Table Mountain is the definitive symbol of Cape Town. It dominates all photographs of the Mother City and is a part of everyday life even if you never set foot on its hallowed slopes.
If you haven’t you should, as the views from the top are spectacular. Not many cities have an easily accessible mountain in such close proximity and this mountain in particular offers a myriad of hiking paths and climbing crags. From Skeleton Gorge to Valley of the Red Gods and India Venster you won’t run out of nooks and crannies to explore on this mountain. Maps of Table Mountain with designated hiking routes are available and also advisable for newcomers.
If the energy sapping route is not for you, the Cableway offers a quick and scenic ride to the top and in three minutes you can be admiring the Cape Peninsula from its high points.
The highest point of Table Mountain is Maclear’s Beacon at 1,086m above sea level on the eastern side of the front table. It’s a comfortable 45 to 60 minute walk (one way) from the cable car. Dress warmly for the top and be prepared for different weather conditions to what the rest of Cape Town is experiencing.
There’s a cafeteria near the upper cable station where you can enjoy a mile-high meal in comfort with the Cape spread out around you in all its splendour.
To get a real sense of Cape Town, why not walk along her spine? The three-day Hoerikwagga Trail is a fabulous hiking route that takes you from Cape Town’s Waterfront, all the way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The entire top of the mountain, as well as her slopes towards Cape Point, forms the Table Mountain National Park, and this newly developed hiking trail is a spectacular way to experience it.