Table Mountain — Attraction in Western Cape

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain is home to a large array of fauna and flora, most of which is endemic”. “The easiest option for getting up the mountain is the cableway, which has attracted a whopping 24 million visitors since it first opened in 1929. Significantly revamped in 1997, the cable-cars now carry up to 65 passengers per trip. The journey up the mountain takes about five minutes and the cars rotate through 360 degrees during the trip, giving you spectacular views of the mountain below. Cars depart from the lower cable station on Tafelberg Road every 10 to 15 minutes, but you can expect to spend a fair amount of time in the queue during peak season. The cableway doesn’t operate if the wind is too strong or the visibility too poor, so check in advance if the conditions seem unfavourable. While the cableway is convenient and fun, you’ll get a much richer experience by hiking up or down yourself. Platteklip Gorge, a prominent gorge up the centre of the main table, is one of the most popular routes up the mountain. While quite steep, the ascent is pretty straightforward and should take between one and three hours depending on your fitness level. A trickier route starting on that side of the mountain is India Venster, which requires you to do a fair bit of scrambling. This route can take between two and four hours and should only be tackled by those who are fit and are familiar with the route. On the Atlantic side of the mountain, Kasteelspoort, which offers incredible views of Camps Bay, is the easiest route. There are also longer routes to the summit from the Southern Suburbs. Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge both start in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. From Skeleton Gorge, you can hike along Smuts Track to Maclear’s Beacon, which, at 1086 meters above sea level, is the highest point on Table Mountain. From Constantia Nek, you can take a longer, milder walk up the jeep track to the dams at the top of the mountain”. The most important part to visiting Table Mountain I guess is good weather. The day we went to see this wonder of the world was not a good day. It was misty, cloudy and cold. I would suggest October and November to visit Table Mountain. January to March could be hot. Also best times to go up the mountain are early, may be by 10.0 in the morning or late mid day. Sunset from the top of the mountain is magnificent. To avoid weekends and any public holidays would be another better idea. Ticket Rates and Type: Morning Adult Return: R293, One Way: R151 Morning Child Return (4-17 years of age): R141; One way: R71 SA senior citizen Return (Fridays only): R100; One way: R53 Student Return (Fridays only): R131; One way: R71 For more info: +27...

😊South Africa's prime Icon. Hiked up Plattekloof when I was 73 and enjoyed the privilege. Awesome view over sea and land. The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 3 kilometres (2 mi) from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. This broad sweep of mountainous heights, together with Signal Hill, forms the natural amphitheatre of the City Bowl and Table Bayharbour. The highest point on Table Mountain is towards the eastern end of the plateau and is marked by Maclear's Beacon, a stone cairn built in 1865 by Sir Thomas Maclear for trigonometrical survey. It is 1,086 metres (3,563 ft) above sea level, and about 19 metres (62 ft) higher than the cable station at the western end of the plateau.

The cliffs of the main plateau are split by Platteklip Gorge ("Flat Stone Gorge"), which provides an easy and direct ascent to the summit and was the route taken by António de Saldanha on the first recorded ascent of the mountain in 1503.[4]

The flat top of the mountain is often covered by orographic clouds, formed when a south-easterly wind is directed up the mountain's slopes into colder air, where the moisture condenses to form the so-called "table cloth" of cloud. NEVER underestimate the speed and suddeness of cloud cover as well as the dramatic change of character of the top. The friendly cloth can become a covering blanket. Legend attributes this phenomenon to a smoking contest between the Devil and a local pirate called Van Hunks.[5] When the table cloth is seen, it symbolizes the contest.

Table Mountain is at the northern end of a sandstone mountain range that forms the spine of the Cape Peninsula that terminates approximately 50 km to the south at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Immediately to the south of Table Mountain is a rugged "plateau" at a somewhat lower elevation than the Table Mountain Plateau (at about 1000 m), called the "Back Table". The "Back Table" extends southwards for approximately 6 km to the Constantia Nek-Hout Bay valley. The Atlantic side of the Back Table, is known as the Twelve Apostles, which extends from Kloof Nek (the saddle between Table Mountain and Lion's Head) to Hout Bay. The eastern side of this portion of the Peninsula's mountain chain, extending from Devil's Peak, the eastern side of Table Mountain (Erica and Fernwood Buttresses), and the Back Table to Constantia Nek, does not have single name, as on the western side. It is better known by the names of the conservation areas on its lower slopes: i.e. Groote Schuur Estate, Newlands Forest, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cecilia Park,...

Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, is an awe-inspiring natural landmark that left me in complete wonder during my visit. As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, this iconic mountain truly lives up to its reputation as a must-see destination.

Ascending Table Mountain, either by cable car or hiking, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surrounding coastline. The sheer magnitude of the mountain and its flat-topped summit, which resembles a table, is a sight to behold. The striking beauty of the mountain, combined with the vastness of the ocean and the cityscape below, creates a mesmerizing vista that leaves visitors in awe.

The diversity of flora and fauna on Table Mountain is remarkable. It is home to an incredible array of plant species, including unique fynbos vegetation that is endemic to the region. During my hike, I encountered vibrant wildflowers, delicate shrubs, and even sightings of dassies, the adorable rock hyrax that call the mountain their home. The biodiversity of Table Mountain is a testament to the importance of conserving and protecting such natural treasures.

The experience of being on top of Table Mountain is truly humbling. Standing above the clouds, I felt a sense of peace and connection with nature. There are several well-maintained viewpoints and walking trails that allow visitors to explore the mountain at their own pace. Whether you choose a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, each step offers a new perspective and reveals the true grandeur of the mountain and its surroundings.

The cable car ride itself is an exhilarating experience. The rotating cabin provides 360-degree views as you ascend or descend the mountain, offering stunning vistas of the city, coastline, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The cable car is efficient and well-organized, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to the summit.

Table Mountain is not only a natural wonder but also a place of cultural significance. It has played a significant role in the history and mythology of the region, with tales and legends woven into its existence. The mountain serves as a symbol of Cape Town's identity and is deeply cherished by its residents.

Visiting Table Mountain is an unforgettable experience that showcases the sheer beauty and magnificence of the natural world. It is a place that inspires awe, appreciation, and a profound sense of connection with nature. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking landscapes, Table Mountain is an absolute must-visit destination that will leave an indelible mark on...