About Table Mountain

 It’s easy to run out of superlatives when describing Table Mountain. A beacon of Cape Town, this iconic landmark holds a triple status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Park, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Its global significance is further highlighted by the distinction of being the only natural feature with a constellation named after it (Mensa).

Older than the major mountain ranges of the world, Table Mountain has witnessed the rise and fall of an ocean, the birth and extinction of the dinosaurs, and countless storms that have eroded it down to a fifth of its original height. For all its grandeur, it represents something different to every person: a temple, a refuge, a challenge, or a proving ground. While it has been a site of loss for some, for countless others, it has been a place of profound discovery and life.

Hoerikwaggo: The Mountain in the Sea

Known to the Khoi people as Hoerikwaggo, or ‘mountain in the sea,’ Table Mountain is a place where you can find complete stillness. This quiet solitude is occasionally punctuated by the distant sound of waves, the trickle of a stream, or the choral chirping of frogs.

Each side of the mountain offers its own unique character and mood:

• The imposing front face, overlooking the city center with its sheer precipices.
• The sylvan eastern side, clad in dense indigenous forest.
• The dissected western flank that dramatically falls away into the Atlantic Ocean.
• The secluded back of the mountain, a hidden valley where the city feels a thousand miles away.

A Wild Paradise in the Heart of the City

One of the most remarkable aspects of Table Mountain is its ability to retain so much wildness despite its proximity to a major metropolitan city. Less than four kilometers from the city center, you can find pockets of primeval wilderness where nature reigns supreme. Here, traffic jams, shopping malls, and boardrooms feel like a distant memory, replaced by the sounds of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the overwhelming feeling of being in a truly untamed natural space. 

Guided Hiking Routes on Table Mountain

Our diverse range of Table Mountain routes offers unparalleled variety in views, difficulty, and terrain. Whether you prefer well-defined paths with minimal scrambling or desire rugged terrain with demanding ascents and exhilarating narrow ledges, we have the perfect Table Mountain hike for you. Explore iconic Table Mountain trails or discover hidden gems.