Everything you need to know about visiting Cape Town’s iconic landmark …
according to Blake Snow writing for Fodor Travels.
With over one million visitors per year, Table Mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Africa.
The most photographed landmark in the country, its two-mile plateau summit is flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west.
When combined, the green-covered collective forms a dramatic backdrop of the inviting city.
Why Is It Such a Big Deal?
In 2011, the already distinct Table Mountain was globally recognized as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”
At 3,500 above sea level, it’s located in and overlooks Cape Town, the most surreal port city in all of Africa and easily one of the most beautiful in the world—right up there with Honolulu, Hong Kong, and maybe even Rio de Janeiro in terms of urban mountain scenery.
It looks amazing near and far, down below or at the top. It matters because there’s nothing else and no other city like it.
What’s the Best Thing to Do While There?
Gawk at Cape Town, one of the prettiest cities in the world.
There are dozens of lookouts at the top of Table Mountain, and each is worth visiting for a full view of life below.
There are several paved and unpaved pathways to wander, a cafe to enjoy, good bathroom facilities, and a modern cable car station to ease the burden of climbing or descending 3,500 feet.
As you might imagine, the view from above is wonderful and worth lingering for.
Snow answers a lot of questions like … How Crowded Is It?, When’s the Best Time to Visit?, Where Can I Get the Best Photo? and provides practical advice like What’s the Bathroom Situation Like?, Is It Wheelchair Accessible?, Is There Food Nearby?…
Acknowledgement text & images: Blake Snow, Fodors Travels