2-4 hours
India Venster is an exciting route up the face of Table Mountain that is not particularly well known. It is a fun alternative to the more popular Platteklip Gorge because there is some rock scrambling to keep things interesting. But do take heed of the danger sign - this is indeed a dangerous route and several people have been badly injured here. Be very careful and do not attept it unless you are comfortable with exposed rock scrambling.
The route starts (there are several viable starting points) along some steps at the lower cable station and basically the path sticks under the cables most of the way up. After about 15-20 minutes the path crosses the contour path and continues up the mountain.
The path is fairly well signposted - follow the little painted markings (yellow footprints and later little blue marks) on the rocks. There are points where hikers will have to scramble up rocks - this is more than your normal hike, but it adds to the excitement. Nothing too crazy - if things are getting out of hand backtrack because you are probably off the route. The views back over the city are great and it can be fun to watch the cable cars passing overhead.
Just under the upper cable station the path passes around to the right behind the mountain (above Camps Bay) and about 10-20 minutes later pops out at the top of Platteklip Gorge, which is the quickest way back down.
The name 'India Venster'
The route passes along an area of Table Mountain known as India Ravine because when viewed frm the bottom it resembles the shape of India. The 'venster' (window in Afrikaans) is a point where the rock has formed a little window through which you can see some great views.
- This route can be dangerous - make sure that you stick to the path (this has been a fatal mistake in the past). Hike with someone who knows the route
- Coming down India Venster can be hairy - perhaps come back via another route. There are plenty of well marked paths on Table Mountain
- The easiest starting point for this hike is the lower cable station which is well signposted throughout Cape Town
- There are some stairs heading up the mountain on the right of the cable station
- You can also get onto the contour path from any point and then head to the junction with the India Venster path
Fun but can be frightening
I really enjoyed this route up Table Mountain - better than slogging up Platteklip Gorge! But I was surprised how hectic some of the required scrambling was. There is one point where you have to climb up about 3-4 metres of vertical rock. Not very difficult, but certainly more hectic than anything on Platteklip. Well worth it.
I also watched some crazy guys doing one of the traverses (Right Face-Arrow Face I think) which looks insane. Just remember to follow the yellow footprints and blue dots and you'll be fine.
India Venster not as easy as it may sound!
There have been a number of accidents on India Venster and it should not be attempted unless you are a fit and experienced climber. The rock sections are exposed and high enough for a fall to be fatal as an experiened climber nearly demonstrated last Sunday. She was badly injured and lucky to survive. The route finding is also quite difficult at times and many have been lost or stuck. So be careful, and take the warning sign at the bottom seriously! Remember also to allow enough time to walk down - don't depend on the cable car.
Worth the effort but be careful!
Loved that one. I was lucky enough to hike it during a windy, clear Sunday morning (hardly any people on top until afternoon with the cable car off; what views!!),
and lucky again to have met a local guy who was familiar with the route, which left me just to follow and get in the views.
Also eliminated some stress resulting from missing a proper map. Too bad that detailed hike maps are not available (like for the Plattenklip Gorge route) at the ranger station (to keep the reckless away I figure) I wish I had tried a descent as well (Plattenklip G. was a bit dull even on the way down, even with the girls swarming up).
*Concentration*, some experience, good rock conditions and invulnerability to heights required.
*Watch and memorize* the route (not just the painted marks) in case a backtrack is required (e.g. clouds should set in).
*Always* be prepared to abort and be sure you know your way as well as the way back!
*Never* continue unless positively sure, that you could make it down the same way.
Final part of the route, that Ledge might feel relaxing but actually it isn't. A few places have steep drops hidden behind the fynbos - so again, concentration is the way!
Post new comment