Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back
Western Cape

WWhen you think about Cape Town, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? For most people around the world, the answer is Table Mountain. This is arguably South Africa’s best-known landmark, but what many people don’t know is that it’s also a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails, amazing views and plenty of interesting things to learn. Oh, and it's part of a national park, too! All this in the heart of South Africa’s ever-enchanting Mother City.

South Africa's most famous landmark, Table Mountain, is more than just a pile of rocks in the bay. A protected national park, it has some remarkable features that make it a fantastic destination for nature-lovers, deserving of more than just a quick cable car ride to see the view from the top (although that is totally worth it).

The mountain forms part of Table Mountain National Park, which is globally recognised for its biodiversity what with its truly unique and incredibly beautiful fauna and flora. The park encompasses the Table Mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south including the seas and coastline of the peninsula.

Did You Know?
TTable Mountain, probably the most photographed landmark in South Africa, is now one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Food
When to visit
How to get here

IIf you’re not up for a good hike, but still appreciate a breathtaking view, The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will smoothly fast track you to the top. Since its opening in 1929, more than 22 million people have taken the trip to the top of Table Mountain.

At the upper cable station you will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as a network of footpaths to explore the table top. Get your camera ready, though. The views are simply stunning all around the top of the mountain.

IIf hiking is your thing, then you’ll find 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.

Calling it an adventurer’s paradise is no understatement. You can walk it, you can climb it, or you can even abseil down it, depending on your expertise and fitness levels. Take caution, although the mountain may look tame on any given day, people perish every year as they set off under-prepared for a sudden change in weather. Always hike in a group and carry water and warm clothing with you. Better still, hire a guide or ask an experienced hiker to take you along. It’s something you will never regret and always remember!

Who to contact
How to get here
Around the area
GET AROUND
What will it cost
Length of stay
What to pack
Where to stay
What to eat

Related articles

  • Breathtaking scenery

    Paragliding in Hermanus offers spectacular views

    Breathtaking scenery
    Paragliding in Hermanus offers spectacular views
    Paragliding in Hermanus, a beautiful town in the Western Cape famous for its whale watching, gives you the best aerial views to watch these ocean giants.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    An aerial view of the Garden Route

    Breathtaking scenery
    An aerial view of the Garden Route
    The Garden Route and its spectacular coastline can be seen from small aircraft, helicopter or hot-air balloon. It can also be explored by foot in the Garden Route National Park.
  • Active adventure

    Rovos Rail

    Active adventure
    Rovos Rail
    Rovos Rail is a train company that offers passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring South Africa by railroad doesn’t get fancier than this. Cross stunning expanses of countryside while sipping on champagne. Relax into a serene routine and channel Agatha Christie in the lap of luxury.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    Platbos Forest

    Breathtaking scenery
    Platbos Forest
    Platbos Forest is Africa’s southernmost forest, located in the Western Cape’s Baviaanspoort hills. This endangered ecosystem is known as a relic forest, home to trees that are over 1 000 years old. Scientists are amazed that the indigenous forest has survived this long, in spite of climate change and other environmental challenges.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    The Elim wine route

    Breathtaking scenery
    The Elim wine route
    You won’t find a wine route further south than the Elim wine route. A handful of winemakers set out to conquer the inhospitable Agulhas Plain terroir, known for its extreme weather and jagged coastline.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    A French Affair in Franschhoek

    Breathtaking scenery
    A French Affair in Franschhoek
    The Franschhoek Wine Route offers an array of innovative food and wine pairings. The town of Franschhoek has a rich Gallic heritage dating back to 1688 and refers to itself as ‘South Africa’s gourmet capital’.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    A trip to the top of Table Mountain by cableway

    Breathtaking scenery
    A trip to the top of Table Mountain by cableway
    Take the Table Mountain cableway to immerse yourself in the Cape Floral Region where nearly 1 500 species of plants can be found on the mountain alone.
  • Breathtaking scenery

    West Coast Wine Route

    Breathtaking scenery
    West Coast Wine Route
    The West Coast Wine Route follows the N7 North and has a surprisingly large selection and quality of award winning wines to chose from. It includes boutique and garagiste producers, along with some of the largest wineries in the country.

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy