Spanning the majority of the South African peninsula, Table Mountain National Park reaches from Table Mountain to Cape Point. The flat-topped, 1086m Cable Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to Cape Town with routes for hikers and walkers of all fitness levels plus a cable car to the top to take in the amazing views.
One of the best-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain is famous for its flat shape and the blanket or ‘tablecloth' of clouds which cover the slopes on occasion. The views from the mountain take in the ancient forest surrounds with winding vines and lush canopies of greenery, the Cape Floristic Region plus wildlife and indigenous birds.
If you're keen to get some exercise and check out the view up close, Table Mountain offers a variety of over 300 routes to suit everyone from walkers to rigorous trails for keen hikers. While the mountain is close to the city, it's recommended to take suitable precautions while hiking as the ascent is over one kilometre high with unpredictable weather and in wild terrain. There is also the opportunity to stay overnight on Table Mountain at four Hoerikwaggo tented camps which offer self-catering accommodation for up to 12 people on hiking trails.
If you are short on time, or would prefer not to have to work to see the views, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers revolving cable cars to take you to the top. The cable cars run every 10 to 20 minutes and the five-minute ride offers a 350-degree view of the ocean, city and surrounds. At the top you can stroll around the viewing platforms and shops. Online tickets to the Cableway (valid for 14 days) are slightly cheaper than at the ticket office and allow you to avoid the queue. Adult return tickets are R185, children under 18 are R185 and kids under four are free. To get to the Cableway, it's a 15-minute drive from the city centre, or the Camps Bay bus departs from Adderley Street in the centre of Cape Town and then it's a 35-minute trip to Kloof Nek and a 1.5km walk to the Lower Cable Station.
