With more than one million visitors annually, Table Mountain is one of the most most popular attractions in Cape Town (and South Africa as a whole). Since its formal discovery in 1929, more than 29 million people have set foot at the top of this magnificent mountain. Needless to say, it is also South Africa’s most photographed landmark.
Yet, despite its popularity, there are quite a few things people don’t know about Table Mountain. Here are our top five things we think everyone should know about this wonder of the world:
Sitting at 1067 metres above sea level, Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world. Approximately 260 million years old, Cape Town’s beloved mountain is much older than the Himalayas, Rockies, Alps and Andes. It is therefore not a surprise that this ancient structure has over 1460 floral species – 70% of which are endemic to South Africa. This means they cannot be found anywhere else. Table Mountain is also a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
During a trip to Southern Africa in the 18th century, Nicolas Louis de Lacaille founded the constellation, Mons Mensae. The constellation’s name is an ode to where it was first seen and means Table Mountain in Latin. It includes four stars with their unique locations resulting in the formulation of a table structure. What’s more is that it can only be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. So, try going on the last cableway up the mountain to see if you can spot this constellation for yourself
Table Mountain’s naturally occurring maze and labyrinth of fissures, caves and passages is known as the Tranquility Cracks, situated upon Slangolie Buttress. With stone towers reaching five metres high, this mountain landmark is difficult to reach, but definitely worth seeing. The deep, interlinking and narrow fractures between rocks create corridors along the mountain, filled with indigenous Yellowwood trees you won’t be able to see from the outside. With this gem being extremely difficult to find, it is a quiet, intimate spot on Table Mountain for those who do happen to reach it.
Traces of sand can be found at the very top of Table Mountain. To get there, you begin your hike at the well-known Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Then, you will trek through a dense forest, past Maclears’ Beacon and north of Breakfast Rock. Eventually, you’ll stumble upon the manmade Hely-Hutchinson Dam. After making your way through the dam’s ankle-deep sand leads to the iconic, white Sandy Blonde Beach – a product of erosion and wind.
A mere two-hour hike from the foot of Table Mountain, the Elephant’s Eye Cave is often forgotten amongst first-time visitors. This cave is visible to the eye from sea level and has a secret lookout onto the whole of Cape Town below. The family-friendly hike is six kilometres long in total, although three-year-olds and younger might need carrying here and there. Pack a picnic and flasks and have your breakfast on the slopes of Table Mountain. Bonus: The views are spectacular, be it sunny or cloudy.
Table Mountain allows young and old to climb it to their hearts’ content and marvel at its wonder. It holds so many secrets of nature, with new gems to be discovered with every climb.
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