India Venster is one of the more enjoyable hikes on Table Mountain, thanks to the spectacular views, close encounters with the Cable Car and the adrenaline inducing scrambles! The route is more technical and challenging compared to the Platteklip Gorge trail, and involves scrambling and the use of moderately exposed steel staples and chains. There have been accidents on this trail as people tackle the route unprepared, and take risks while not exercising enough caution on the tricky sections. You will need a head for heights, a good fitness level and decent upper body strength to safely complete this hike. 

 

(*Scrambling refers to the way you make your way up certain sections of steep terrain, where you will use your hands and feet to “scramble” over a boulder, up a short wall, or up a rock face. Its not quite rock climbing, and its not quite simple mountain walking…it lies somewhere between the two)

 

The route is located on Tafelberg Road, just before the Cable Car station where all the large buses park. There is a set of stone steps and a path leading off to the right which indicates the start. Follow the trail aka “the steps of doom” up to the contour path. Dont be put off by the intense start to this hike, once you have made it to the contour path the route continues to go up, but at a less intense pace. When you arrive at the contour path you will see a sign for India Venster, continue over the path and keep going up the mountain by following the yellow feet that are painted onto the rock. Use the cable car cables overhead as a reference.

 

The trail now begins to wind up the mountain, and soon you will come across your first scrambling section. Its relatively easy to get up, but if you are battling here you should turn back as its only going to get more difficult and challenging. Continue to follow the trail which runs along the right hand side of the Venster Buttress, using the yellow feet markers for guidance. Look out for the Venster (meaning window in Afrikaans) in the rocky outcrop on your left, a little way up the gully. A nice stop for a breather and a picture opportunity.

 

The trail begins to level out as you pass over the Venster Buttress and make your way towards the top. Some more moderate scrambling awaits – there is a wall of rock without staples and chains that you will need to scale. Its not too difficult as there are plenty of good hand and foot holds, but you will need to focus and make sure of your grip. Once on top keep to the trail, making sure the mountain is on your right, and Cape Town city on your left.

 

Next you will reach the scrambling section involving the staples and chains, its up a gully to your right, just follow the yellow feet. The scramble up isn’t that difficult, as again there are numerous excellent hand grips and foot holds to latch onto. You can always find a good grip and place to put your foot. What intimidates people, however, is the obvious drop. There is one relatively tricky section at the top where you need to place your feet correctly on the staples on either side of the gully in order to grab onto the chain and hoist yourself up onto a ledge. If you take your time you will be fine. Dont let other people rush you into making a mistake. 

 

After you have navigated the staples make your way up through the gully and onto the rocky plateau, and keep an eye out for the yellow foot markers. Look above you for a wall of rock, you need to make your way up there by following the path to the left which will lead you around and up onto the top of the wall, which is known as Fountain Ledge. Its a great spot to stop for a coffee and watch the Cable car whizz past you over head. To get to the top of the mountain from here you follow the path, making sure the ocean is on your right. It is still another ±45 minutes to the Cable Car station, so you aren’t quite finished yet. There are some slippery rocks, and one last scramble to overcome. The trail also gets close to the edge in certain places, so stay focused while enjoying the views.

 

This last scramble can be quite tricky, as you need to move your feet from one small ledge to another while holding onto the rock face. Some people do it without thinking, while others really battle. There is a small tree that you can use to grip on. 

 

As you will have noticed you are walking in the opposite direction to the Cable Car, and for some distance. Be on the look out for a concrete hut on the right of the trail, and soon after that there is a path branching off from the main path, on the left, which isn’t marked. Take this turn and make your way up the rock to the top and head in the direction of the Cable Car. If you aren’t sure, stick to the main path and use the directional stone signage markers that you will eventually come across.

 

When at the top you can either catch the Cable Car down, or hike down via Platteklip or India Venster. There are signs advising against using India Venster, saying its not an easy route. It its definitely do-able but that all depends on your agility, scrambling skills and ability to deal with heights.