Table Mountain
South African National Parks (SANParks) are the major nature
parks found within the rainbow nation of South Africa. There are 21 in total spreading
across from the tip of Africa in the Table Mountain National Park, through Mokola
National Park near Kimberley, to the renowned Kruger National Park.
Situated in the beautiful City of Cape Town is the Table
Mountain National Park (TMNP) which includes interesting sites such as Table
Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Penguin Colony, Silvermine, Signal Hill and
Lions Head. This is the first of a 6 week series of blogs on each one, starting
with the celebrated Table Mountain.
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| 'Table cloth' |
The alluring, mysterious look of Table Mountain has
fascinated people since when it was first seen by a European in the year 1488.
This mountain has a flat top sometimes draped over in cloud known as the ‘Table
Cloth’ brought in by the south-easterly wind.
This mountain range is a natural world heritage site and was
named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World in 2011. It boasts a diversity
of both flora and fauna. There are an estimated 1,460 species of plant found on
this very mountain and a variety of animals such as dassies, lizards, birds and
more.
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| The cable car |
The cableway opened way back in 1929, and has since been
transformed to carry 65 passengers at a time. It rotates a full 360 degrees
thus allowing you to gain a spectacular view of the city. The trip takes 5
minutes up or down. Be sure to pack a jacket as it can be rather chilly up atop
the mountain. Adult – return trip R225. Child – return trip R110.
Once reaching the plateau of Table Mountain it’s time to
explore a little. Table Mountain café offers a selection of scrumptious food
to enjoy. There is a main shop situated next to the café to buy souvenirs and
is appropriately called, The shop at the Top. Three other shops can also be
found atop of the mountain or near the lower cable car station.
This famous mountain is a majestic must see if you are a visitor to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Don't miss out on the awe inspiring view that can only be seen from standing on top of Table Mountain.
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| Table Mountain as seen from Blouberg beach |
Information for people
with disabilities
Table Mountain is disability friendly as the cableway is built in such a way as to allow wheelchairs to board. There are also boardwalks where a wheelchair can be rolled on with ease.
Be on the lookout for the next article. Which Table Mountain
National Park will I be talking about next? You’ll just have to wait and see…
We have been up Table Mountain many times. Staff are so helpful. They allow parking right at the station in reserved areas, take my wife to the front of the queue to buy the tickets and then ensure I am on first so I can pick my spot in the cable car. Because it revolves all have a great view but obviously being next to the window is vital at wheelchair height. The wheel to the cafe etc isn't too bad but a good pusher is required to get right on top but it is all worth it. We never got tired of Table Mountain - both from within and without.
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