Including a visit to Desk Mountain is obligatory when visiting Cape City. Flanked by Satan’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Desk Mountain kinds the northern finish of the Cape Fold Mountain vary.
Hoerikwaggo, which interprets to “Mountain within the Sea,” is the unique title given to the mountain by the indigenous Khoisan folks of the Cape. It was additionally named “Taboa do Cabo” (Desk of the Cape) by António de Saldanha after he climbed up Platteklip Gorge in 1503.
We’ve got compiled a information on methods to spend a day on Desk Mountain, together with tips about getting there, meals and beverage choices, and enjoyable actions.
Getting There
Drive and Park
In case you are driving, there are parking areas obtainable on Tafelberg Street. Parking is restricted and tends to replenish on sunny days. Additionally notice that it may be a mission leaving these designated bays throughout excessive season so we advise planning accordingly.
The Desk Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMACC) has launched its Park and Journey shuttle service for company, making journey to and from the vacation spot extra handy. The shuttle picks up guests from the Decrease Station Parking Lot and operates from 7am to 7pm for Cableway guests, accommodating 22 passengers at a time.
Uber and Metropolis Sightseeing Bus
You may skip the trouble of discovering parking by taking an Uber to and from the Cableway base station. One other handy and tourist-friendly possibility is the Metropolis Sightseeing Purple Bus. This hop-on, hop-off service takes you on to the cableway base station, with pickups at designated instances.
How you can Get Up the Mountain
Taking the Cable Automotive
The Desk Mountain Aerial Cableway is a well-liked possibility for a lot of guests, particularly those that desire to not break a sweat to succeed in the highest. The rotating gondolas present 360-degree views and permit everybody the chance to seize some postcard-perfect pictures. Climate circumstances can have an effect on the Cableway’s operations, so it’s greatest to verify upfront.
Climbing
For the match and adventurous, you possibly can take pleasure in a scenic hike up or down the mountain. Fashionable routes embrace Platteklip Gorge, Nursery Ravine, and Skeleton Gorge. These hikes usually are not for the faint-hearted and may be strenuous and steep. We advocate doing all of your analysis in your particular route, travelling in teams, and being conscious of mountain climbing instances and climate circumstances.
What to Do on Desk Mountain
Free Strolling Tour
As soon as on the high, you possibly can be a part of a free guided strolling tour between 9 am and three pm each day. The 30-minute stroll departs from the Twelve Apostles Terrace, positioned under the café, each hour. The walks are performed by TMACC employees, who delve into the story of Desk Mountain and the Cableway. There are additionally self-guided walks starting from 15 to 45 minutes, together with the Dassie Stroll (quarter-hour), Agama Stroll (half-hour), and Klipspringer Stroll (45 minutes). These walks are beginner-friendly.
Go Abseiling
Thrill-seekers can expertise the thrill of abseiling down Desk Mountain! Appropriate for everybody from rookies to seasoned adventurers, this abseiling expertise guarantees an exhilarating journey. Together with gorgeous views of Robben Island, Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay, you would possibly even catch a glimpse of the varied wildlife that calls Desk Mountain dwelling. For extra info, go to: www.capetownabseil.co.za/.
Here’s a listing of different actions you are able to do right here: www.capetown.journey/5-things-to-do-at-the-top-of-table-mountain/.
Discovering the Desk Mountain Dams
One of many lesser-known gems on Desk Mountain is its 5 dams. You may entry the route by way of the Constantia Nek parking space (you possibly can park there or reverse La Parada). Observe the Jeep Monitor and proceed upwards. Alongside the route, you possibly can take the trail with stairs or proceed alongside the identical route (the latter possibility takes longer).
As soon as on the high, you’ll attain the primary dam, De Villiers, with the opposite 4 positioned alongside the best way. A return journey can take between 4 to 6 hours.
Halal Eating Choices on Desk Mountain
For these looking for halal-friendly eating choices, all eating places present halal decisions; nonetheless, some institutions do serve alcohol.
Restaurant choices embrace TEN67 Eatery and VIEWS by De Grendel.
What to Pack
Cape City’s climate may be unpredictable, so at all times carry a jacket, a completely charged telephone (particularly when mountain climbing), a bottle of water, sunscreen, snacks, and a hat or sun shades for further solar safety.
Free Birthday Ticket
South African travellers can acquire and redeem their free Cableway birthday ticket on any day throughout their birthday month. You’ll need to current a legitimate South African identification doc, driving license, or start certificates on the Ticket Workplace or Customer Info Centre to redeem your free ticket. For extra info, go to www.tablemountain.web.
Listed below are extra free birthday freebies you possibly can take pleasure in in Cape City.
Associated articles
Be taught extra about Desk Mountain right here: www.capetown.journey/top-attractions/tablemountain/
Strive these six spectacular Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails: www.capetown.journey/five-table-mountain-hikes-to-try/
6 causes to go to Desk Mountain: www.capetown.journey/reasons-to-visit-table-mountain/
Is it protected to hike up Desk Mountain? Right here’s what you must know: www.capetown.journey/is-it-safe-to-hike-up-table-mountain-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
