Table Mountain

New 7 Wonders of Nature

Table Mountain rises about 1,085 metres above Cape Town and Table Bay, its flat summit, nearly three kilometres across, one of the most recognisable skylines in Africa. When moist south-east winds meet the cliffs, cloud pours over the edge like a tablecloth, a spectacle that locals welcome. The massif is made of ancient sandstone, weathered into gorges, ledges and rocky platforms, and part of Table Mountain National Park, itself within the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain supports an astonishing diversity of fynbos plants, including proteas, ericas and restios, with thousands of species in a small area, many found nowhere else. Indigenous Khoikhoi called it Hoerikwaggo, the mountain in the sea, and it has guided sailors for centuries. Today you can reach the top by hiking, with Platteklip Gorge the most direct route, or by the Aerial Cableway, whose rotating cars give views over the city, Robben Island and the Atlantic. Weather changes quickly: cableway services pause in high wind or cloud, and hikers need water, layers and respect for route conditions. Early morning light is clearest, and sunset from the summit is memorable. Paths are well marked, but safety advice, including hiking in groups and checking forecasts, is essential. Combine your visit with nearby Lion’s Head, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the Cape Peninsula coast for a broader sense of the landscape.