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A nature reserve and adventure landmark
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Table Mountain was declared a New7Wonder of Nature in 2011.
© Tara Turkington/Flow Communications
Did you know?
Table Mountain, probably the most photographed landmark in South Africa, is now one of the New7Wonders of Nature.South Africa's most famous landmark, Table Mountain, is more than just a pile of rock in the bay. A protected reserve, it has some remarkable features that make it a great destination for nature-lovers, deserving of more than just a quick cable car ride to see the view from the top.
The mountain forms part of Table Mountain National Park, which is globally recognised for its biodiversity, and contains truly unique fauna and flora. The park encompasses the Table Mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula.
It is primarily an open-access park with only a few points where conservation fees are payable including Cape Point, Boulders (where you'll see penguins), the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Silvermine. The rest of the park offers open access and is free for all to enjoy.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway was the solution to the arduous walk and climb to the top. Since its opening in 1929, more than 22-million people have taken the trip to the top of Table Mountain. The new cableway was upgraded and officially reopened on 4 October 1997.
On the mountain you will also find a restaurant and a curio shop. There are plenty of hiking trails from the Camps Bay side of the mountain, as well as from the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and even from the city centre itself.
You can walk or climb the mountain, or even abseil down it, depending on your expertise and fitness levels.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company
Lower Cable Station
Tafelberg Road
+27 21 424 0015
www.tablemountain.net
How to get here
Table Mountain is easily accessible by car, taxi and bus. You can even take a City Sightseeing bus to the foot of the mountain.
Around the area
Signal Hill and Lion's Head are among many other great spots for hiking just outside the Cape Town city centre.
Get around
The mountain is a reserve, so only foot traffic is allowed.
What will it cost
A return trip for one adult on the Cableway costs R205 at the ticket office or R185 online (plus, buying your ticket online means you'll skip long queues during popular summer days). Hiking is free and if you don't feel like walking back down, take the cable car for R105.
Length of stay
Half-day to full-day
What to pack
It's generally a fair bit colder at the top than at ground level, so pack warm clothes.
Where to stay
Cape Town has ample accommodation options. A double room in a back-packers' lodge will cost around R400 per person for a night, while a room in a 4-star hotel would cost between R800 and R1200, depending on the time of year.
What to eat
There is a restaurant and shop on top of Table Mountain.
What's happening
Consult the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and Cape Town Tourism websites for information on specific events.