Kloof Corner Ridge is one of the best-kept secrets on Table Mountain. While the main routes up the mountain — Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge — are well-signposted and busy, Kloof Corner Ridge runs up a narrow, exposed spine of rock above the Camps Bay-facing slopes with views that stop you in your tracks. It's a more adventurous, less crowded, and visually dramatic alternative that rewards hikers who are comfortable with some exposure and steeper terrain.
This guide covers everything you need to know before attempting Kloof Corner Ridge — the route, the difficulty, what makes it different, and why a guided hike makes sense here more than on most Cape Town trails.
What Is Kloof Corner Ridge?
Kloof Corner Ridge (sometimes called the Lion's Head Ridge or the Twelve Apostles Route) is a ridge line that ascends the western face of Table Mountain above Camps Bay. The route starts from the Kloof Corner parking area near De Waal Drive and climbs steeply up a rocky ridge with sustained views across the Atlantic, over Camps Bay, and along the full sweep of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
The name comes from the "kloof" (ravine) that cuts into the mountain at this point, with the ridge running parallel to it. The route eventually connects with the main Table Mountain plateau.
Kloof Corner Ridge: Key Facts
- Distance: Approximately 4–6km one-way (to the plateau)
- Elevation gain: ~650m
- Duration: 2–3.5 hours to the plateau, depending on pace
- Difficulty: Challenging — exposed ridge, some scrambling, route-finding required
- Start point: Kloof Corner, De Waal Drive (near the reservoir)
- Best season: Avoid in strong south-easterly wind — the ridge is fully exposed
- Entry: Free — no entry fee
The Route: What to Expect
The Lower Slopes
From the Kloof Corner trailhead, the path begins with a steady climb through fynbos. The Atlantic comes into view quickly — Camps Bay's white beach, the cold blue Benguela Current, and if the air is clear, a faint impression of Robben Island to the north. This early section sets the tone: this is a hike defined by views.
The Ridge Itself
As the path narrows onto the ridge, the terrain changes. You're now walking along an exposed spine of rock with significant drops on both sides. Some sections require using your hands — it's more of a scramble than a walk. The route isn't well-marked, which is part of what makes it a bad choice for solo first-timers. With a guide, the line becomes clear and the exposure feels manageable. Without one, it's easy to end up off-route on ground you don't want to be on.
The Upper Ridge and Plateau Junction
Higher up, the terrain becomes less exposed and the fynbos returns. The path eventually connects to the main Table Mountain footpath network. From here, you have options: walk to the cable car, continue to Maclear's Beacon (the true summit), or begin your descent via an alternative route.
What Makes Kloof Corner Ridge Special
Most Table Mountain routes take you UP to the views. Kloof Corner Ridge gives you the views the entire way. From the moment you're on the ridge, you're looking out over one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world — the Twelve Apostles behind you, Camps Bay below, Lion's Head over your shoulder, and the flat top of Table Mountain ahead. It's a route where you stop every 15 minutes to look around.
It's also significantly quieter than Platteklip or the Pipe Track. Hikers who know Table Mountain well tend to gravitate toward Kloof Corner Ridge once they've done the more popular routes.
Is Kloof Corner Ridge Safe?
Kloof Corner Ridge is safe when hiked with experience, proper preparation, and good conditions. It is NOT suitable for:
- Solo hikers unfamiliar with the route
- Anyone uncomfortable with exposure or heights
- Windy conditions — strong south-easters make the exposed ridge genuinely dangerous
- Wet conditions — the rock becomes slippery when damp
It IS well-suited for:
- Fit, experienced hikers comfortable with scrambling
- Those hiking with a guide who knows the route
- Clear, calm weather days with low wind
Book a Guided Kloof Corner Ridge Hike
Ruminate runs guided Kloof Corner Ridge hikes with experienced local guides. This is one of the routes where having a guide matters most — the path is not well-marked, the exposure is real, and the consequences of going off-route are significant. Our guides know every safe line on the ridge and carry emergency equipment. Small groups, expert guidance. Get in touch to book.
Kloof Corner Ridge vs Other Table Mountain Routes
Compared to the other main routes on Table Mountain, Kloof Corner Ridge is the most visually dramatic and the most technically demanding of the popular guided routes. Platteklip Gorge is easier, more direct, and very busy. Skeleton Gorge is forested, sheltered, and beautiful but less exposed. Skeleton Gorge and Kloof Corner Ridge represent the two ends of the Table Mountain hiking spectrum — shaded forest vs. open ridge.
What to Bring
- Water: At least 1.5 litres — the route is fully exposed with no water sources
- Windproof layer: The ridge channels wind even on calm days
- Trail shoes: Grip is essential on the rock sections
- Sunscreen: No shade on the ridge itself
- Snacks: The descent takes as long as the ascent — plan for a 4–5 hour outing total
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is Kloof Corner Ridge?
It's one of the more challenging routes on Table Mountain. The sustained exposure and scrambling sections make it unsuitable for beginners, but fit and confident hikers find it very manageable with the right preparation or a guide.
Is Kloof Corner Ridge marked?
Partially — there are some cairns and faint trail markers, but the route is not as clearly marked as Platteklip or Skeleton Gorge. This is one reason a guided hike is recommended for first-timers.
How long does Kloof Corner Ridge take?
Allow 2–3.5 hours to reach the plateau, and another 1–2 hours for the descent via an alternative route. Plan for a half-day minimum.
Can you do Kloof Corner Ridge solo?
Experienced Cape Town hikers who know the route do it solo. For anyone unfamiliar with the line, hiking with a group or guide is strongly recommended.