Hiking Table Mountain via India Venster Morning Hike

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Our hiking group are small and limited to a maximum of 4 persons to maximize the personal experience with more opportunity to engage and interact with our tour guide.

India Venster hike is known for its challenging and dramatics views.

The "Venster" (window in the Afrikaans language) is attributed to a spectacular viewpoint that we see framed by two large rock buttresses.

Hiking Table Mountain one of the most recognizable mountains in Africa and one of the seven natural wonders in the world is a unique experience it has a unique floral kingdom found only in the South Western Cape commonly know as fynbos. It is the smallest and richest of the six floral kingdoms on our planet with many species of proteas, ericas and restios. Also unique to Table Mountain is the ghost frog a rare and elusive frog species that is endemic to Table Mountain. More exotic also found on Table Mountain is our Himalayan Tahr "wild mountain goats" native to Northern India, Southern Tibet, China and Nepal.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

The hike is weather dependant

Have a warm top and windbreaker because it can get a little chilly at the top

Closed shoes (Takkies, running shoes)

Bring your camera

Pack a bottle of water to stay hydrated

Guests must have sufficient stamina to hike down if required.

Not recommended for travelers with fear of height or vertigo.

This hike may not be suitable for those who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

The hike get is name from the shape of the ravine that is situated between the two large rock buttresses one of the best view point. The trail starts behind the lower cable way station heading right up Table Mountain before reaching the contour path. From here the trail gradually ascent a gully of a buttress known as Venster buttress and veers left below the rock amphitheater. As we approaches the end east side of this amphitheater the trail become steeper with some easy scrambling. The more exiting is still to come be focus! staples and chains have been engineered along the way that renders the climbing more user friendly and safer. Past this section of climbing and scrambling the trail wanders easily up to "The Ledge" and around the corner, there is often a cooling breeze here and a good time to enjoy the view overlooking Camps Bay and the Atlantic ocean. As one rounds the next corner there are impressive cliffs high up, continues SSE the path rises steeply to a higher ledge below massive overhangs now heading away from the sea and into a shady ravine (on a morning hike) and can be cold and windy at time. The top of Table Mountain is 10mn away from here, well done!

What‘s Included

Registered adventure hiking and culture tourist guide.

First Aid kit

Photos & video

Cable car ticket one way down

Options

Schedule hike no Transport

Photos & Videos

Private group with Transport

Private group with transport: Booking a private tour gives you the flexibility to hike at your own pace with transport included from Cape Town city bowl.

Private group no transport

Booking a private tour gives you the flexibility and the time to explore at your own pace.

Reviews

5.00

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great hike with stunning views
Roland B,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did the Indien Venster Tour with Patrick - what a gorgeous adventure! Nice climbs and stunning views, all in all an adventure worthwhile to remember!
Great time!
U2572OUandrewg,,Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wife and I did this tour and it was great. Patrick was very informative and helpful. Views are out of this world, great exercise, and we learned alot about Table Mountain and Cape Town as a whole. I'd recommend 100%.
Challenging rewarding hike
David M,,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing hike. Challenging, nothing insane, but you definitely have to enjoy rock scrambling and climbing with all fours at times. It can get a bit aerial and vertiginous in 2-3 spots, so if major fears of heights that may make it a bit difficult. But overall I highly recommend this hike. Best to do with a guide or someone with experience because may be easy to lose the trail
Best hike ever!
Hannah S,,Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had an amazing time hiking India Venster with Patrick! He was such a fantastic guide. I was nervous about the scrambling sections as I hadn’t done much of that before. However, Patrick was there every step of the way and showed us exactly what to do. I don’t think I could have done it without his guidance but thanks to him we managed it all without any problems. Plus, I realised just how much fun scrambling is and am now excited to do more in the future! The route is stunning, and so beautiful. In fact, I didn’t want the hike to end! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. This is easily one of the best things that I have ever done in Cape Town and the ULTIMATE way to experience the beauty of Table Mountain. Thank you!
Patrick is a dream guide!
Danielle v,,Feb 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Patrick was the perfect guide. India Venster is not for the faint of heart. And while I am in pretty good shape I was very slow on the day of the hike. Patrick was patient, positive and very good company sharing stories about the mountain and the flora around us. He was especially amazing when we got to the scrambling and showed me exactly where to place my feet as we ascended. This by far was my favorite part of the hike and it was all thanks to Patrick's expert guidance. I am so glad I did this hike. It will stay with me for a long time. A highlight of my trip.
Bucket List Hike
Savannah C,,Dec 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
My husband and I loved this guided hike. Table Mountain is beautiful, and the India Venster trail is the perfect blend of hiking and novice rock climbing. Our guide Patrick was outstandingly fun and patient, and his instructions helped us (non-climbers) get up this trail’s climbing sections without ever feeling nervous or unsafe. If you like nature and adventure, this is a must do in Cape Town!
A great challenge with beautiful views
Gillian F,,Apr 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
A challenging climb but worth it for the views and feeling of achievement. André my guide was very good, encouraging at the difficult climbing and maintaining the right pace for me.
A must see
Jemimah D,,Mar 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a bit wet and very overcast so we ended up having to go a different route. Our guide Johan was super knowledgeable and the contact was amazing, he let us know the forecast the day before and how to prepare ourselves. We learned so much about the local plants, birds, and geology. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and don't be put off by grey weather!
Awesome hike!
Heather N,,Feb 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had such a great time mountain biking with my guide, Patrick, that I signed up to do a morning Table Mountain hike as well. Good to start early (when it’s quieter & cooler) the hike was challenging but still in the realm of my skill set! Patrick knew all the best ways to scramble the more technical areas we came across. He was also very knowledgeable of the area and terrain. Highly recommend this hike for outdoor enthusiasts! Don’t miss out!
Exciting hike and awesome guide
Philip R,,Feb 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide Patrick was extremely knowledgeable about the history and biology of the area. The pace was perfect, with rest breaks for photos and interesting information. Would definitely recommend for a table mountain hike. This was the best hike me and my wife have ever been on!