Woody Ravine Guided Hike – Table Mountain
Woody Ravine Guided Hike – Table Mountain
If conditions are unsafe we move you to another date at no charge. If the new date does not suit you, you get a full refund.
Woody Ravine is one of Table Mountain's most rewarding lesser-known routes — a route that takes you through cool indigenous forest, up dramatic rocky sections, and onto the open plateau with some of the best views the mountain has to offer. If you're looking for a Table Mountain hike that feels genuinely adventurous and quieter than the popular Platteklip Gorge route, Woody Ravine is it.
Our weather promise. If conditions are unsafe, we move you to another date at no charge. If the new date does not suit you, you get a full refund. You never lose money to Cape Town weather.
Hike Summary
Duration: 3 to 4 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Start Point: Lower Contour Path, Table Mountain
End Point: Table Mountain summit plateau
Group size: Small group, maximum 8 people
The Route
Your Ruminate guide leads you from the lower slopes up the Woody Ravine route, beginning through a shaded forest canopy of indigenous Cape flora before the terrain opens up onto steeper, rockier sections as you gain altitude. The upper section of the ravine is demanding — you'll navigate boulders and exposed rock faces — but the summit plateau reward makes every step worthwhile.
From the top, sweeping views take in Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Flats, and the distinctive silhouette of Lion's Head. At the summit, you can choose to descend via the cable car (Aerial Cableway ticket purchased separately) or take a different route back down, including the nearby Tranquillity Cracks route for those wanting an extra challenge.
Why Hike Woody Ravine with a Guide
Woody Ravine is not a signposted trail. Route-finding on the upper sections is challenging even for experienced hikers, and the mountain's famously fast-changing weather makes preparation critical. Every Ruminate guide is certified (FGASA/MLTSA qualified), carries first aid equipment, and knows the mountain's routes in all conditions.
What's Included
- Certified mountain guide (FGASA/MLTSA qualified)
- Pre-hike safety briefing and route overview
- Local knowledge and interpretation throughout
- Emergency first aid kit
- Water for the trail
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with grip
- Warm layer (weather changes fast on Table Mountain)
- Water bottle (2L recommended)
- Light snack or packed lunch
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash or card for cable car if choosing that descent
Aerial Cableway descent: tickets purchased at the upper cable station (approx. R490 per adult). Subject to seasonal maintenance closures and weather. Check cableway status on the day.
Why this hike is priced where it is. R1,750 — a remote, lesser-known route capped at eight guests, with a longer approach and no easy bail-out point.
What happens after you book
You get an email confirmation immediately. Within a few hours we send you a WhatsApp with your exact meeting point pin, your start time and a kit list, and we add you to a small group chat with your guide and the other hikers. Your guide checks the forecast and confirms with you the evening before.
Further reading: Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town · Why Book a Guided Hiking Tour · What to Wear Hiking in Cape Town · Is Table Mountain Difficult? · Cape Town Hiking for Beginners · Woody Ravine Full Guide · Skeleton Gorge Guide · Safety Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Woody Ravine guided hike?
Your guided hike includes a FGASA/MLTSA qualified hiking guide, a safety briefing, mountain navigation and route guidance, a basic first aid kit and emergency assistance, and professional photos where possible. Woody Ravine is not a signposted trail — a guide is essential. Food and drinks, Cableway tickets, personal gear, travel insurance, and gratuities are not included. Transport is available as an optional add-on.
Why is a guide essential on Woody Ravine?
Woody Ravine is not a signposted trail. Route-finding on the upper sections is challenging even for experienced hikers, and Table Mountain's fast-changing weather makes local knowledge critical. Every Ruminate guide is FGASA/MLTSA qualified and knows the mountain's routes in all conditions.
How do we get down from the summit?
Descent options include the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway or on foot. Cableway tickets are not included and are purchased at the upper cable station — approximately R490 per adult, subject to seasonal maintenance and weather. Your guide will advise on the best option on the day.
Where does the hike start?
Full meeting point details are confirmed in your booking and sent via WhatsApp before the hike.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with grip, 2L of water, a light snack or packed lunch, a warm layer, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bring cash or card if you plan to use the Cableway for the descent.
Not sure which hike suits you? WhatsApp us on +27 74 412 9946 and we will match you to the right route for your fitness and your dates. We usually reply within an hour, seven days a week.
Often added to this hike
Pick-up & drop-off transfer
We collect you from your accommodation before the hike and drop you back afterwards. One flat rate for up to 4 people, per location.
Added as a separate item in your cart. Tell us your pick-up address on WhatsApp after booking.