The first of the activities in Cape Town that I will be reporting on is climbing Table Mountain, the famous landmark and icon of the Mothercity!

The climb up to Table Mountain is a must for everyone and is the number one tourist highlight! The views over the city are amazing, as well as the beauty of the mountain itself.

The hike up Table Mountain

The hike up Table Mountain is quite a heavy hike. I consider myself to be physically fit, and even I was caught out of breath a couple of times! Therefore the hike up Table Mountain should only be attempted by physically very fit people. Especially because it is very hard for rescue teams to reach the hiking trails and the weather is very treaterious.

Talking about the weather, you have to hike up Table Mountain on a clear day to best enjoy the views, but also for your own safety. Don't attempt to hike up when the wind is gusting, it can be very dangerous on top of Table Mountain with a strong wind.

TIP: Call the weatherline before hiking up Table Mountain 0214248181, to check for the weather on Table Mountain

Hiking Routes

There are several hiking routes up the Table Mountain. I have taken the Platteklip Gorge which runs from the city side straight up the Table Mountain. This is considered as an easy ascend and has a stair system to climb your way up. The time of each hike varies as well, and be sure to inform yourself on the duration of the trail. On average it takes about 4 hours to hike up Table Mountain.

A list of some hiking trails up Table Mountain:

• Hoerikwaggo Trail
• Jeep Track a.k.a. the Bridle Path
• Kasteelspoort
• Nursery Ravine
• Pipe Track
• Platteklip Gorge
• Skeleton Gorge

Next to hiking it is also possible to go rockclimbing, caving and abseiling on Table Mountain. For more information on these actitivies, visit Daytrippers who organize such activities on Table Mountain.

Table Mountain Cable Way

For those of you who aren't going to climb up Table Mountain, there is always the cable way. I have taken this for the return as well, because it was too late to attempt a descend. The latest descend at this time of year is 8 PM, in the winter this will be earlier depending on the time of sun. An adult ticket costs 120 Rand, discounts are available for students, children and seniors. For more information visit the Table Mountain Cable Way site.

TIP: Bring your binnoculars!

On top of Table Mountain

When you reached the top just take your time to enjoy all the views. Make sure you also head over to the Atlantic coast side and enjoy the amazing views over the sea. And who knows you might see a whale jump up!

This concludes my report on the climb up Table Mountain, it was an amazing experience and I found it very fullfilling. Next week I will be reporting on another activity, as I will be visting the infamous Robben Island.

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