The Table Mountain in Cape Town

Don't forget to visit Table Mountain Cape Town

January 22, 2008You can see Table Mountain Cape Town in the company of an enthusiastic guide on an organised Table Mountain Tour
The Table Mountain range originated some 500 million years ago when Africa was part of the Gondwana land continent. The Earth was in a turmoil of earth quakes and volcanic activity. The gigantic tectonic plates within the mantle, many kilometres below the surface of the seas, shifted and molten lava was forced upwards through seabed shale to cool and form granite. Sand was deposited by ancient rivers over millions of years to shape the Cape sandstone mountains we have today.Table Mountain Cape Town stands at the head of a mountain chain extending South along the backbone of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. It is the direction from whence the well known Cape south easterly wind originates, from faraway over the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the region now known as the Table Mountain National ParkFor cheaper access to numerous Cape Town attractions: Cape Town PassTable Mountain sheltered the indigenous Khoi San who roamed the coastal plains centuries ago, the original Cape explorers and the many following generations of European settlers, slaves and travellers who helped to build and populate our special city and South Africa.Today, Table Mountain Cape Town is a magnet for photographers, tourists and hikers, and a visit to Cape Town is not complete without a cable car ride or hike to the summit. The upper cable station is at 1067 metres and the highest point Maclears Beacon stands at 1085 metres.
Getting there: Bus from Cape Town station, taxi and car. Follow signs from Kloof Nek rd.Parking is available along Tafelberg road. Self employed parking marshalls wearing printed bibs watch the cars while you ascend the mountain - in return for a few coins. It is also advisable to arrive early to obtain parking nearby at busy times, otherwise expect to walk some distance to the cable station along the road.
People with disabilities are provided with dedicated parking bays at the lower cable station. The cablecars, facilities and pathways on the summit are wheel chair friendly.
At peak times during the summer months long queues snake back from the lower cable station. Cable way tickets cannot be pre-booked so arrive early to avoid a long wait.
The Table Mountain Cape Town cableway usually runs continuously till late into the evening in peak season Nov-Feb unless strong winds or poor visibility prohibit its use. When it is time for the last cable car to descend the mountain, a loud hooter sounds in advance to warn stragglers.Table Mountain Cape Town Cable Way
Remember that the temperature is generally cooler on the summit, and prone to change depending on the season, so bring a coat or windbreaker along.
When you reach the summit don't wander too far from the cable station unless you have a good knowledge of the area, or unless you are accompanied by an experienced hiker. Keep to the paths and follow the signs. There are sheer dangerous cliffs nearby.For Hikers:Signposting on the various paths are minimal so if you don't know the mountain it is advisable to hike with someone who does. Alternatively, walking maps are available in stationary stores and at the lower cable station. There are many routes on Table Mountain Cape Town which vary in levels of difficulty and exposure. If you're not sure of your route or do not know the mountain, then rather not attempt the hike. The most obvious and direct route up to the Table ascends via Platteklip Gorge on the north face of the mountain. This route is accessible via Tafelberg road from the lower cable station and signposted. Walking time up is 1-3 hours depending on your pace and level of fitness.
Which ever route you decide to take, make sure you are prepared and know where you are going. A hike up Table Mountain especially in hot weather should not be taken lightly. Give yourself plenty of time. Leave early and don't walk alone. Carry a cell phone if possible, a route map warm clothing, sufficient water and food, use sunblock and wear a hat. All members of your party should be equally fit to avoid stragglers.
For cheaper access to numerous Cape Town attractions: Cape Town Pass
Organized hiking trailsThe Table Mountain 3 day Hoerikwaggo Trail is one of several trails offered by SANParks and has become popular for those who would like to experience a combination of natural Cape emvironment and culture while spending the nights in comfortable but historic accommodation.
Mountain Rescue:Tourists and hikers often have to be rescued in the Cape mountains for various reasons, ranging from losing their way, to injury or illness. Occasionally some have also died. This has brought about the need for a rescue organisation with search and recovery resources which extend across the Western Cape.