Table Mountain

DRAPED IN ITS CLOTH OF CLOUD, THIS IS THE CITY’S MOST FAMOUS NATURAL ICON

GUIDED HIKES

Book a walk with one of the following accredited guides. They will be able to advise on how much water to take, and which other mountain essentials you should bring along:

HIKE TABLE MOUNTAIN

RIAAN VORSTER, 060 539 9340 hiketablemountain.co.za From R950 pp (excluding transport, cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee) TABLE MOUNTAIN WALKS

MARGARET CURRAN, 082 920 4679 tablemountainwalks.co.za From R750 pp (excluding transport cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee) 021 424 0015, tablemountain.net Looking to take a markedly less tiring route to the top? The rotating cable car promises a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Cape Town, and has attracted more than 27 million visitors since it first opened in 1929.

Once you’re at the top, you can walk to various lookout points, spot dassies (the rock hyrax) or simply sit and marvel at the 360° views. Enjoy a light meal at the Table Mountain Café, relax in the WiFi Lounge, or pack your own picnic.

Adult fares cost R380 return (R200 one way), kids (under 18) fares cost R190 return (R100 one way) and kids under four travel free. Tickets are available at the Lower and Upper Cable Stations, or you can buy them online at webtickets.co.za. The Lower Cable Station is on Tafelberg Road, a 10-minute drive from the CBD.

Operating times vary seasonally and depend on the weather, so it’s best to consult the online schedule when planning your visit.

FYI

Natural wonder

Table Mountain is the Mother City’s most iconic landmark. It is also one of the New7Wonders of Nature, having shouldered its way into the finals from a list of 440 natural sites across the globe. As custodians of the mountaintop, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway team is passionate about the environment and has various conservation measures in place (such as compostable crockery in all its eateries) to ensure the area’s biodiversity is protected for future generations. Do your part by not littering or picking plants, and by smoking in designated areas only.

Head for the top

It takes between four and eight hours to hike up and down Table Mountain, depending on your level of fitness, the route you take, and how long you spend at the top. Once at the top, there are free 30-minute guided walks to various viewpoints, leaving hourly (from 9 am to 3 pm) from the Twelve Apostles Terrace below the Shop at the Top and Table Mountain Café.

Safety tips

It’s best to walk in groups of at least four, preferably with someone who has climbed before. Pack the bare minimum (enough water, light snacks and warm clothing) and leave wallets and jewellery at home. Ensure you take a cellphone in case of an emergency – save the contact number for Search and Rescue (021 937 0300). Many first-time visitors to Cape Town don’t realise that climbing Table Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Wear proper hiking shoes and always pack warm gear, regardless of how nice the day is when you set out, as the Cape is notorious for sudden changes in weather conditions, and Table Mountain is usually colder than you’d expect.

ABSEILING

There are few things as exhilarating as stepping backwards off the mountain into empty space at more than 1 000 m above sea level.

ABSEIL AFRICA 072 065 1520, abseilafrica.co.za From R990 pp (R1 195 pp including the hike up; excluding cableway fare)