Table Mountain (South Africa)

Well Table Mountain is definately a must see in Cape Town.

As you descend into CapeTown the views of the mountain can be seen.

The weather can be difficult to perceive as it changes very quickly and the mountain tends to be surrounded by a lot of low cloud. Fortunately the day that I was ascending the mountain was perfectly clear.

Costs:-

CABLEWAY RATES

2004/2005
1st Oct 2004 - 30th Sept 2005 RETURN ONE WAY
Adults R110.00 R57.00
Students with valid student card R80.00 R40.00
SA Pensioners R58.00 R30.00
Children Under 18 yrs R58.00 R30.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children U 18) R280.00

2005/2006
1st Oct 2005- 30th Sept 2006 RETURN ONE WAY
Adults R115.00 R60.00
Students with valid student card R84.00 R42.00
SA Pensioners R60.00 R30.00
Children Under 18 yrs R60.00 R30.00
Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children U 18) R295.00

Currently it is 5Rands to 1GBP.

The cable car has a rotating platform to the base and this enables you to obtain a panoramic view whilst ascending Table Mountain and it also does the same on the descent.

The cable car was replaced on 4 October 1997 and carries 65 persons compared to the previous cable cars which only carried 25 persons.

Once you get to the top of Table Mountain the highest point being 1085m you have at least 12 accessible view points offering you magnificent views of Cape Town, only 2 of the viewing points were not accessible by Disabled Customers.

Once we got to the top of the mountain the view was breath taking and despite it being breezy on the top the mountain is pretty flat and there is a wall surrounding the path ways as well as safety banisters in some areas.

It would be a good idea to wear suitable footwear as walking along the mountain the pathways are quite rocky and you could easily lose your step should you be in heels!!

There is a restaurant on top of the mountain that serves breakfast over looking the 12 Apostles. It is a self service restaurant but caters for small - large appetites.

The restaurant opening hours are:-

1 July - 15 Sept 05: 08h30 - 17h30
16 Sept - 31 Oct 05 : 08h30 - 18h30
1 - 30 Nov 2005: 08h00 - 19h30
1 Dec 05 - 31 Jan 2006: 08h00 - 21h30

The menu includes:-
Breakfast
Breakfast is served 09h00 - 11h30 daily

Table Mountain Breakfast @ R14.50
Includes : 1 egg; 2 bacon; 2 toast/bagel; tomato wedge and baked beans.

Health Breakfast @ R18.50
Includes : yoghurt; muesli and fruit salad.

Deluxe Breakfast @ R46.00
Includes : 2 eggs; 4 bacon; 1 beef OR pork sausage; tomato wedge; 2 toast/bagel and baked beans.

Lunch and Light Snacks
Served daily 11h30 until half an hour before the last car down.

Salad plate: includes your choice of feta cheese, olives, peppadews, pasta salad, tzaziki, humus, beetroot, coleslaw, potato salad, green salad.

Hot meal of the day: served until 14h30.
Fast foods: hamburgers, hotdogs and hot chips.
Fresh sandwiches and fruit available throughout the day

Both alcoholic and soft drinks are served at the restaurant.

Coffee Station and Pastries
The Coffee Station in the restaurant is open from 08h30
until half an hour before the last car down.

A large range of coffees were available as well as fresh pastries and cakes.

South Africa does offer great value for money and a visit to Table Mountain is a must, I was fortunate enough to pre-book the tour with SpringbokAtlas Tours and a guide explained the sights from each viewpoint on top of the mountain.
12 Apostles mountain range, Robben Island, Winelands, Signal Hill, and Lions Head amony many many more sights that I can no longer remember!!!

Excellent facilities for diabled visitors which include priority car parking spaces and all but 2 of the view points are accessible.