Table Mountain is undoubtedly Cape Town's pride and since 2011, one of the World's 7 Natural Wonders.
Not many cities can compete with such a well-known natural feature. Hoerikwaggo, the Khoisan name meaning “mountain in the sea” is just as suitable as the name we know today. A plateau of approximately 3 km from side to side, depicts a table. With Lion’s Head to the West and Devil’s Peak to the East, the Cape Town City Bowl lies in a natural amphitheater, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
At approximately 550 million years, this is one of the oldest mountains in the world.
We are talking about 6 times older than the Himalayas! The oldest rock formation in the area is the Malmesbury Group formation, consisting of layers of shale and sandstone. This formation is below the thin layer of the Graafwater formation. The top layer is made of sandstone.
South Africa boasts of unique vegetation in this area. In this Cape Fold mountain range, roughly 50km long, stretching from the Cape of Good Hope to the heart of Cape Town, you can find an estimated 2285 plant species. Many of those species are endemic to this area.
In a mere 57 square km area, there are more plant species than in the United Kingdom.
The National Park is home to various mammals, snakes, lizards, amphibians, tortoises, and birds. Rock hyraxes are also happy inhabitants here. They usually sunbathe on the rocks, aware not to become a bird’s prey. While the orange-breasted sunbirds drink nectar from Proteas or Ericas, the blue-headed agamas jump from rock to rock. Always in search of some sun. On rare occasions, the Himalayan Tahrs make their appearance. All the interesting, living creatures, make every hike memorable.
With an endless variety of trails to choose from, Cape Town is a hiker’s paradise!
However, never underestimated our trails! The routes vary in difficulty and exposure. Some trails are easy, without the need to climb up rocks. Apart from that, there are scramble routes, without too much exposure to heights. And for the fearless, there is the more mentally challenging route, where one will not only scramble but also walk next to sheer drop-offs, squeeze through narrow cracks, crawl through chimneys, and walk on ledges.
For more information, you can read more about the trails we offer.
On top, visitors can expect a restaurant, Wi-Fi lounge, bar, and two curio shops.
Whether you want that holiday souvenir, a gift for someone special or to purchase a thick jacket against the unforeseen weather.
Last but not least, you have the Aerial Cableway on top. The floor of the cable car rotates and ensures a 360° view over Cape Town during the ride down. It is the best way to descend the mountain and is possible with most of the hiking routes offered by Like2Hike.
Come hike with Like2Hike to experience the magic of this wonderful playground we are so fortunate to have in our backyard!
