Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Mesmerizing Treasure

Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s main attractions. It garnered its name because of its peculiar flat peak. Though seemingly easy to climb from afar, hardly any people were able to climb its peak during the late eighteenth century.

Reaching the Top

Because of its enticing guise, the people proposed to have a railway built going to the top, but it was cut short due to the Anglo-Boer War. By the early nineteenth century, another proposal was settled, and an engineer was commissioned to survey the mountain. Then again, plans were stopped due to the onset of World War I.

By 1926, plans on resurrecting “the gate” or shall we say “the railway” to Table Mountain’s peak were discussed--only this time a cableway was proposed. A group of local investors were attracted to the idea. Not only would it be a convenient way to reach the mountain’s top but would also bring profit to the town. Hence, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) was founded.

After almost 80 years of operation, the cableway has transported numerous people and even celebrities to the mountain’s top with the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Arnold Schwarzenneger, Margaret Thatcher, Jackie Chan, and even Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few.

Riding the cableway is just the beginning of the Table Mountain experience. Once you reach top, you will be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Cape Town. And up yonder, Table Bay and Robben Island will greet you as if asking you, “Wasn’t the trip worthwhile?”

Once you pamper your eyes with the exquisite scenery, you will also see Devil’s Peak on the eastside and Lion’s Head along the west. Not only that, there is even a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner right at the top. Paired with a glass of wine or two at the cocktail bar, your Table Mountain experience couldn’t be more relaxing as you enjoy the beautiful sunset on the horizon.

Not Just Any Mountain

The geographical composition of Table Mountain (which is the sturdier type of sandstone more commonly known as Table Mountain sandstone) makes this mountain practically a Mecca for nature and outdoor lovers.

There are about 300 hiking paths along the mountain varying from easy, medium, and of course, difficult, for the professional explorers. Though relatively known as a “friendly” mountain to everyone, it is always recommended to take guides along during hikes and climbs.

Some of the trails on Table Mountain are even conducive to bikers. The routes are comparatively easy to come by, and most bikers love this mountain for its natural rugged terrain making it more challenging but never taking the fun out of the sport.

Mountain Top Accommodations

There are no places to stay in Table Mountain unless you choose to camp overnight on the mountain, although there is a variety of Cape Town hotels to choose from down at the city. From casino hotels for high rollers to humble but very accommodating lodges for campers, finding an accommodation in Cape Town is easy, so the only thing you’d have to worry about is how to get over the beautiful sunset back at Table Mountain.