Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill in the north, to Cape Point in the south and is home to the world’s smallest, yet most diverse floral kingdom, The Cape Floristic Region. Whilst standing at Cape Point, it’s hard to believe that you’re standing at the southernmost point of Africa.
Table Mountain is instantly recognisable and is flanked by the smaller mountains, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head. Table Mountain National Park should be on everyone’s “must visit” list, whether you’re a local or an international visitor! There are plenty of activities to get involved with, ranging from open access hikes and gorgeous forest walks to picturesque picnic and day visit spots. The park is undeniably one of the most beautiful national parks in the world! The area exists almost entirely within a metropolitan area and you won’t see such spectacular beauty and rich bio-diversity anywhere else in the world.
You could choose to go on one of the many hiking trails, test your stamina with mountain biking, or if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you could try hang gliding or mountain climbing. Popular picnic spots are located at the Signal Hill lookout, The Glen, Van Riebeeck Park, Newlands Forest, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Nek, Oudekraal, Tokai, Witsand, Soetwater, Buffels Bay, Bordjiesrif, Miller's Point and Perdekloof.
The park is a bird watchers’ paradise! There are number of endemic bird species like the Cape Sugarbird to watch out for but some of the park's most famous residents are the Jackass Penguins at Boulder's Beach. If you visit the park between August and October, you will be sure to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right and Humpback Whales.
Conservation fees are payable at only three access-controlled sections of the park, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Penguin Colony and Silvermine.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town:
1. Iconic Landmark: Table Mountain, the centerpiece of the park, is one of the New7Wonders of Nature, recognized for its unique flat-topped shape and stunning natural beauty.
2. Biodiversity Hotspot: The park is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to over 2,200 plant species, many of which are endemic.
3. Oldest Mountain: Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be around 600 million years old, significantly older than the Himalayas.
4. Unique Fauna: The park supports a variety of wildlife, including the endemic Table Mountain ghost frog, the Cape rockjumper bird, and the critically endangered Table Mountain butterfly.
5. Historical Significance: The mountain has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. It was also a navigational landmark for early explorers.
6. Adventure Activities: The park offers numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, and paragliding, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world.
7. Cableway Experience: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, established in 1929, provides a scenic and convenient way to reach the summit, offering panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding area.
8. Marine Protected Areas: The park extends to the ocean, including marine protected areas like the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach, which is famous for its colony of African penguins.
9. Kirstenbosch Gardens: Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is renowned for its collection of indigenous plants and is part of the park.
10. Diverse Ecosystems: The park encompasses a range of ecosystems, from rugged mountains and pristine beaches to lush forests and fynbos-covered slopes, offering a diverse and picturesque landscape.
Accommodation Near Table Mountain National Park
Aview
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
1.6km from Table Mountain National ParkThis striking luxury villa offers unobstructed views of both the mountain & Camps Bay. It is close to the beach, restaurants, clubs, bars, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Golf courses & wine routes. The pool, Jacuzzi & gamesroom are big hits with guests! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
2.3km from Table Mountain National Park3 on Camps Bay is a luxury 16 bedroom Guesthouse in the up-market and trendy Camps Bay, Cape Town. Located in a cul-de-sac overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 3 On Camps Bay offers a quiet retreat where you can vacation in the utmost luxury and pamper. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
2.8km from Table Mountain National Park5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mount Sierra
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
2.8km from Table Mountain National ParkMount Sierra apartments offers self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Located in the heart of Cape Town it will delight you with its numerous award-winning restaurants, galleries, shops and tourist sites. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
2.8km from Table Mountain National ParkLiberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hastings Hall
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
3km from Table Mountain National ParkHastings Hall provides self catering apartment accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Surround yourself with the beauty of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, and put yourself in the perfect position to get to see everything that... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7A Clifton Steps
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clifton, Cape Town
3.3km from Table Mountain National ParkA beautifully appointed garden self-catering 2 bedroom apartment on Clifton Steps. Ideally situated - just a short taxi ride from Camps Bay to one side and to the other side, all that the Mother City has to offer. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town
4.1km from Table Mountain National ParkThe Grande Kloof is a privately owned and operated accommodation establishment offering both Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering options in a great holiday location within the upmarket residential area of Fresnaye, on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Barry Hall Apartments
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fresnaye
4.4km from Table Mountain National ParkBarry Hall is located in the leafy suburb of Fresnaye on the Atlantic Seaboard. The 4 large apartments and garden cottage are offer free Wi-Fi as well as friendly daily service, weekdays leaves you free to enjoy Cape Town and all its beauty. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Riviera Suites
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Sea Point, Cape Town
4.6km from Table Mountain National ParkRiviera Suites is suitable for both family holidays and business stays and offers a variety of configurations, from compact two sleepers to the spacious eight-sleeper apartments. All the apartments feature full kitchens... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Table Mountain Guided Hike (0.38km)
- Twelve Apostles Mountain Range (1.05km)
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (1.27km)
- Three Peaks Challenge (1.27km)
- Pipe Track Walk (1.92km)
- The Roundhouse (2.40km)
- Maclears Beacon (2.48km)
- Tandem Paragliding (2.49km)
- Women's Day Swim (2.63km)
- Mediclinic Cape Town (2.63km)
- Jan van Riebeeck Mountain Trail/Fun Run & Market Day (2.74km)
- Lions Head (2.87km)
- Labia Theatre (3.28km)
- The South African HorrorFest (3.28km)
- Shnit - International Short Film Festival (3.30km)
- Out The Box Festival (3.30km)
- Cape Town Holocaust Centre (3.41km)
- Clifton Beaches (3.42km)
- South African Jewish Museum (3.47km)
- South African Museum and Planetarium (3.50km)
