Hike Constantia Nek to Camel Rock

Looking back toward C. Nek on the ascent

Route Summary
Distance: 7.5 km
Estimated time: 2hrs + stops.
Total Elevation gain: 635m
Type: Out and back
View Constantia Nek to Camel Rock Walk map

* A fairly strenuous walk because of the elevation gain.  Some short sections are near vertical rock, and while there are easy stepping and holding points these need the use of your hands to be safe.

The hike provides magnificent views down Hout Bay valley during the ascent which are not visible from any other route on the mountain, the top and decent provide wonderful views of the Southern Suburbs and Cape Flats out to Hottentot's Holland.

Route description
Park at the Constantia Nek car-park and walk to the top of the car-park where a small tarred road leads up towards the mountain with houses on the right.  After about 100m the road turns to gravel and there is a Table Mountain National Park sign on the left headed "Constantia Nek".  Shortly after this a footpath angles left and upwards with a small stainless steel sign indicating that this is to "Reservoirs via footpath".  Take this path upward until you meet the jeep track again on a hairpin bend after about 450m.  At this point turn left and follow a flat section of the jeep-track until it ends in a turning area after about 100m.  At the end of the turning area find a path heading upwards between Eagles Nest on the left and the main buttress to Table Mountain on the right.  Follow this path, and as it crests the saddle between Eagles Nest and the buttress, turn right, and follow the path up the Hout Bay side of the buttress.

Camel Rock

The path is clearly marked and there are few options to go wrong.  You keep climbing over several false tops until reaching two almost vertical sections which require the use of hands to ascend safely.  Children must be guided here and less agile dogs may require lifting/help.  Shortly after this you will crest a high point where you can look up towards the back table over a series of ridges. You've made it!

The path then descends through a rock arch with overhangs on both sides which face the back table.  The overhangs are low, but this is a good spot to stop for a rest and tea.

After this you continue down into a small valley and as you climb out of it you will see Camel Rock silhouetted against the sky ahead of you - the path passes just left of this formation, and continues over a few more undulations before reaching the De Villiers dam, the lowest and smallest of the Table Mountain reservoirs.  Keep to the right here and you will meet the concrete jeep track.  Turn right and head down the mountain on the jeep track to return the Constantia Nek.