India Venster to Maclear's Beacon, Table Mountain

The India Venster trail is not the easiest way up Table Mountain — it’s adventurous, technical, and physically demanding. However, it rewards hikers with some of the most spectacular views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, and the Atlantic coastline. The name is thought to come from early hikers who noticed that one of the rock formations along the route resembled a window referencing the east-facing aspect of the trail, framing views of Cape Town and the ocean.

Hike Details:
- Distance: 12 km, circular hike.
- Elevation gain: 750 meter
- Grade 3B hike
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: This route is not recommended for the fainthearted or for those uncomfortable with heights. Expect rocky paths, boulder crossings, scrambles, and sections equipped with steel ladders. Due to its steep and exposed terrain, hikers who lose the trail may occasionally become stranded, sometimes requiring rescue.

Basic agenda:
Starting from Tafelberg Road, we will ascend via the Platteklip Gorge path until reaching the Contour Path, where we'll turn right. At the 1 km mark, note Union Cave on the left. Just above the Lower Cable Station, we'll turn left to begin the climb.
We will pause briefly at the India Venster rock formation before continuing the steady ascent toward Table Mountain’s rockface.
Certain sections require scrambling, using both hands and feet to climb over rocks and boulders, and occasionally stepping across exposed ledges. Steel steps have been inserted to assist hikers over a difficult vertical face, leading to another stretch of boulders that must be climbed. We will pause briefly to take in the spectacular scenery before continuing along the narrow Africa Ledge toward Fountain Peak.
Here we turn sharply left to reach the western table. After passing the Upper Cable Station, we will continue east across the plateau for a brief visit to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain.
Finally, we follow a level path along the northern edge of the plateau, enjoying magnificent views, before returning to Platteklip Gorge for our descent to the car park.

Fee to join hike: R70.
Please add an additional R50 when paying via SWIFT.
Cash on the day, EFT on the day:
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Venster.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.

Bring along: Don’t forget to pack your day bag—with snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and, most importantly, a big sense of adventure and fun.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept our Indemnity as below.
The participant understands that adventure activities (including but not limited to hiking, climbing, camping, water sports, and outdoor excursions) carry inherent risks of injury, illness, or property damage. The Participant voluntarily chooses to participate, fully aware of these risks. The participant waives and releases the organizer from liability for ordinary negligence relating to the inherent risks of adventure activities. The participant agrees to follow all safety instructions, rules, and directions given by the organizer. Misbehavior, including reckless conduct, substance abuse, or harassment, may result in removal from the event without refund. The participant confirms they are physically fit and have disclosed any relevant medical conditions. The organizer may require medical clearance for certain activities. The participant acknowledges that personal accident or medical insurance is their own responsibility. The participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer against any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
the participant’s own misconduct, negligence, or breach of rules, damage caused to property or injury to other participants due to the participant’s actions.