Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park, South African jewel, international tourism icon and Natural World Heritage Site.

Situated at the southwestern tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park, part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south - a distance of approximately 60 km.

The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.

Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

A unique feature of the Table mountain national park is that it is primarily an open access Park with only three points where conservation fees are payable, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders and Silvermine, the rest of the Park is open access and free for all to enjoy.

Outdoor Activities
3-Day Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail
A luxury three-day, guided, portered, catered, hiking experience that links the cultural history of Cape Town city with the natural heritage of Table Mountain.

Mountain Biking
Several approved mountain biking trails exist within the park. These trails are limited to existing jeep tracks and roads only, and are found at Tokai Forest, Silvermine, Kloofnek to Mowbray Ridge and at the Cape of Good Hope. Mountain ClimbingThere are a number of approved climbing routes. Contact the Mountain Club of South Africa for further details, telephone (021) 465 3412.

Hang Gliding/Paragliding
This is available at Lion's Head and Silvermine.

Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails within the park that appeal to a wide audience - from those wanting a short or leisurely walk to those seeking a longer and more challenging hike.

Water-based Activities
Spectacular beaches abound for sun-seekers. The numerous beaches and reefs encircling the Peninsula also permit surfing all year round, and the ample supply of wind in the Peninsula makes this area the ideal spot for wind-surfing and sailing enthusiasts. The clear waters of the Cape Peninsula also provide excellent scuba diving and snorkelling conditions, although a wetsuit is necessary to ward off the cold. There are tidal swimming pools at Oudekraal and at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.

Angling
This is a very popular pastime, although there are seasonal and area restrictions determining where, when and which marine resources may be caught. The seas around the peninsula are a Marine Protected Area and there are restricted zones where no extractive sports are allowed.

For more information: African Safari Guide, the internet resource on your safari holiday to Africa