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Panorama Image of Cape Town taken from the Table mountain (Sept 2006) Wikimedia Commons.

Panorama Image of Cape Town taken from the Table mountain (Sept 2006)

Table Mountain dominates Cape Town, it’s a massive rock overlooking the city and accessible by cable car in good weather, or a hike.

In 2008 I spent four nights in Cape Town with my young children and big clouds sat on the top of the mountain pretty well the whole time. Unfortunately there was no way we could go up.  At least we saw the view from the base of the cable car – still pretty spectacular.

The central area of Cape Town and the Waterfront Harbour as seen from Table Mountain. The Island on the left is Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept imprisoned for so many years. Wikimedia Commons.

The central area of Cape Town and the Waterfront Harbour as seen from Table Mountain. The Island on the left is Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept imprisoned for so many years.

The cable cars take visitors 704m from the lower station at 363m above sea level to the upper station, at 1067m above sea level.

Adventure seekers can abseil down Table Mountain’s cliffs, with the help of guides – see http://www.abseilafrica.co.za/

If, like when I visited, the top of Table Mountain is covered in cloud, you get great panoramic views of the city and ocean as you spiral up the summit of Lion’s Head. The route starts at Signal Hill Rd at the base of Forestry Rd.

It’s steep and a bit challenging in places with iron ladders and rocks to climb over and given it’s a 3 hour walk it’s not suitable for the unfit, elderly or very young. Once a month, locals hike in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and full moon rise. Take a torch for the descent.

Lion's Head as seen from Table Mountain cable car. Wikimedia Commons.

Lion’s Head as seen from Table Mountain cable car.