Table Mountain is a sandstone plateau rising up above the Cape Flats. The
top is approx. 3 km wide and at its highest point, Maclears Beacon, rises to
1085 m. The steep cliffs and rocky outcrops play home to a number of plants
and animals. The mountain is home to approx. 1470 species of plants, - more
than the British Isles! Complimenting this vast array of fynbos variety, the
panoramatic 360-degree views from the summit are nothing less than spectacular
- deservedly world-famous! Visitors can privilege themselves with a trip up
the mountain with the cablecar which runs approx. from 8:30 am to 8 pm with
tickets ranging from R35 to R95.
If you've chosen the mountain rather than the sea and want to get up in a
hurry, the cable car is the first choice and the easy way up to the upper cable
station which is situated at 1067 m. The summit is marked by Maclear's Beacon
at 1086. Even in clear, warm weather take sweater or windbreaker, as it tends
to be coll at that altitude. The revolving cable car gives stunning, vertiginous
views over Cape Town and its surroundings. Once on top, viewing
decks that literally 'hang' visitors over the edge of the mountain offer wonderful
photographic opportunities.
On top of the mountain you can walk, shop, use telescopes, take photos and
eat at the restaurant. Rates change according to the season. Tel. 021-424-5148
for important weather reports, as bad weather halts operations.
