Why is Table Mountain South Africa famous?

The reason why Table Mountain South Africa is famous, is for its flat top which expands approximately 3 kilometres from side to side and overlooks the city of Cape Town. It further rose to global fame in 2011 after it was voted as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature in a global poll hosted by New 7 Wonders Foundation. More than 800 000 visitors flock to Table Mountain every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Nelson Mandela called Table Mountain “a Gift to Earth” on World Enivronment Day in 1998 and he was quoted saying in the following.

Why is Table Mountain South Africa famous?

“During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Bay at the magnificent silhouette of Table Mountain. To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we knew we would one day return.”

“Mensa” constellation

Table Mountain is the only terrestrial feature to have a constellation named after it. Mensa, meaning The Table is a constellation, is seen in the Southern Hemisphere, below Orion, around midnight in mid-July.

Table Mountain Cableway

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway collects passengers from the lower cable station on Tafelberg Road, about 302 metres (991 ft) above sea level right to the plateau at the top of the mountain, at 1,067 metres (3,501 ft). The views from the upper cable station are spectacular and you would be able to see famous landmarks such as Table Bay, Lion’s Head, Robben Island as well as overlook the Atlantic seaboard and the city of Cape Town.

The first cableway was constructed from 1926 to 1929 by world-renowned cableway company Adolf Bleichert & Co. of Leipzig, Germany, It opened for operation on 4 October 1929.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has undergone three refurbishments in 1958, 1974 and the latest one completed in 1997. The current rendition is a modern marvel and includes a “Rotair” panorama gondola manufactured by the Swiss company Garaventa AG.

Other Activities – why is The Table Mountain South Africa famous

Another reason why Table Mountain South Africa is famous, is that it is a hive of activity and usually busy over weekends and packed in the summer season. There are activities for all ages which makes this a very popular place.

Hiking

Hiking on Table Mountain is popular amongst locals and tourists, and a number of trails of varying difficulty are available. Because of the steep cliffs around the summit, direct ascents from the city side are limited. Platteklip Gorge, a prominent gorge up the centre of the main table, is a popular and straightforward direct ascent to the summit. Par for the course is about 2.5 hours but is done between 1–3 hours depending on one’s fitness level. This route is very hot in summer, as it is located on the north facing slope of the mountain, with almost no shade along the 600 m climb from Tafelberg Road to the Table Mountain plateau.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is very popular on Table Mountain and there are well-documented climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty up the many faces of the mountain.

Caving

Table Mountain is unusual in having several large cave systems that have developed in sandstone and not limestone like most other famous caves in the world. The Wynberg Caves, located on the Back Table, are the biggest system overlooking Orange Kloof and Hout Bay.

Mountain biking

There are several tracks on the slopes of Table Mountain that allow mountain biking and this is a very popular activity as well.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why Table Mountain, South Africa is famous and it is a “must visit” when in Cape Town, South Africa.

While on the subject of Table Mountains, did you know that Ireland of all places has its own Table Mountain!

The Poet Inspiring Benbulbin, The Table Mountain of Ireland

Benbulbin, the table mountain of ireland is one of the most photographed mountains in Ireland. It is a must-see area for any trip to Ireland. Anyone that sees the beauty of the area will want to come back and see more. In addition, Benbulbin is also the setting of many Irish legends and folklore. It is Located in one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland, County Sligo. Benbulbin’s large table like flat top formation of rock, forms part of the Dartry Mountains.

What to see and do in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and also the legislative capital of South Africa. The city is known for its harbour, for its natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Drive just beyond Cape Town and experience the Cape Winelands, safari’s, beautiful beaches, marine life and so much more.

JOIN PAGE – https://web.facebook.com/lovetovisitsouthafrica

JOIN GROUP – https://web.facebook.com/groups/lovetovisitSouthAfrica