Okay...SO I DID NOT HIKE up to the top of Table Mountain (that option is available to all you oh-so-fit runners and hikers). Instead I took the easy route, I went up the Table Mountain Cableway :)
Now for all you newbies to Cape Town, Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain (it looks like a table as it's so named) which is our city's prominent landmark. It overlooks the city of Cape Town which means once you get to the top you are privy to picturesque views. The mountain forms part of TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. There are two ways to get to the top of Table Mountain: 1) Hiking, or 2) Table Mountain Cableway.
1. HIKING TO THE TOP
This is a popular option for fitness enthusiasts. There are a number of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty (of course). These include Platteklip Gorge (popular trail as it offers a straightforward ascent to the peak), Smuts Track (named after Jan Smuts) which goes via Skeleton Gorge to Maclear's Beacon, and the Bridle Path or Jeep's Track to name just a few.
2. TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY
MY FAVOURITE OPTION! The Cableway takes people up, via a Cable Car, from the lower cable station to the plateau at the top of the mountain. It's an exciting ride with amazing views along the way up.
Once you get to the top of Table Mountain you get to see stunning VIEWS of not only the city of CAPE TOWN, but also of TABLE BAY, ROBBEN ISLAND, and the ATLANTIC SEABOARD. You'll also find curio shops, a restaurant and walking trails (so wear comfortable shoes).
It's such a wonderful experience. So if you are ever in Cape Town (especially during the summer), grab your walking shoes (or hiking shoes depending on the option you choose) and ensure you make your way up our beautiful mountain!
You'll get to see why it has been named one of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE!
A few highlights from my Table Mountain adventure:
View of Cape Town (from the lower cable station) whilst waiting to buy tickets to go up the Cable Car
PROOF: Our very own New 7 Wonder of Nature
View from inside the Cable Car
Me at the TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN! Comfortable shoes are a MUST! A lot of walking is done once you're at the top.
Picturesque views from the TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!
And should you feel parched and hungry after a walking trail (like I always do), you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the restaurant (Yes, there is a restaurant at the top of the mountain).
There you have it! Something to add to your "Bucket List". It really is an experience of a lifetime.
Also, I'll let you in on a little secret, you get to go up the Cable Car for free if it's your birthday!! "Ssshhhhhh" :) Of course you'll have to prove that it's your birthday by bringing identification :)
Until next time..
Love
Slius
Labels: Cape Town, South Africa, Table Mountain, Travel
