What is Table Mountain used for?

Its tabular shape results from nearly horizontal layers of sandstone exposed by vigorous wind and water erosion. The distinctive-looking mountain is one of Cape Town’s most recognized landmarks and is a popular tourist attraction that offers hiking, camping, and other activities.

What is interesting about Table Mountain?

It is the only South African and only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it. The constellation is called “Mensa”, which means ‘table’ in Latin. 2. Having withstood 6 million years of erosion, it hosts the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1 470 floral species.

Has anyone died Table Mountain?

Cape Town – A woman hiking on the Skeleton Gorge trail on Table Mountain died after a fall. Shortly after 10am on Saturday, the 42-year-old woman from Johannesburg suffered the fatal injuries. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to assist and the woman was declared dead at the scene.

Can you picnic on Table Mountain?

Table Mountain National Park offers a number of wonderful picnic and braai sites. Alcohol, dogs and music are prohibited in the picnic braai areas.

Why is Table Mountain so special?

The national park’s most unique feature is its fynbos vegetation that is displayed here better than anywhere in the world. The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to the Table Mountain.

Is Table Mountain a natural attraction?

Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town and now boasts the accolade of New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Why do they call it Table Mountain?

For those who don’t know, Table Mountain got its name for its uncanny resemblance to a table. And the man who first called it so was Antonio de Saldanha, Portuguese explorer. In 1503, he became the first white man to hike up Table Mountain and named it Taboa do Cabo – Table of the Cape.

Is it safe to walk up Table Mountain?

Table Mountain has many steep gorges and sheer cliff faces, which are dangerous to even the most experienced and well-equipped rock climbers. Only Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge provide safe routes up and down the mountain behind Kirstenbosch. Please keep to the demarcated footpaths.

What is the best time to go up Table Mountain?

The best time to visit Table Mountain is from October to March. Those are the driest months, as most rain falls between May and September. The perfect time of day to go up is in the morning before it gets busy and too hot. Either take the first cable car (8:00 am / 8:30) or start hiking early.

What is the best time to visit Table Mountain?

Is it free to go up Table Mountain on your birthday?

A Free birthday on Table Mountain is one way to mark turning a year older, and thanks to Table Mountain Cableway Company that dream can become a reality. Travellers can visit the natural wonder for free on their birthday month.

Is Table Mountain free on your birthday?

What to do in Table Mountain National Park?

Top 6 activities not to be missed while exploring the Table Mountain National Park 1. Hike up Lions Head 2. Scenic drive along Signal Hill 3. Tour up to Table Mountain 4. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 5. Boulders Beach 6. Cape Point

Why is Table Mountain important to Cape Town?

Table Mountain is to Cape Town what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris: more than just a tourist attraction, but an iconic and intrinsic part of the city’s identity.

How long is the hike to Table Mountain?

It is by no means an easy hike, and it requires a good fitness level to complete. The hike starts on Tafelberg Road located on the front face of Table Mountain. After navigating a fair amount of large rocky steps for roughly 2.6KM, you will reach the top of Table Mountain in less than 3 hours.

Where is the downhill ride on Table Mountain?

The tour begins at the Lower Parking Area off Kloof Nek Road, from where you are transported to the top of Signal Hill for your first downhill run. You are then picked up in Bo Kaap and taken to Dead Man’s Tree on Table Mountain, the starting point for a downhill ride all the way to Deer Park.