Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
On 6 April 1652 Jan Van Riebeeck’s and his three ships, the Reiger, The Drommedaris, and the Goede Hoop sailed from the Netherlands to the Cape to establish a settlement. The first thing they saw when approaching was Table Mountain.
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s Icon. It is a vital part of its character and very much defines Cape Town as a city. It also draws many travellers, hikers and nature lovers to see and enjoy its splendour and beauty.
The spectacular views from the top are not to be missed. You can get there by the many hiking trails or climbing crags and explore places on the mountain like Skeleton Gorge, India Venster and Valley of the Red Gods. You will need a map of the mountain to find your way. Also be warned; even though it forms part of the city, it is still a serious mountain and not to be compared with a ‘walk in the park’! This is why using a professional guide is recommended. They will know which roads to take to avoid the rough terrain, and where to go when the weather turns nasty. This can happen in an instant.
If hiking is too much physical activity for you, you can use the Cableway to get to the top. Not only is this an easy way to get there, but you can admire the scenery while doing so.
When you reach the top, you can elect to take a comfortable 50 minute walk to Maclear’s Beacon, which is the highest point of the mountain, 1086 metres above sea level. It is important to take a coat or jacket as it is much colder on the mountain than at sea level, especially on the summit.
If you need refreshment, you can stop over at the cafeteria near the cable station and enjoy a scrumptious meal or snack and view Cape Town in all its splendour.
Near Table Mountain you will find the Table Mountain National Park. This stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point and also encompasses the coastline of the cape peninsula.
Here you can see beautiful beaches, bays and valleys which are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay.
This National Park contains a unique diversity of rich wildlife and vegetation, stunningly set between steep slopes, rugged cliffs, and sandy flat beaches. You will be challenged to find a more spectacularly beautiful place with such diversity of looks in the world (not needed). And best of all, most of it is free of charge to explore with only three places requesting conservation fees; Boulders, Cape of Good Hope and Silvermine. Otherwise the rest of the park is free to enjoy.
If you need a holiday, or would like an adventure, there is nothing like visiting Cape Town. You will be amazed by the diversity of fauna and flora, scenery and cultures.