Capetown Table Mountain
The Table Mountain which is a part of the Northern section of the Table mountain National Park is the landmark of Capetown and most properly one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa. This makes Capetown the only city in South Africa with a National Park right on its doorstep. Whenever the “Cape Doctor” or, for the uninformed, the south-east summerwind, does not cover the Mountain top with a table cloth of clouds the Table Mountain can be seen in its full splendour. Starting with Lions Head (669m) and Signal Hill in the West over the Plateau of the mountain, ending in Devils Peak(1001m) in the east.
The most comfortable way to reach the top of the mountain is by cable car. The trip takes approximately 10 minutes and on the way up the car turns around 360°, offering the visitor a splendid view of Capetown.
For he more adventurous there are more than 300 trails going up the mountain, from easy walks to real rock climbing. Platteklip Gorge which is the popular direct ascent up the centre of the main table(aprox 3 hours) Maclear’s Beacon Trail, Pipe Track and Skeleton George Trail to mention just a few. However, if you do decide to climb the mountain , please take the normal precautions. Make sure that you got a map of the mountain with you. Tell someone where you are going, dress properly and weatherproof, take your handy with you and take something to eat and to drink on the trail. Remember that the weather can change quickly.
