Climb to the summit of this spectacular mountain and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Cape Town and the stunning surrounds of Table Bay.
No visit to South Africa would be complete without a trip to the summit of the famous Table Mountain. Rising one kilometre above sea level and forming a dramatic backdrop to the city, this iconic landmark offers fantastic views of Table Bay, Cape Town, Robben Island and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.Set in Table Mountain National Park, this extraordinary landmark is a regular destination for locals and tourists alike. For many visitors, the most popular route to the top is by cable car. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway departs from Tafelberg Road every fifteen minutes and takes approximately five minutes to reach the summit. The cable car rotates as it climbs allowing all passengers to experience this unique vantage point. Drink in the panoramic view of the deep blue ocean and watch as the city gradually shrinks and retreats into the distance.Once you reach the summit, you are privy to the most spectacular sweeping views imaginable. The top of the mountain consists of a 3-kilometre plateau from edge to edge, bordered by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west and has many sign-posted observation points from which to take in the panorama. In addition, the landscape is teeming with a rich biodiversity and nature lovers in particular will appreciate the unique flora and fauna.For many visitors, tramping is the preferred method to reach the top of Table Mountain. Platteklip Gorge (Flat Stone Gorge) is the most direct route to the summit and is therefore one of the more popular tourist trails. If you are moderately fit, it should take about two to three hours. Alternatively, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast and are up for a challenge, the Hoerikwaggo trails will really test your mettle. This series of trails weave through the national park and take between two and six days to complete.Whatever your preferred method of transport, the climb to the top is sure to whet the appetite and you deserve a reward for all that effort. If you haven’t brought your own provisions, don’t worry as there are a number of eateries and cafés where you can get a bite to eat.Very few places beat Table Mountain for a magnificent sunrise and sunset, so it’s no surprise that many a proposal has been accepted in this romantic setting! Remember that the weather can be unpredictable so be prepared and bring sun lotion and a hat as well as a light jacket, as the mist on the mountain can be chilly. Better to be safe than sorry!
