Table Mountain is one of the world’s most recognisable icons, and is so imposing that it is visible from 200km out at sea. On and around the mountain there’s something to enjoy for just about everyone – adventure, culture, nature, history. There is more than one way to get up (hike, climb, cable car) and even more ways to get down (abseil, mountain bike, paraglide, bungee jump).
But beware - you are no longer in the city. This is raw, natural wilderness, so treat it with respect while you take in its beauty. Here’s 8 Table mountain excursions to take your breath away:
1. The Cable Car Ride
This is the easiest and quickest way up or down and it’s very popular so get there early to beat the queue. The ten minute ride to the top will transport you to another world where the views are unequalled. The cabin rotates through 360 degrees so everyone gets to see the many sights on the way up and down. Note that the cable car may stop operating in bad weather so check first if you’re hiking up and planning to catch the cable car back down.
2. Hiking
Around 350 routes range from a simple walk suitable for young children through the lower slope forests to a challenging hike to the top. There are some important rules. For example: follow recommended routes; hike in a minimum party of four; allow time to hike down in case the cable car is closed, always take water and warm clothes. It is advisable to take an experienced guide on the more serious routes.
The Hoerikwaggo or “sea mountain” Trail recently launched three trail packages:
- The People's Trail - exclusively for the disadvantaged youth of South Africa;
- The Table Mountain Trail - a luxury three-day, guided, portaged, catered, hiking experience that links the cultural history of the city with the mountain’s natural heritage;
- The Tip to Top Trail - a rugged, 6-day experience for the hard-core hiker. Overnight in gorgeous tented camps on the mountain.
3. Helicopter Rides
It’s hard to beat a helicopter trip to the top of Table Mountain when you only have limited time on your hands. And you also get to see more of Cape Town and surrounds while you are up there.
4. Cycling and Mountain Biking
See the mountain from all sides with the annual Argus Cycle Tour. This annual event attracted 35 000 cyclists in 2005 and is held around March each year. Numbers are limited - entries open September 1.
For the more adventurous, take a mountain bike ride down from the base cable car station (the highest point that mountain bikes are allowed). You get driven up to the start so it’s ninety percent downhill. On the way learn about the fynbos floral kingdom and the geological structure of the mountain.
5. Mountain Climbing
The area is worth a visit for the serious mountain climber. The Table Mountain National Park has many sports and traditional climbing areas including several hundred bouldering problems. Table Mountain itself is designated for Traditional climbing only, so no bolting is allowed. It offers some of the most spectacular and hardest climbs in the country – from Grade 12 right up Grade 31 South African grading system, equivalent to French grading 5 to 8B. The rock is aesthetically beautiful and excellent quality Cape granite or Table Mountain sandstone making it easy to protect. Being in a national park, climbers are expected to abide by certain rules.
6. Abseiling and Canyoning
For the real adrenalin junky why not just jump off the top, 3280 feet above sea level! Of course you’ll be tied to a very long rope – 328 feet in fact – for the world’s highest commercial abseil. Or you can try canyoning by free jumping 14 to 16 metres into a mountain rock pool.
7. Paragliding
There can be few flights that provide the spectacle of gliding to the base of the mountain. It is essential to have an advanced licence and suitable wind conditions to experience this rare thrill.
8. Marathon Running
If you’re fit and feeling energetic why not join 15 000 runners around April each year for the 56km Two Oceans Marathon? It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the world. Start in the southern suburbs, past the Indian Ocean beaches, across to the Atlantic Ocean side, over Chapman’s Peak, through the Constantia Nek forests and back to the starting point.
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