One of Cape Town’s top attractions, Table Mountain, impresses people from all walks of life with its beauty. The great part is that there are different ways to explore the flat-topped summit and the vast Cape Floral Kingdom that decorates its slopes.
Climbing and abseiling await those who are up for the challenge, but if working up a sweat does not appeal, there are modes of transportation that offer all the excitement of mountaineering minus the physical exhaustion.
Below, you’ll find 4 ways to explore Table Mountain.
1. Hike
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Picture: Getty Images
Hikers are spoilt for choice when it comes to traversing Table Mountain. Whether it is a sunrise, daytime or sunset hike, you are sure to be impressed.
There are about five official routes to take and those planning on hiking are encouraged to follow them for their safety and well-being.
- Kasteelspoort: This scenic route begins in Camps Bay. Hikers can draw motivation from the ocean breeze and the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. The hike takes between two to four hours one way depending on your fitness level.
- Woodstock Caves: This is a popular trail because it is family-friendly and yes, hikers have the opportunity to pause and explore a cave. It takes about three hours at most to reach the summit. There are plenty of picnic spots to sit back and snack along the way.
- Platteklip Gorge: It is a favourite route for many because it does not have a steep terrain. Rather, hikers can go around the mountain. You can expect to zig-zag on this route for about three hours before you reach the top, but you can tackle the climb in an hour.
- The Pipe Track: This is an easy trail that enables hikers to explore a part of the mountain, but it does not go up to the summit. It offers explorers about two hours of exploring fynbos and nature.
- Skeleton Gorge: This route begins from the picturesque Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and is about 3km to Table Mountain. It is not an easy route due to the tricky climbs and steep slopes. It does get you close to the cableway station for those willing to take the ride down.
2. Scooter tour
If you are a fan of scooting, a scooter tour is a fun way to make the most of the 5km-track from Signal Hill into Bo Kaap through to Table Mountain.
Cape Town has various enterprises specialising in these downhill scooter trails.
Contact the following scooter tours specific to discovering Table Mountain:
- Mawana specialises in downhill scooter trails on Table Mountain. Book here.
- Cape Adventure Zone also has guided tours for up to two hours of exploring Table Mountain. Book here.
- Cape Extreme offers scooter rides for children and adults. Book here.
3. Abseil
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Picture: Getty Images
Make the most of your time by getting into adventures such as abseiling and using just a rope to make your way to the top of the 1,086-metre mountain. The thrilling activity takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Contact:
4. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
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Picture: Getty Images - Admire the tall mountain in a swift five-minute ride. With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, you can enjoy the views of Cape Town’s cityscape and the surrounding oceans.
This popular tourist activity caters to at least a million people every year. Children are also welcome.
Book the tickets here.
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Picture: Getty Images
