What you need to know about Table Mountain Cape Town

Find out why Table Mountain is special to Capetonians

You can see Table Mountain in the company of an enthusiastic guide on an organised Guided Tour

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Getting there: Bus from Cape Town station, taxi and car. Signposted from Kloof Nek rd. Parking is available near the lower cable station along Tafelberg road.

Table Mountain is timeless - in terms of the multifaceted human history of Cape Town and South Africa - and in all human memory.

The familiar form of our unique flat topped mountain has always been there. In fact long before the early days when the original inhabitants of the Cape the indigenous Khoi San roamed the coastal plains.

Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th century, the first European settlers and the many following generations of slaves, immigrants and travellers who helped to build and develop our special city.

The extraordinary appeal of Cape Town's famous natural attraction is known and appreciated in South Africa and around the world. It is a regular feature on postcards and has been captured in its varied moods, in numerous pictures and films.

Table Mountain in fact stands at the head of a chain of mountains extending South along the backbone of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. It is the direction from where the well known Cape south easterly wind originates, faraway over the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the region now known as the Table Mountain National Park

For cheaper access to numerous Cape Town attractions: Cape Town Pass

Origins:
The Table Mountain range originated some 500 million years ago when Africa was part of the original Gondwanaland 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.

The quartzite/sandstone mountains we know today developed from sediment deposited by rivers, which covered the subsiding granite over millions of years. Rocky remnants of those ancient times can still be seen in the form of huge granite boulders which dot our coastline and flank many Cape beaches.

Today, Table Mountain 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.

At peak times during the summer months long queues snake back from the lower cable station. Cable way tickets cannot be prebooked so arrive early to avoid a long wait.

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 Staion 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.

The 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 Cable Way

The facilities on the summit of Table Mountain in the vicinity of the upper cable station have also been upgraded to make them more tourist friendly - unfortunately to the extent where concrete modifications are clearly visible from below.

Boardwalks lead to lookout points and telescopes, paths have been laid and signposting indicates points of interest. There is a self service restaurant and a cocktail bar, and souvenirs can be purchased.

If you intend to ascend by means of the cable car remember that the temperature is generally cooler on top, 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. 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 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.

The Table Mountain 3 day Hoerikwaggo Trail is one of several hiking 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 historic accommodation.

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.

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.

A joint initiative by local government and Cape Metro Services has brought various outdoor clubs and groups together under one umbrella known as Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Members of these groups are trained in emergency rescue techniques such as helicopter crewing, rigging, patient handling, radio communications etc in various outdoor environments ranging from mountains to caves

Members of WSAR work together to form an efficient and essential mountain rescue organisation. WSAR

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