Hiking Indian Venster - Your Adventure Guide
Your guide to one of the most adventurous and thrilling hikes up the front face of Table Mountain.
NEED TO KNOW:
India Venster is the perfect route for hikers looking for something a lot more technical and challenging!
You can expect a lot of scrambling, chains, climbing and best of all a, front-row seat to Table Mountain.
Although thrilling and adventurous this hike is a challenge and will require good fitness and endurance! You won't be scrambling all the way to the top, but it is a major part of the hike so make sure this is something you are 100% confident in. Do not underestimate the endurance a scramble needs!
START:
The trail starts just to the right of the Cableway Station, on Tafelberg road, where you will meet a flight of stairs taking you straight to the contour path. The path is rather steep and quite a good warm-up for those quads!
Once you reach the contour path you’ll see a green sign pointing in different directions, the official start of India Venster is right behind it.
INDIA VENSTER:
A big chunk of this hike is very exposed, so be sure to put on A LOT of sunscreens and pack more water than needed.
Look out on the rocks for painted footmarks, they will be your artificial cairns keeping you on the right path, stick to them, they’re always around and make it easy to avoid getting lost.
If you can't spot any of the marked feet, just make sure you stay underneath the cableway, this is also a pretty good indicator.
Once you get close to the top the path will split, take a left which will lead you to the middle section of Venster Buttress. Stay on your left until you reach a 50m rock wall, which is broken up into sections. This is the most difficult part of the hike, but there are sturdy chains to assist you on your ascent.
Once the hard part is done have a rest and throw around some high fives. From here the route will take you away from the front face of the mountain and more towards the Twelve Apostle side. This part is an absolute breeze with views for days.
THE WAY DOWN:
Although possible, you can take the same route down, although this is not recommended and could lead to a few injuries. You can make your way to the Cable Car and take the easy way down, which will just add another 1.5kms to your hike or you could take the Platteklip route down, which you'll find just past the Cable Car station.
Happy Hiking x
