To Do in Table Mountain Cape Town

There are those to whom The Mountain beckons and the only response is to answer its call; to knot the shoelaces, prepare a daypack and apply the sunscreen.

And then there are those that are seeking adventure, searching out excitement and replying to the challenge to scale the heights and breathe in the celebration of life!

Majestic and imposing, Table Mountain stands guard over the peoples of the Cape, a landmark of grandiose beauty. Sometimes draped with a foamy white tablecloth, Table Mountain can suddenly be enveloped in moist, dense clouds as is typical of the summer south-easter that can blow with great might.

There are many activities for adventurers keen to unearth Table Mountain's mysteries and discover her treasures.

A cable car to the table-top will provide inspiring views of the bay below and tremendous sights of the surrounding area. Meals can be enjoyed at the restaurant at the summit whilst marvelling over a spectacular view.

You may find yourself sharing a rock with a dassie as you contemplate the Western Cape culture or plan the rest of your afternoon. Dassies, or rock hyraxes, are round, plump little animals living in colonies on the mountain and can often be seen sunbathing in the early morning sunlight.

The Table Mountain Cableway is completely wheelchair-friendly and a good number of the paths at the summit can be negotiated with ease.

Abseiling over the edge of the 'Table' can provide a bit of nail-biting sport as you explore the cliffs of Table Mountain. The mountain itself is over 1 000m in height and you partake of a relatively long abseil of 110m. This adventure activity can be located next to the upper Cable Station where you can hang out over the city somewhere very far below you!

And for the avid trailist, there is a network of over 500 walks in and around the Table Mountain area. The trails ramble up and over the 1 000m plateau which is part of the northern section of the Cape Peninsula known as the Table and other routes are up Lion's Head, Signal Hill as well as Devil's Peak - all intriguing names with a rich history.

If you are into excellent scenery with minimal exertion, a climb up Lion's Head may be right up your alley, however the views of the city below and magnificence of the ocean are a wonderful sight from any of the impressive peaks and ridges in the area.

Lekker Local Tips:

* There is a multitude of pamphlets, printed guides and maps readily available on trails up and around Table Mountain as well as activities to keep you entertained. This literature can be found at any tourist office or bookstore and makes it simpler and easier to explore the area.

* It is advised that you make use of a guide when hiking the network of trails on Table Mountain as they are generally up to date with the best routes to take for that season, they can entertain you with details of the local culture as well as amaze you with their knowledge on the flora and fauna of the area.

Table Mountain has been known to claim a goodly number of lives in its past and taking a guide along can better provide for your safe return.

* The weather on Table Mountain is notoriously unpredictable. Take a warm jersey or windproof jacket for a more comfortable trip if the weather turns!