25/06/2025
Discover the Wonder of Table Mountain – Cape Town’s Crown Jewel.....
From breathtaking views to unforgettable adventures on top – explore why this wonder belongs on your travel bucket list.
TABLE MOUNTAIN
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Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks, located in Cape Town. Known for its flat-topped shape, the mountain rises over 1,000 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, with hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and a rotating cable car that takes visitors to the summit.
Table Mountain is part of the Table Mountain National Park, home to unique flora and fauna, including many species found nowhere else in the world. It’s also recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, making it a must-see attraction in South Africa.
WHO DISCOVERED TABLE MOUNTAIN
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António de Saldanha was a Castilian-Portuguese 16th-century captain. On a particular trip to India, his ship became separated from the rest of his fleet. He sought refuge in a bay sheltered by a large, flat-topped mountain. To get his bearings, he decided to climb the mountain. He chose Platteklip Gorge, as the easiest route. From the summit, Saldanha could see that they had not yet rounded the Cape of Storms (Cape Point). He named the mountain do Cabo," which translates to 'Table of the Cape'.
7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD
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Table Mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It was officially named one of the seven natural wonders in 2011 after a global poll. Over 500 million people voted for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and Table Mountain was selected from 28 finalist. Table Mountain’s New 7 Wonder title transformed it into a global “bucket‑list” destination—driving immediate visitor surges, sustained growth and strategic investment experiences for all.
HOW DO I GET TO THE TOP
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You can either take the aerial cable car - which is by far the easiest way up or you can hike up the mountain. There are 3 trails to follow:
Platteklip Gorge - 1.5 to 2.5 hours - moderate
Skeleton Gorge - 3 to 4.5 hours - moderate to hard
India Venster - 2.5 to 3.5 hours - hard
ONCE AT THE TOP
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The top of Table Mountain is not just a viewpoint—it’s a natural playground with panoramic views, walking trails, fascinating geology, and rare biodiversity. Table Mountain Café offers snacks, coffee, hot meals, and drinks with a view and the curio shop sells souvenirs, books, and local crafts. We suggest to download the free Table Mountain app, which includes an audio guide, maps, and trail info.
TABLE MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE
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Table Mountain hosts a unique range of wildlife, much of it specially adapted to its rugged, windswept environment. Here's some of what you might encounter on the summit: Fynbos biome(over 1,500 plant species), Cape sugarbird, Jackal buzzard & Verreaux’s eagle, Southern rock agama, Cape girdled lizard, Table Mountain beauty butterfly, Porcupines, mongooses & caracals and the Table Mountain ghost frog.
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR OUR HALF-DAY TOUR
Please contact GEMS OF AFRICA Safaris & Tours for an in-depth,
detailed plan and layout of a never-to-forget bucket list tick-off
experience with us on Table Mountain.
For the love of Travel....
https://gemsofafricasafaris.com/
