Three classic South Africa hikes: Table Mountain, Lion's Head and the Amphitheatre

Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge

Platteklip Gorge is the most direct way up the front of Table Mountain, a steep path of rock steps that climbs the big cleft in the cliffs above the city. It is short but relentless, with little shade, so start early. At the top you can walk across the plateau to the cable car and ride down instead of walking.

On our map the line from the bottom of the gorge to the upper cable station covers about 2.8 km.

Lion's Head

Lion's Head is the 669 m peak between Table Mountain and the sea, and its path spirals round the mountain before short sections with chains and ladders near the top. It is famous for sunrise and full-moon hikes, with views over the city, Camps Bay and Robben Island.

On our map the main path to the summit covers about 2.1 km one way.

Drakensberg Amphitheatre to Tugela Falls

The Amphitheatre is a wall of cliffs in the northern Drakensberg, and this hike reaches the top of it from the Sentinel car park. The path contours below the Sentinel before climbing the chain ladders onto the summit plateau, where the Tugela River pours over the edge as Tugela Falls.

On our map the line from the Sentinel car park to the top of the falls covers about 6.2 km one way.

Before you go

• Start early: the weather on all three mountains can turn quickly.
• Carry water, a warm layer and a charged phone.
• Check current access and permit arrangements before you set off.

Keep the hike

We print each route on the real terrain, so Table Mountain's cliffs and the Amphitheatre wall stand out in 3D with your path raised in colour. Add the date and the names of everyone who made it up.