For the visitor, or if you are new to Cape Town, there are a wide range of clubs and resources to help you enjoy the mountains. Climbing or walking alone is not recommended for both safety and personal security reasons, so these resources are offered as an aid to finding a club or group you can link up with. Or, if you are already a group, resources are provided to enable you to find information on walking and climbing routes.

Introduction

If you are new to the Cape, recommended reading is an Introduction to the Cape Mountains. This provides a short overview of Table Mountain, the Peninsula and the Cape Country areas, with local safety tips and links to further information. Equipped with this basic information, you may like to purchase a map or book covering the area of interest. See below for a list of some of the maps and books that are widely used. Please note that the Mountain Club does not warrant the any of the resources listed.

Reciprocity

If you are member of a walking, hiking, climbing or Alpine club elsewhere, many have reciprocal relationships with local clubs. These include the Mountain Club, Ramblers and U3A. If you are not a member of a club, then some (but not all) local clubs welcome visitors. You need to view the websites listed below to see what is on and what you could join. If you will be in the Cape for any length of time, then do consider joining a club.

Guides

There are also many professional guides available. As these change from time to time, if you are interested in this option, the best is to simply Google "Table Mountain Guides" or "Cape Rock Climbing Guides" or similar - you will find a wide range on offer.

Routes

If you are confident of your mountain skills and wish to take yourself or a group on a walk, scramble or climb, there are a range of self help resources available. Besides the books and maps listed below, the following websites may be helpful:

• www.mountain-meanders.com – Lists many of the walking and scrambling routes (Yosemite Grading System grades 1 to 5.1) including area overviews, maps, GPS tracks, route descriptions, photographic route depictions and much more.
• www.saclimb.co.za - This online rock climbing route guide is growing slowly but surely and already covers over 3000 rock routes and boulder problems.
• www.rockclimbing.com - Information on rock climbs around South Africa, including directions, access issues, camping, when to climb and books.

Links To Clubs

If any organisation would like to be added contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Climb ZA - A comprehensive resource for rock climbers. Offers news, information, a climbing directory, local weather and a classified ads section. There is also a very active forum.
• UCTMSC - University of Cape Town Mountain & Ski Club
• Cape Union Mart Hiking Club (CUM Hike)
• Meridian Hiking Club
• Ramblers (Western Cape)
• Trails Club of South Africa (TCSA)
• University of the 3rd Age (U3A) – has 8 groups who walk & scramble every day mid-week
• Hikers Network (with links to many clubs)
• Cape Runners Against Gravity
• Running buddy – An informal group of trail runners who organize mountain runs
• Walking buddy - An informal group of walkers who organize mountain walks and scrambles

Books & Maps

(Some - there are many more. Want to be listed? - contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Table Mountain, Silvermine, Hout Bay and Cape Point maps by Peter Slingsby, www.themaps.co.za. These are the definitive maps and are a must for any serious walker or climber.
• Table Mountain Classics: A guide to the classic walks, scrambles and easy rock climbs on Table Mountain, Tony Lourens, 1988, Blue Mountain Adventures
• Table Mountain Guide, 5th Edition, 1983, Cape Town Section of MCSA. (Sadly now out of print...)
• Adventure Walks and Scrambles in the Cape Peninsula, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 2003, Double Storey Books.
• Walks with a Fat Dog .., and more walks without, Peter and Maggie Slingsby, Baardskeerder, 2006, www.themaps.co.za.
• Easy Walks in the Cape Peninsula, Mike Lundy, 3rd Edition 2000, Human and Rousseau
• Best Walks in the Cape Peninsula, Mike Lundy 1st edition 1991, 3rd edition 1999
• Common Wild Flowers of Table Mountain, Hugh Clarke and Bruce Mackenzie, Struik 2007
• Table Mountain: To Cape Point Carrie Hampton & Andrew McIlleron, Struik, 2006, 199 pages