Explore
Table Mountain
Explore
Table Mountain
A Gift to Planet Earth
A visit to Cape Town would not be complete without a trip up the iconic Table Mountain. One of the New7Wonders of Nature and the backdrop to the Mother City, Table Mountain has wowed guests for many years. With diverse ecosystems and awe-inspiring views, you will be remiss if you do not grab the opportunity to take a cable car ride up to the summit of Table Mountain.
Your first sight of Table Mountain may be as your plane descends for your arrival into Cape Town. This breathtaking view pales into comparison as you ascend the mountain itself. The easiest way to reach the top is by cable car. The cableway opened its doors in 1929 and has seen over 25 million visitors in the past 90 odd years.
Revamped in 1997, the cable car now offers you unsurpassed views as you make your way up to the summit. With a revolving floor that allows for 360-degree views, it only takes approximately 5 minutes to reach the upper cable station.
When you reach the peak, you may be lost for words to describe the vistas before you. Table Mountain is home to the smallest floral kingdom in the world with over 8200 species of plants, many of which are endemic to the area. Dassies (Rock Hyrax), porcupines, caracal, mongooses, tortoises, and the rare Table Mountain Ghost Frog may be seen as they scurry about their day.
"To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles."
Mary Davis
The upper cable station offers you not only incredible sights but also the opportunity to explore the Table top. There are three easy walks on the plateau as well as guided walks, a restaurant, and a curio shop. As the cable cars descend every 15 minutes you are able to spend as much time as you like exploring this incredible destination.
If you are more adventurous then you may enjoy the chance to abseil down the side of the mountain. Guaranteed to get the blood pumping, the abseil takes in the awe-inspiring views of Camps Bay, the 12 Apostles, and the Atlantic seaboard with the deep blue of the ocean seemingly at your feet.
There are many legends that surround the Grandfather of Cape Town
With Devils Peak and Lions Head as the cornerstones to the impressive bulk of Table Mountain, it is hard to imagine that they were all once a valley floor! Legend says that the cloud cloth covering the Mountain is the smoke from a smoking contest between the Devil and a retired sea Captain named James van Hunks. African legend has Table Mountain as one of four Giants of the world that were turned to stone to watch over the world forever.
Our top tips for visiting Table Mountain:
- Always check the weather first as the Cableway may be closed due to strong winds and cloud cover. If you have a beautiful day then get to the Mountain as quickly as possible so you don’t miss out on the opportunity.
- Don’t forget your camera!
- Never hike or walk up the mountain alone. We have recommended guides that we always ensure accompany our guests at all times
- Wear walking shoes even if you do not intend to hike
- Take a jacket as the weather on top is unpredictable
Nelson Mandela proclaimed Table Mountain as a “gift to earth” in a speech he made on World Environment Day in 1998. In that speech, he referred to Table Mountain – “To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.”
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