About Table Mountain Cape Town - Well Known in South Africa and Around the
World
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th century,
the first European settlers and the many following generations of slaves,
immigrants and Capetonians who helped to build and develop our special city.
Your first impression of Table Mountain from the city bowl and beyond from
Blouberg beach, is almost misleading. You are confronted with a two dimensional
image of a solid flat topped behemoth, sometimes draped in swirling cloud,
trapped between two attendants - Devil's Peak and Lion's Head.
Driving towards the city from Cape Town airport you get a different
perspective, as you are confronted with Devil's Peak and the rugged Eastern
buttresses of the Table Mountain range stretching towards Kirstenbosch Gardens
and the coastal towns of Muizenberg and FishHoek.
Head towards the cable station and over Kloof Nek towards Camps Bay, and
you'll see the peaks of the Twelve Apostles flanking the winding road to Hout Bay.
Table Mountain in fact stands at the head of an extensive chain of mountains
extending south along the backbone of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. It
is the direction from whence the well known and respected Cape South Easterly
wind originates, from faraway over the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the region now
known as the Table Mountain National Park.
Origins:
The Table Mountain range originated some 500 million years ago when Africa was
part of the original Gondwanaland continent. The Earth was in a turmoil of
earth quakes and volcanic activity. The gigantic tectonic plates within the
mantle, many kilometres below the surface of the seas, shifted, and molten lava
was forced upwards through seabed shale to cool and form granite.
The quartzite/sandstone Cape mountains we know today developed from sediment
deposited by ancient rivers, which covered the subsiding granite over millions
of years. Rocky remnants of those ancient times can still be seen in the form
of huge granite boulders which dot our coastline and flank many Cape Town
beaches.
These days Table Mountain is a magnet for photographers, tourists and
hikers, and a visit to Cape Town is not complete without a cable car ride or
hike to the summit. The upper cable station is at 1067 metres, and the highest
point Maclears Beacon, stands at 1085 metres.
About the Table Mountain cableway:
A funicular railway to the summit was originally proposed before the 1st world
war, but after much deliberation a cableway system was eventually financed by a
group of prominent businessmen, and opened in 1929.
The cableway was upgraded in 1997 to the highest safety standards and two
large revolving cars now transport passengers up and down the mountain
simultaneously while offering a panoramic view in all directions.
At peak times during the summer months long queues snake back from the lower
cable station. Cable way tickets cannot be prebooked.
Public parking is provided along Tafelberg road. Self employed parking
marshalls wearing printed bibs watch the cars while you ascend the mountain, in
return for a few coins. It is advisable to arrive early to obtain parking
nearby at busy times, otherwise expect to walk some distance along the road.
People with disabilities are provided with dedicated bays at the lower cable
station. The cablecars, facilities and pathways on the summit are wheel chair
friendly.
The cableway usually runs continuously till late into the evening in peak
season Nov-Feb unless strong winds or poor visibility prohibit its use. When it
is time for the last cable car to descend the mountain, a loud hooter sounds in
advance to warn stragglers. In the event of adverse weather, leave yourself
with enough time to walk down should the cableway be forced to close. Table
Mountain cable way
The facilities on the summit of Table Mountain in the vicinity of the upper
cable station have also been upgraded to make them more tourist friendly -
unfortunately to the extent where concrete modifications are clearly visible
from below.
Boardwalks lead to lookout points and telescopes, paths have been laid and
signposting indicates points of interest. There is a self service restaurant
and a cocktail bar, and souvenirs can be purchased.
If you intend to ascend by means of the cable car remember that the
temperature is generally cooler on top, so bring a coat or windbreaker along.
When you reach the summit don't wander too far from the cable station unless
you have a good knowledge of the area, or unless you are accompanied by an
experienced hiker. There are steep pathways and dangerous cliffs nearby.
For Hikers:
Signposting on the various paths are minimal so if you don't know the mountain
it is advisable to hike with someone who does. Alternatively, walking maps are
available in stationary stores and at the lower cable station. There are many
routes on Table Mountain which vary in levels of difficulty and exposure. If
you do not know the mountain well then stick with the most well used one.
The most obvious and direct route on the north face of the mountain which is
easily accessible from the lower cable station, ascends via Platteklip Gorge.
Walking time is 1-3 hours from Tafelberg road depending on your pace and level
of fitness.
Routes to the summit are to be found all around the Table Mountain range,
some more strenuous than others. The easiest way up is via the jeep track from
Constantia Nek to the Back Table. It's a longish walk.
Whichever route you decide to take, make sure you are prepared and know
where you are going. A hike up Table Mountain especially in hot weather should
not be taken lightly. Give yourself plenty of time. Leave early and don't walk
alone. Carry a cell phone if possible, a route map, warm clothing, sufficient
water and food, use sunblock and wear a hat. All members of your party should
be equally fit to avoid stragglers.
Ed Berry is the author of the website http://www.capetown-traveladviser.com
He has been a resident of Cape Town South Africa for many years, enjoys hiking
in the mountains and takes pride in sharing his knowledge of Cape Town's
history, its many cultures and magnificent natural scenery with the many
visitors to his travel website.
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