Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Table Mountain is a symbolic landmark in Cape Town. The level plateau, surrounded by steep cliffs with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city, sand dunes and silhouette of mountains in the distance. Table Mountain is also a World Heritage site.

The highest point on Table Mountain is at the eastern end of the plateau which is 3,563 ft above sea level. The flat top of the mountain is sometimes covered by clouds or fog and its spill over give the mountain the effect of a table cloth. Though, it is lovely to see the table cloth effect away from the mountain, it will be disappointing to be at the top of the mountain when it happen.

There are two ways to get to the top of the mountain. One is by cable car and the other is hiking. The Table Mountain Cableway station lies about mid range in the mountain. The cableway has been in operation since 1929 and it was extensively renovated in 1997. The cableway carries 65 passengers to and from the summit and the ascent to the top is about 10 minutes. The glass window which rotates 360 degrees gives passengers a panoramic view of the city and the mountain. The cleverly constructed glass panel with 2 sections that is without glass allow passengers to take pictures without any obstruction. The cableway is mostly standing space with a few seats near the control and it is usually full.

Hiking in Table Mountain is another popular way to get to the summit. There are a number of trails ranging from easy to difficult. However, it is good to note that a considerable level of fitness and stamina is needed to complete the hike. As there are many steep cliffs around the summit, the time taken to reach the summit varies according the route taken and the fitness level. The straightforward route is the Platteklip Gorge and it takes about 1 to 3 hours to ascent to the summit. The other route which is a longer route to the summit is from the south of the main plateau starting at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (an interesting place to explore different types of local flora and fauna). Another popular ascent is from Kasteelspoort which is a gorge from the Atlantic side of the mountain.

The top of the mountain offer different spectacular view point like Cape Town, Cape Pennisula, Cape Flats and Table Bay. There are 3 different choices of walks on top of the mountain, they are:

-Dassie Walk with views of north, south and west

-Agama Walk with spectacular 360 degree views of Cape Town and Cape Pennisula

-Klipspringer Walk with views along the plateau edge to above Platteklip Gorge.

If you want to know more about the history and its botanical make up. The free guided tours in Table Mountain is definitely useful and informative. The guided tour operates at 1000hr and 1200hr. Take a rest at the cafe in the summit, escape from the heat and continue enjoying the views. There is a magical and yet serene feeling at Table Mountain. Perhaps it was the flatness at the peak, totally unblocked and the distance silhouette of the mountains is so picturesque. I could stay on the summit for hours.

There are no tall trees in the summit, it will be wise to bring your hat or carry some form of shade as it can get very hot. The plants surrounding the summit are mainly alpines and fynbo.

To get the best of Table Mountain, it is important to check the weather as it can get foggy and misty and the view will be obstructed. Beware of high winds as it can get chilly.

You can get to Table Mountain on your own by taxis or you can join the local tours. Alternatively, you can hire a car from the many car rental companies in Cape Town.

The rates for the Cableway from 1 October 2008 - 30 September 2009 is:

Adult - Return: R145.00
Children (under 18 years) - Return: R76.00
Children under 4 years travel free

Opening times vary according to the time of the year and the weather condition.