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Cape Town accommodation. Cape Town's Table Mountain is a world-famous landmark and Africa's most recognized mountain. Table Mountain supports more species of plants than does the entire British Isles, and is also home to some uniquely evolved animals including a local rock rabbit known as the dassie - which has sticky feet to aid in roaming its mountainous habitat.
Table mountain is 1087 meters high and is almost 3 km long. The views from the top are simply breathtaking, and on a clear day not only can you survey the immediate surrounds of Devil's Peak, Lion's Head and Signal hill, or the sprawl below of the Cape Town CBD and the V&A Waterfront, but one can see as far as the Hottentots Hollands mountains to the east, right across the bay, or even to Cape Point at the tip of the Cape Peninsula.
Table Mountain's distinctive profile can sometimes be obscured by clouds blanketing its top. This impressive visual spectacle is described by locals as the mountain's 'Table Cloth'. These clouds continuously spill over the top of the Mountain down into Cape Town before dissipating. Legend has it that Dutchman Jan van Hunks challenged the Devil to a pipe-smoking competition on the slopes of the mountain, explaining the wispy cloud. When the table cloth is in full swing (often coupled by strongly gusting south-easterly winds), the Cableway to the top may not always be accessible.
Facilities on Table Mountain
The cable car station at the top of the mountain offers some of the best views available - there are powerful telescopes and information stands pointing out particular views of interest. The cable car station is a great place for families or couples to relax and enjoy the view while having a picnic or a meal at the restaurant. There are also a few paths branching away from the cable car station to more scenic viewing points around the edge of the mountain.
The more adventurous can walk from the cable car station across the top of the mountain to one of the routes down the mountain. There are some great views along this walk and Nursery Ravine is a popular choice of route down the mountain. Nursery Ravine is well maintained and exits into the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Routes to the top
The Famous Table Mountain Cableway is the most popular route up to the top. Each cable car rotates while it travels - giving everyone inside a 360 degree view of the mountain, the Cape Town CBD and its surrounds during the journey. The Cableway is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
For the more adventurous, there are 5 safe and straight forward, but strenuous, hikes to the top of the mountain and many more routes available. The walk is in the region of 2 hours to the top. It is said that during a hike up the south side of the mountain a hiker can spot over 1000 of the 2600 plants indigenous to the Cape Peninsula. There is also a variety of birdlife to be seen on these routes.
What to take when going up Table Mountain
Like any other, the mountain should be treated with respect and any hike should be well planned. If you are going to do any walking up or on the mountain you should first make sure that you have a map, more than sufficient water, and warm clothes - its better to be prepared than caught short on the off chance that clouds descend and make finding your way difficult. You should also inform friends or family of which route you plan to take and what time you plan to return by.
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More Pictures of Table Mountain
Table Mountain Map:
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← Click the map to see:
- A large interactive map
- Other attractions nearby
- Photographs of the region
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Reviews of Table Mountain:
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A must do! (but beware of the wind)
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A trip up table mountain is a must do for any visitor to Cape Town. There are many spectacular hiking routes up the mountain, which would take 2-3 hours each way, as well as the cableway which will get you up in just 5 minutes! The views from the top are awesome, and there are many walks along the flat top of the mountain. Travellers must be wary o...
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Things to do near Table Mountain
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In 1997 the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company upgraded Table Mountain's old cableway with more modern facilities. The newer Swiss-built cable cars can carry 65 passengers at a time and have a 360 degree view. The experience is completed by rotating floors that ensure you don't miss any aspect ... [ read more... ] |
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A hike up Table Mountain offers some of Cape Town's best views and scenery. The Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station hike is the most popular, and covers a 3km ascent which can be done in between one to three hours, depending on fitness and pace.
The hike is fairly tough, and should be approach... [ read more... ] |
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Maclear’s Beacon marks the highest point on Table Mountain, approximately 1087 meters above sea level. The stone, placed in 1865, was named after Sir Thomas Maclear, the Queen’s astronomer in the Cape area.
Maclear’s Beacon is a must-see for hikers and tourist. Routes to the stone are mar... [ read more... ] |
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Camps Bay Beach on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town is lined with many summer cocktail spots and fashionable stores and eating spots (it has the development that Clifton lacks). This long white-sand beach is lined with palm trees, and is a good family beach or trendy sun-tanning location. Beache... [ read more... ] |
Accommodation near Table Mountain
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African Vistas, Camps Bay is situated a 15 minutes walk from the beach and shops. It has excellent sweeping views of the Mountains, Camps Bay beach and the stunning Atlantic Ocean. This large spacious apartment has 2 bedrooms, a dining and lounge area as well as a stone fireplace leading to an exte... [ read more... ] |
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Quiet positioned apartment in Camps Bay is situated 15 minutes walk from the beach and shops. It has excellent views of the Mountains, beach and Atlantic Ocean.
The 1 Bedroom apartment with King double / Twin single beds, en-suite bathroom with bath, shower & toilet is fully equipped and furnishe... [ read more... ] |
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All 3 luxurious units were designed in a contemporary style with bespoke furniture handcrafted locally. Each room offers extra-length king/twin beds, air-con, heaters, flat screen TV’s with incorporated DVD/CD player, satellite TV, electronic safes and unlimited wireless PC connection. ... [ read more... ] |
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Apartment 306 on the 2nd floor at The Crystal offers a beautifully furnished two bedroom loft apartment with magnificent views from a high position in the heart of Camps Bay. The property has been styled in natural tones, and the double volume lounge and living area provide a sense of space and calm... [ read more... ] |
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