SA HOTEL - TABLE MOUNTAIN - CAPE TOWN

Table Mountain is the most famous mountain in the Western Cape of South Africa, overlooking the greater Cape Town area. It forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and Lion's Head and Signal Hill to the north. It is often described as magical and mystical. Table Mountain is Cape Town's most prominent feature and is a world famous landmark. This majestic mountain is visible from almost anywhere in Cape Town and is often used as a beacon by which to find direction.

Table Mountain is a famous landmark and tourist attraction in Cape Town, with many visitors using the cableway to get to the top. The mountain is named for its flat top which is often covered by cloud forming the "table cloth". It has a height of 1,086m, with the main face measuring approximately 3km from side to side. It is worth taking a trip to the top to view the entire peninsula. Robben Island in Table Bay, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak on either side, the Twelve Apostles (the range of mountains overlooking the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay) and Cape Point can all be viewed from the top of Table Mountain. The mountain is floodlit at night and is a definite sight to see while in Cape Town.

Hiking on Table Mountain is popular amongst locals and tourists alike and there are a number of trails of varying difficulty available. Because of the steep cliffs around the summit, direct ascent from the city side is difficult. Longer routes to the summit go via the Back Table, a lower area of Table Mountain south of the main plateau. There are paths to the Back Table from both the Atlantic and Southern Suburbs sides, as well as a number of paths which gradually ascend to the summit. It is not advisable to climb the mountain without an experienced guide, who knows the route well. There are some 350 recognised paths to the summit, some undemanding and some extremely difficult. It is recommended that visitors contact the Mountain Club of South Africa before embarking on a hike or climb.

When one thinks about caving, you may picture wriggling around in the dark, deep, muddy passages beneath the earth's surface. There are caving tours available in the caves of Table Mountain, but these cater for the specialist only. The issue of access to caves on the mountain has also become a sensitive topic. Caving can be dangerous and environmentally damaging if the correct procedures are not followed.

Table Mountain is home to an abundance of fauna and flora, with many species being endemic to the area. Most survive only in the unique ecosystem of the mountain. There are approximately 1470 species of plants, including over 250 different species of daisies! Examples of endemic plants are the rare Silver Tree and the wild orchid, Disa Uniflora. Animals such as baboons and porcupines live here freely, as well as furry rodents known as Rock Dassies. These little creatures look like plump rabbits without ears. It is incredible to know that their closest living relative is the elephant! The Table Mountain ghost frog is another example of an animal found in no other place in the world.

The exhilarating ascent of Cape Town's Table Mountain is a must for any visitor and provides breathtaking views over the city and its beaches. The panorama stretches from Table Bay to False Bay and around the mountain to the Hout Bay Valley and Kommetjie. On a clear day one also has a magnificent view across the Cape Flats to the Hottentots Holland Mountains.