ARROW FACE TRAVERSE

Arrow Face Traverse: A High-Exposure Front-Face Adventure on Table Mountain

The Arrow Face Traverse on Table Mountain is one of the most exhilarating and exposed hiking routes on the mountain’s front face. Designed for confident, experienced hikers with a strong head for heights, this route delivers pure adrenaline in a dramatic setting high above the city. It is not a technical climb, but the exposure is serious, making it a true adventure route rather than a standard hike.

This is a line chosen by those who actively seek excitement, airy terrain, and unforgettable views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard.

Approach and Route Overview

The hike starts either at the lower Table Mountain Cableway station on Tafelberg Road or at the start of Platteklip Gorge. From here, the route ascends steeply to the contour path before following it toward Union Ravine. Shortly after, the route turns into Yellowstone Gully, which provides access to the Right Face and leads directly onto the Arrow Face Traverse.

This approach already sets the tone: steep, physical, and purposeful. Once the traverse begins, the route commits fully to the exposed front face of Table Mountain.

The Arrow Face Traverse

The defining feature of this route is the dramatic traverse across a steep rock face high above the city. The path threads its way across slabs, through narrow rock gaps, and along ledges with significant drop-offs below. At times, you pass briefly through tight rock sections before emerging back onto the open face, where the exposure is unmistakable.

While there are a few short scrambling moves along the route, these are non-technical and generally straightforward for experienced hikers. Importantly, the most exposed sections do not require scrambling, allowing controlled movement on solid footing. That said, this route is absolutely unsuitable for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo. Calm movement, confidence, and focus are essential throughout.

A practical note: very strongly built hikers may struggle to fit through some of the narrow rock gaps along the traverse.

From the Front Face to Fountain Ledge

Shortly after completing the Arrow Face Traverse, the route joins the final section of India Venster. From here, both routes continue together toward Fountain Ledge. This transition marks a noticeable change in atmosphere as the route rounds the corner from the exposed front face into slightly more sheltered terrain.

Fountain Ledge offers a well-earned pause and expansive views over Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. This section often feels surprisingly quiet, especially compared to busier routes higher up, though more hikers appear as you near the summit plateau.

The Final Ascent and Summit Views

Above Fountain Ledge, the route continues to the Back Table of Table Mountain. Here, the landscape opens dramatically, with sweeping views across the Atlantic and the Twelve Apostles. The contrast between the exposed city-facing cliffs and the vast inland plateau is striking.

The final sections remain steep, requiring steady effort and good fitness. From the summit area, the descent is done via the Table Mountain Cableway, providing a relaxed and scenic end to a demanding route.

Fitness, Experience, and Safety

The Arrow Face Traverse starts at approximately 363 metres above sea level and climbs to about 1,067 metres. The total ascent is sustained and physically demanding, and the exposure is constant during the traverse section.

There is no water along the route, so carrying sufficient water is essential. Wind and weather play a major role on the front face, and conditions can change quickly. Because there is no clear, well-defined path for much of the route, and route-finding is critical, this hike should only be attempted with an experienced mountain guide.

In short, the Arrow Face Traverse is a serious, high-exposure route for confident hikers seeking one of the most thrilling ways to reach the top of Table Mountain.