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All over the world the iconic Table Mountain is an extremely recognizable attraction and is often used as a symbol representing not only South Africa, but also specifically, Cape Town. Added to the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Mountain as well as the surrounding Parks were declared a World Heritage Site.
Cape Point is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by dramatic cliffs and rugged rocks that rise sharply over 200 meters above the ocean. There are three beautiful self-catering cottages available for hire within the Cape of Good Hope
View LodgeThe Table Mountain Section and the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park have overnight facilities available for those doing the hiking trails in these Sections.
View LodgeAll over the world the iconic Table Mountain is an extremely recognizable attraction and is often used as a symbol representing not only South Africa, but also specifically, Cape Town. Added to the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Mountain as well as the surrounding Parks were declared a World Heritage Site.
A part of the Table Mountain National Park was previously known as
the Cape Peninsula National Park and currently it consists of three
sections:
The Table Mountain section includes Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, plus the Back Table – the rear, lower part of the mountain. Devil’s Peak, the Twelve Apostles and Orange Kloof are also included and although Cecilia Park, Newlands Forest and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens don’t form part of the park, the upper parts of it are maintained as part of the park.
The Silvermine-Tokai section runs from the Atlantic to the False Bay coast and covers Constantiaberg, Steenberg Peak and the Kalk Bay mountains.
The Cape of Good Hope Section includes the whole of the Cape Peninsula, formally the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve – from Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope to Scarborough on the Atlantic coast and Simon’s Town on the False Bay side.
Already during the mid-1930’s plans were being made to preserve the famous mountain and in 1957 it was declared a National Monument. The reserves on and around Table Mountain were declared in the mid-1960’s and after several years of changes to the park borders and management structures, in 1998 Table Mountain National Park was proclaimed and since then have been managed by SANParks.
The following vegetation types are found in the Table Mountain National Park:
Because the protected Cape Fynbos vegetation – consisting of more than 200 different plant species -occur here, it was also included in the UNESCO Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage site. Fynbos is an ancient and unique vegetation type and is rich in floral biodiversity. Its occurrence is extremely rare and many of these plant species are only found here in South Africa. Fynbos consists of four major plant groups:
To stimulate new growth, Fynbos is fire-dependent and needs to burn every 15 years. Human settlement, development and involvement changed the course of nature, having a massive impact on the survival of many of these exceptional plants.
The marine life around the Cape Peninsula is also protected by the park and visitors can even enjoy whale watching while visiting the Table Mountain Park. The area has a Mediterranean-type climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The infamous southeasterly winds bring moisture over the barrier peaks, often forming a blanket of clouds over the mountain.
Although there is historical evidence in rock art and fossils, proving
that a variety of large mammals roamed the area, hunting and environmental
degradation ensured that there are no more of these animals around.
A wide range of smaller animals are still to be seen in the park, sharing
space with reptiles, snakes and amphibians.
Accommodation is offered in only a few facilities in the Table Mountain National Park. Because it is located in Cape Town and the southern suburbs, a wide range of accommodation options are available outside the park, but in the vicinity.
As the Table Mountain National Park is located in and around Cape Town, a range of facilities is available within easy reach. Different amenities are offered in the three different sections of the park. Mostly the facilities provided are picnic sites with or without barbecue and ablution facilities.
Attracting active, adventurous, explorative and inquisitive visitors, there are many activities to be enjoyed in the Table Mountain National Park. Several picnic spots and function venues are available.
Visitors to the park pay either a Daily Conservation Fee or enter with valid Wild Cards or TMNP Green Cards. For special recreational activities like dog walking, valid Activity Permits are required. Permits for commercial purposes must be obtained separately.
Travelling from:
| Gate | Area/Town | Gate Entrance Road/Street |
|---|---|---|
| Cape of Good Hope Gate | Cape Point | Cape Point Main Gate, off Plateau Road |
| Silvermine Gate | Silvermine | Silvermine Road |
| Boulders Beach Gate | Simon's Town | Boulders Beach Road |
| Oudekraal Gate | Camps Bay | Victoria Road |
| Tokai Picnic Area Gate | Tokai | Tokai Road |
| Newlands Picnic Area Gate | Newlands | Newlands Avenue |
| Perdekloof Gate | Constantia | Constantia Main Road |