Arguably the most accessible wildlife experience in all of South Africa, Table Mountain National Park occupies most of the Cape Peninsula and offers an incredible range of ways to immerse visitors in its rich biodiversity.
Spread across multiple locations on the Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain National Park is easily reached within a 25-minute drive from the airport. The park consists of five distinct areas and several beaches.
At the Cape of Good Hope, the rich variety of wildlife means this is the only section of the park that is fenced in. Look out for a range of antelope, from the Cape mountain zebra, to eland, bontebok and the imposing eland. Visitors can also take a short walk of about 3 km to one of two lighthouses for breath-taking views over the Atlantic. For a more leisurely approach, there’s also the Flying Dutchman funicular – an inclined railway line that runs from a lower station at the Cape Point car park, up through dense fynbos to the upper lighthouse.
This section of the park is also crammed with activities – hiking, surfing, cycling and angling are all on offer; if you prefer something less energetic, opt for a picnic or a day at the beach.
North of Cape Point, not far from the tourist hotspot of Simon’s Town, lies a second region of Table Mountain National Park famous for its characterful, cheeky residents. Boulders Beach is home to one of just a few colonies of the endangered African penguin. Currently numbering around 1000 breeding pairs, these marine birds are an entertaining site, and are often just as curious about the visitors to their home as visitors are about them. The boardwalk at Boulders Beach penguin colony allows for perfect selfie opportunities with the tuxedo-clad birds and is also a starting point for a walk to three more pristine beaches in the immediate area. Reserved for humans, these pristine stretches of sand are a great place to relax in the sun or take an invigorating dip in the chilly Atlantic.
Located in the heart of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve lies Silvermine. This area of the park is an ideal space to relax and re-energise amongst abundant fynbos. For some light walking or cycling, choose the boardwalk around the dam, take the path around the river walk or visit the waterfall. For something more invigorating, take in views of Hout Bay from the top of the Constantiaberg Mountains, or hike down to Kalk Bay. Whatever your choice, be sure to look out for the area’s brilliant bird life, including the endemic Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin and more.
At the northernmost point of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve, you’ll find the twin peaks of Signal Hill and Lion’s Head. Both offer relatively easy hikes which are rewarded with spectacular views. From Signal Hill, take in the city of Cape Town and the harbour, but be sure to block your ears if you’re there at midday – the noon gun is fired every day at 12:00 sharp! Known as the oldest working guns in the world, this pair of canons has been firing since the 1800s. Signal Hill is also the place where you’re able to gently float back down to sea level in a paraglider, while Lion’s Head hosts a popular hike that ends with a 360º view of the Atlantic Seaboard.
Completing the line-up of the park’s distinct areas is the one that lends it its name: Table Mountain. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in world tourism, and a member of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World, alongside the likes of Mount Everest and the Great Barrier Reef. This section of the park is a haven for thrill seekers and leisurely travellers alike: walking, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing are all on the menu, as well as a cable car that ferries visitors to a magnificent viewing deck and restaurant at the top of the iconic flat top.
Accommodation options for Table Mountain National Park are located near Cape Point and on Table Mountain. Smitswinkel and Slangkop Tented Camps can accommodate up to 12 people each, they have hot water, fully equipped communal kitchens and communal ablutions.
Olifantsbos Guest House is located on the beach inside Cape Point. This off-the-grid cottage with open plan lounge and dining room, has a fully-equipped kitchen and cosy fireplace, with space for up to 12 people.
Further inland within Cape Point are two more options. Eland Family Cottage and Duiker Family Cottage are similarly equipped to Olifantsbos but sleep six people each.
For an extra special stay, Table Mountain has two incredible venues. On the lower slopes, Platteklip Wash Houses are composed of three different self-catering units (some with communal kitchen, dining room and lounge), and can accommodate 24 people in total.
The Overseers Cottage is perched at the top of Table Mountain and can sleep up to 16 people in two fully-equipped self-catering cottages. The cottage has no electricity, but is equipped with gas stoves and geysers, and visitors are required to reach it on foot. Porterage for luggage and supplies is available.
- A huge array of action-packed activities that immerse visitors in nature, allowing for a beach and mountain holiday all in one
- While Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is not officially part of the national park, its higher reaches are maintained as part of the park. It’s well worth a visit while you are there
- The entire planet’s population of the Table Mountain ghost frog can be found within just 4km2 on the slopes of Table Mountain
- Among its many accolades, the reserve has also been named a UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site
- The name Table Mountain comes from its flat top, and the “tablecloth” of clouds that drape over it when the Cape South Easter blows. However, the Khoekhoe name, Huriǂoaxa, translates as 'sea-emerging'.
- Cape Town weather is changeable - don’t wait for the ‘perfect day’ to go exploring!
- Don’t keep the car windows open in Cape Point - baboons are not scared to try to steal things (although they won’t hurt you if left alone).
- Be sure to buy the permits required for activities like fishing, climbing, and cycling.
