India Venster is a quick hiking trail to the top of Table Mountain, which runs below the cableway lines.
India Venster is a quick hiking trail to the top of Table Mountain, which runs below the cableway lines.
Among the locals, the India Venster is one of the most popular fitness trails on Table Mountain. Tourists also love to hike this trail, as it is a reasonably short trail. Nevertheless is it filled with a variety of stunning views over Cape Town.
The trail begins behind the bottom cable station. First there is an initial steep walking section. After that, it gradually turns into scrambling, which means you need to climb up rocks, without a rope, using both arms and feet.
Initially, when you start off on the front face, you overlook the city of Cape Town and Table Bay.
The India Venster trail connects with Fountain Ledge, which leads to the top of Table Mountain.
From roundabout three quarters of the way, follows breath-taking views over Camps Bay.
Views of white beaches and the Twelve Apostles Buttresses await you on Fountain Ledge.
By then you will be nearly on top. You arrive on top from the back table. From there one can see False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountain range on the furthest side (East side) of False Bay.
Exposure is moderate and some staples and chains are in place to assist with the ascent of the hardest pitch.
Although some locals see the India Venster as a walk in the park, it remains a potentially dangerous trail on Table Mountain. Most importantly, one should respect the mountain. This route is certainly not suitable for anyone with vertigo!
For a slightly longer hike, another great route on the front face is the Left Face B route.
Duration
Including rests and photo stops, this trail takes +/-3 hours. Fitness levels and group size largely determine the duration of the hike. You will descend with the Cableway to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The trail starts at 350 m and ends at 1060 m, so the elevation gain is 710 m. Therefore you need to be reasonably fit and free of fear of heights to enjoy this trail.
PLEASE NOTE: THE CABLEWAY MAY BE CLOSED DUE TO MAINTENANCE OR ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, IN WHICH CASE WE WILL WALK DOWN PLATTEKLIP. THAT WILL ADD +/-2 HOURS AND R500 TO THE TRIP.
Price
1 Person – R2 200
2-4 Persons – R1 300 pp
5 Persons – R1 200 pp
*Max 6 persons on this trail.
**Price excludes R220 pp for cableway ticket down.
