential before setting foot on the mountain.

This article offers a detailed look into hiking, climbing, and scrambling grades on Table Mountain, providing a must-read hiking guide for anyone interested in outdoor tourism in Cape Town.

Understanding South African Hiking and Scrambling Grades

In South Africa, and particularly around Cape Town, hiking and scrambling routes are graded based on technical difficulty, physical challenge, and level of exposure to heights. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Table Mountain Grading System:

Grade A: Walking along well-marked trails; no need for hands. Suitable for casual tourists and beginner hikers.
Grade B: Rougher terrain, some minor use of hands for balance. Mild exposure to heights.
Grade C: Scrambling begins here. Frequent use of hands on steep rock sections. Basic route-finding skills required.
Grade D: Serious scrambling or light climbing. Exposure is high; a fall could be dangerous. Suitable for experienced hikers or under the supervision of climbing guides.
Grade E+: Technical climbing requiring ropes and gear. Reserved for highly experienced climbers or those accompanied by professional climbing guides.

This grading is crucial for planning safe and enjoyable outdoor tourism experiences in Cape Town.

Top Table Mountain Hiking and Scrambling Routes

Here are some of the most popular Table Mountain hiking routes and their grades — essential knowledge for anyone using a hiking guide or planning a self-guided adventure:

Route	Grade	Description
Platteklip Gorge	A/B	The main tourist path; steep but no scrambling. Ideal for beginner hikers visiting Cape Town.
Skeleton Gorge	A/B	Lush, forested route starting from Kirstenbosch Gardens. Some ladder sections but low exposure.
India Venster	B/C	A stunning but exposed trail with scrambling sections. Recommended with a guide for newcomers.
Kasteelspoort	A	Gentle climb with spectacular Atlantic views. No scrambling, great for photography and tourism.
Arrow Final	D	High-exposure scrambling, suitable for experienced adventurers or those with a climbing guide.
Left Face 'B'	C/D	Historical route with ledges and serious exposure. Not recommended without prior scrambling experience.
Africa Crag, Jacobs Ladder and all climbs on Fountain Ledge	E (Old-South African Climbing grades) - Grades: 9-34 (New-South African Grades)	Full technical climbing route. Ropes and protection are mandatory. Hire professional climbing guides.

Why You Should Consider Hiring Hiking and Climbing Guides

While many trails on Table Mountain are accessible to confident hikers, several routes require technical skills, route-finding ability, and a head for heights. For those new to scrambling or technical climbing, or for tourists unfamiliar with Cape Town’s rapidly changing mountain weather, hiring a professional hiking guide or climbing guide is strongly recommended.

Guides not only ensure your safety but also enrich your experience by sharing local knowledge about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of Table Mountain.

Benefits of Hiring a Guide:

Safety: Navigate tricky or exposed sections confidently.
Local Knowledge: Learn about Cape Town’s natural and cultural heritage.
Hidden Gems: Access lesser-known trails and viewpoints.
Weather Expertise: Make informed decisions based on local weather patterns.

For serious climbers, Cape Town’s many professional climbing guides offer tailored experiences from Grade D scrambles to Grade E technical ascents.