Table Mountain began forming beneath the sea around 600 million years ago. Over time, the breakup of the continents and the movement of glaciers helped shape its iconic flat summit. Eventually, tectonic forces pushed the mountain upward, creating the dramatic landscape we see today. Since then, wind and water have continued to weather its surface. Remarkably, Table Mountain is older than the Alps and at least six times older than the Himalayas. Its geological composition includes sandstone, granite, and Malmesbury shale.

The Khoi people originally named Table Mountain ‘Hoerikwaggo,’ meaning ‘Mountain of the Sea.’ Evidence of prehistoric habitation in the area dates back over 2,000 years. Around that time, the Khoi migrated southward toward the Cape Peninsula, displacing the San people and bringing their herds of cattle and sheep. Later, in 1503, Portuguese sailor Antonio de Saldanha became the first recorded European to ascend the mountain. In need of a vantage point to locate his fleet, he climbed the Platteklip Gorge route and subsequently named it Table Mountain.

Here are some interesting facts and figures about Table Mountain. For over 100 years, it has remained a protected area, reflecting its environmental and cultural significance. In October 1929, the first cableway opened, making the mountain more accessible to visitors. Earlier, in 1796, during the British occupation of the Cape, Major-General Sir James Craig ordered the construction of three blockhouses on the mountain: the King’s Blockhouse, the Duke of York Blockhouse (later renamed the Queen’s Blockhouse), and the Prince of Wales Blockhouse. Today, while two of these structures lie in ruins, the King’s Blockhouse still stands in good condition.

In the 1990s, the mountain became part of the newly established Cape Peninsula National Park. Subsequently, in 1998, the park was renamed Table Mountain National Park. That same year, authorities also declared the mountain a national monument, and it later gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To preserve the mountain’s unique flora, officials declared the Himalayan Tahr an alien species in 2004 and culled 109 individuals. Then, in November 2011, Table Mountain earned global recognition when it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Today, the mountain continues to captivate visitors, attracting approximately 4.2 million people each year.

Major Features:

Table Mountain’s main feature is its level plateau, which stretches about 3 kilometers across and is framed by impressive cliffs. Devil’s Peak rises to the east and Lion’s Head to the west, together forming a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town.

Table Mountain stands at the northern end of a sandstone mountain range that forms the spine of the Cape Peninsula. Just south of the main plateau lies a lower section known as the Back Table. Along the Atlantic coast, this range becomes the Twelve Apostles, a striking series of peaks. From there, the mountains extend further south, reaching all the way to Cape Point.

Maclear’s Beacon marks the eastern end of the plateau. Sir Thomas MacLean built this stone cairn in 1865 for use in a trigonometrical survey. Standing at 1,086 meters (3,563 ft) above sea level, it rises about 19 meters (62 ft) higher than the cable station located at the western end of the plateau. Platteklip Gorge (‘Flat Stone Gorge’) splits the cliffs of the main plateau, offering a straightforward and accessible route to the summit. In fact, António de Saldanha used this very path during the first recorded ascent of the mountain in 1503.

The flat top of Table Mountain is often draped in orographic clouds, fondly known as the ‘Tablecloth.’ This cloud formation occurs when a south-easterly wind pushes moist air up the mountain’s slopes. As the air rises into cooler altitudes, the moisture condenses and forms the distinctive cloud cover. According to local legend, the Tablecloth symbolizes an eternal smoking contest between the Devil and a pirate named Van Hunks on Devil’s Peak. Whenever the cloud appears, the story says their battle has resumed.

The Cableway has operated for over 80 years and carries up to 65 passengers at a time. The current rotating Cableway, designed in Switzerland, has been in service since 1997. It is one of only three rotating cableways in the world. The cable stretches 1,200 meters.

Table Mountain offers various hiking paths, with the most popular and direct route being Platteklip Gorge on the North Face. Other well-known trails include Kasteelspoort on the East Face and Skeleton Gorge, which starts from the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens. The highest summit, Maclear’s Beacon, reaches 1,086 meters. After hiking up, the best way to descend is by taking the rotating Cableway, which provides stunning 360-degree views.

The fynbos floral kingdom hosts over 1,450 plant species. The main plant groups include Protea, Erica, and Restios. You can spot our national flower, the King Protea, as well as the Western Province flower, the Disa, thriving on Table Mountain.

The dassie, also known as the rock hyrax, is the most common animal seen on Table Mountain. Interestingly, the dassie is the closest living relative to the elephant. Wolves and tigers no longer roam the area, and wildlife remains limited due to scarce grazing. You’ll mostly find dassies, lizards, porcupines, mongooses, agamas, snakes, butterflies, and various birds such as sunbirds, red-winged starlings, and rock pigeons. Birds of prey include the rock kestrel and the black eagle. Although some thar remain, most were culled after being introduced by Cecil John Rhodes.

When you reach the Tabletop, the atmosphere changes dramatically from the quiet hike up. You’ll find a souvenir shop, the Table Mountain Café, and facilities for conferences, weddings, and other events. The venue can accommodate up to 400 people and offers spaces such as the Summit Lounge, Twelve Apostles Terrace, Viewing Deck, and the Sacred Circle Viewing Deck for hire.

Sports and adventure thrive on Table Mountain. Visitors enjoy running, hiking, rock climbing, kloofing, and guided abseiling adventures. Every year, the mountain hosts the exciting Crazy Table Mountain Challenge race.

If you want to stay on the mountain after the Cable Car closes, the Hoerikwaggo Trail is your best option. The route offers accommodation along the way, including an overnight stay on Table Mountain itself. The good news is that staff drive your supplies to the house, so you don’t have to carry everything while hiking.

Resources:

The Cableway has won awards for its responsible tourism initiatives, which include resource management. 2011 Imvelo award for responsible tourism.

There are five dams on the mountain The Woodhead, Hely Hutchinson, Victoria, Alexandra and De Villiers. They still serve the city but most of Cape Town’s water comes from Dams further afield.

There are so many flower species on the mountain – It is home to nearly 20% of the continent’s floral species. (0.5% African soil)

From October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014

Cost of tickets – Adult – one-way R105, return R210. Children R52 – one way, return R100.

24-hour emergency numbers     
Fires, poaching, accidents and crime                   0861 106 417

Wilderness search and rescue                             021 – 948-9900

Emergencies                                                         021-480-7700

Conduct of customer:

• Stay to designated paths – do not take short cuts.
• Do not litter – keep litter with you and dispose of at the top of Table Mountain – there are bins, and they have a policy of recycling and being creative with waste.
• Do not pick flowers – this is illegal in a National Park.
• Do not feed the animals even the Dassie has a ferocious bite.
• Do not smoke or light fires – wildfires cost the city and the flora and fauna dearly.