WHAT TO DO ON TABLE MOUNTAIN?
As one of the 7 wonders of the world, Table Mountain has a plethora of really cool things to do. It is one of South Africa’s most iconic attractions and a must-visit destination for locals and international travellers alike. Rising more than 1,000 metres above Cape Town, the mountain offers breathtaking views, unique biodiversity, and a wide range of activities for adventure seekers, photographers, families, and nature lovers.
THINGS TO DO ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
As one of the leading mountain guiding companies in Cape Town, here are our top picks.
TAKE THE CABLE CAR
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is one of the easiest and most popular ways to reach the summit. The rotating cable car provides 360-degree views during the ascent, allowing passengers to appreciate the mountain’s dramatic cliffs and the city below. The journey takes only a few minutes and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
ENJOY THE WALKING PATHS
Once at the top, visitors will discover a network of well-maintained pathways that allow them to explore different sections of the plateau. These routes vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for both casual walkers and more adventurous hikers. Popular viewpoints are clearly marked and provide excellent opportunities for photography.
If you have the time and energy you can even walk all the way along the top of the mountain to the highest point Maclear’s Beacon.
EXPERIENCE THE FYNBOS
Table Mountain forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. The mountain is home to hundreds of plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Visitors can observe colourful fynbos vegetation, proteas, ericas, and numerous indigenous flowers throughout the year.
WATCH WILDLIFE
Although often overlooked, Table Mountain supports a variety of wildlife. Visitors may encounter dassies (rock hyraxes), lizards, sunbirds, and other indigenous bird species including the majestic Black Eagle.
There are also non-native animal species like the Himalayan Tahr, which although rather timid creatures, can be sometimes be observed in lesser walked ravines and gullies. Wildlife should always be observed from a respectful distance to protect both the animals and the natural environment.
TAKE A TABLE TOP TOUR
Why not join all of the above into one. Here at Cape Trek we offer a top-rated Cable Ride and Walking Tour package. This includes return Cable Car tickets and guided walk along the top.
On the walk your guide will cover the history of Table Mountain, point out some of the indigenous flora which makes the mountain so unique and also talk about the some of the native and non-native animals which call Table Mountain home. This will all take place while moving between different lookout points offering 360 degree panoramic of Cape Town and wider peninsula.
HAVE LUNCH ON TOP
There are two really cool restaurants on top serving an assortment of tasty food. The views from these restaurants are remarkable. Choose from pizzas, sandwiches, beers on tap and fine wines.
There is also a curio shop which occupies the original Table Mountain hut built from local mountain sandstone.
GUIDED HIKES TO THE TOP
Here at Cape Trek we also offer epic guided hikes up Table Mountain. Our most popular hike, India Venster, which departs from right next to the lower cable station, finishes at the upper cable station where we seamlessly catch the cable car down.
So you get the best of both world’s – an amazing hike up (you can say you hiked up Table Mountain) and a cable car ride down. This enables you to miss the most strenuous part of any hike – the descent.
TOP HIKES
A challenging route which meanders up the front of Table Mountain and finishes at the Cable Station. Includes some scrambling using chains and staples.
A beautiful route which crosses three buttresses on the Camps Bay side of Table Mountain finishing near the start of Valley of the Gods.
An enchanting hike taking one through some rather unique rock formations in a hidden part of Table Mountain. Accessed via Corridor Ravine.
An exposed route which traverses beneath the face of Table Mountain. It eventually links up with India Venster near the top. Not for the faint hearted.
A sublime line that that meanders up Left Face which sits to the left of Platteklip Gorge if you’re facing the mountain. Steep hiking mixed with some scrambling.
A lovely route that goes up to the top of the eastern side of Table Mountain. Accessed via Kirstenbosch Garden (for a fee) or Cecilia Forest.
