What do you think of when you hear "Cape Town?" Table Mountain...
Iconic sites and landscapes, from every perspective.
Way, way back, Sir Francis Drake described this part of the world as "the fairest Cape in all the circumference of the world" - a description that still holds true today. Cape Town is appreciated and admired not only for its natural beauty, but also for its rich heritage and cultural diversity. And the fact that it's considered one of the top culinary destinations in the world only enhances its appeal.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of things to do that showcase our magnificent city, from must-visit destinations to exhilarating outdoor adventures.
THINGS TO DO ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
The Mother's City's iconic mountain draws you in like a magnet. The cable-car ride up the mountain is a must-do. If you'd prefer to climb it and explore, there are a dozen well-known hiking trails - but tackle them only if you are an experienced hiker, or have a knowledgeable guide, and always in a group. The weather can change suddenly on the mountain, so pack accordingly. Beyond this, we've listed several other ways to enjoy this natural landmark and Wonder of the World.
Ride the cable car
Be whizzed to the top of the Table in a revolving cable car. It's an exciting five-minute journey, especially as you get an up-close look at the rocky, fynbos-covered mountainside near the end of the trip. Once there, it's all about the views - enjoy them from the restaurant, multiple viewpoints (including a couple of coin-operated binoculars) and three short trails on the "table" or plateau. Explore on our own, or join the free 30-minute guided walks (every hour on the hour, 9am - 3pm) to learn more and discover great photo ops.
Good to know Buy tickets online to skip the queues; tickets are slightly cheaper after 1pm.
Contact 021 424 0015, info@tablemountain.net
Cableway weather/operational updates: 021 424 8181
Visit the highest point
At 21 metres above the Upper Cableway Station, Maclear's Beacon is the official highest point on Table Mountain (1 085m) - and therefore the highest you can get in Cape Town! Signs at the cable station point you towards the beginning of the hike, and from there the 5.5km trail is marked by yellow footprints (around 2 hours, there and back). There is a short section of rocky steps on the edge of the mountain that needs to be negotiated using chains and handholds. If you do the Platteklip and Maclear's Beacon trails in one go, then you can truly say you've hiked from the bottom of Table Mountain to the very top!
Good to know A longer hike - heading southeast from Maclear's Beacon - will take you to the five dams on top of Table Mountain: Woodhead, Victoria, Alexandra, De Villiers and Hely-Hutchinson, which famously has a white-sand beach (note: this can only be accessed if you ascend the mountain via Skeleton Gorge).
Contact 021 422 1601 (SANParks Kloofnek Office)
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 107 or 021 937 0300
Hike up Lion's Head
The distinct slope next to Table Mountain, known as Lion's Head, is Cape Town's most popular hike and something of a pilgrimage. At 669m, it offers magnificent 360-degree views of the city, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles, Table Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard, making it a top spot for Instagrammers. It can get pretty busy, especially around sunset and full moon (bring a headlamp). The trail starts on Signal Hill Drive, at the base of the Forestry Road, and it takes two to three hours (up and down). It's a fairly easy spiral ascent of 2km, with a bit of climbing near the top using handholds and chains to assist you.
Good to know If you'd prefer to avoid the climbing and chains, a roundabout route (that's still quite steep) adds half an hour to your hike.
Contact 021 422 1601 (SANParks Kloofnek Office)
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 107 or 021 937 0300
Explore on a mountain scooter
You may have travelled these mountain paths many times before, but have you ever done it on a freewheeler? Scootours' eco-friendly, nonmotorised, off-road scooters are a unique way of enjoying Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Take in the views and fresh air as you traverse the slopes during a two-hour tour. The two-wheelers are extremely stable (developed to navigate the slopes of the Swiss Alps during summer) and easy to control, making for a family-friendly experience. Kids will love them, but that's not to say adults won't get a kick out of the experience as well.
Good to know Kids younger than 10 can't drive a scooter, but can still have a fun time doubling up with their parents (minimum age 4 years). Scootours also operates on wine farms in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Times Monday - Sunday, 10am; 12.30pm; 3pm
Cost R750 (driver) R350 (passenger)
Where to find it Kloof Nek Parking Area, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town
Paraglide over the City
Experience Cape Town's magnificent topography from up high - and get your adrenaline pumping - on one of these tandem adventures. No previous experience of paragliding is necessary - your instructor will run through some guidelines, clip you in securely, and then you'll be attached to an expert pilot. Once in the air, all you have to do is sit back and relax as you glide from Signal Hill or Lion's Head to the Sea Point Promenade. Flights last between five and 30 minutes, depending on the wind. In perfect weather, the instructor will show you how to steer so you can fly the paraglider yourself!
Good to know If you'd like inflight videos and photographs, bring R300 cash. Minimum age is 14 years, maximum weight is 135kg.
Times Monday - Sunday, 7.30am - 6pm
Cost R1 500
Where to find it At the end of Signal Hill Drive, Cape Town
Abseil down Table Mountain
The views from the summit of Cape Town's iconic landmark are spectacular enough; just imagine what you'll see as you rope your way down the side of Table Mountain. At 1 067 metres above sea level, this is the world's highest commercial abseil, and it makes for an exhilarating experience as you are lowered 112 metres down the side of the cliff, the vast blue ocean below you, and Lion's Head and The Twelve Apostles forming a panorama of splendour all around. It takes around an hour, including a safety demo, harnessing up and a 30-minute hike to get back to the top of the mountain afterwards.
Good to know Children are permitted, but there is a 45kg minimum weight. (If a little lighter, a tandem abseil can be booked for an additional R300.) The price of the cable-car tickets is not included.
Times Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Cost R850
Where to find it Meet at the top of Table Mountain (next to the big wheel with cables)
https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/to-do/#TableMountain