Table Mountain National Park is near the city of Cape Town in South Africa’s southwestern corner. The park is 85 square miles in size (221 sq km).
The national park is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, which is a bigger UNESCO World Heritage Site. It safeguards around 1,100 native plant species. Several of them are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on the planet.
Table Mountain National Park is not recognized for its wildlife, but it is present and can be seen throughout your stay. Some of the animals you might see include the hartebeest, fallow deer, dassie, rock hyrax, and zebra.
In the waters off the coast of the national park, you can see humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, southern right whales, and killer whales, also known as orcas. Other maritime animals that may be seen include seals and dusky dolphins.
In the national park, birdwatching is a popular pastime. There are approximately 250 species of birds, including African penguins, ostriches, and a variety of songbirds and sunbirds among the highlights.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain has become the single most welcome icon for visitors from all over the world, not only from South Africa.
But there are many mysteries waiting to be uncovered on this peak. It is much more than a picturesque photo backdrop or a location from which to capture a spectacular view of Cape Town.
On Table Mountain, there are approximately 2,200 plant species and 1470 floral species. Many of these flowers and plants are only found on this mountain.
On the eastern foot of the mountain, the spectacular Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens can be found. The park, which covers 1300 acres and was founded in 1913, has a unique conservatory with species from all over the world.
Aside from the parks, the entire area possesses a unique biodiversity that is hard to locate anywhere else on the planet. It is an idyllic escape from Cape Town due to its various valleys and streams. The national park’s most distinctive characteristic is its fynbos vegetation, which is unlike anything else on the planet.
The national park’s Cape Floral Area is one of the world’s most florally diverse areas. Over 70% of the flowers are only found on Table Mountain. It’s no surprise that the mountain was named one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Its flora is no less fascinating. Although the cape lion, mountain zebra, and leopard are no longer there, caracals, rock hyraxes, and chacma baboons can still be found in the park.
Penguins swarm all over the Boulders, making it a rare sight in Africa.
The mountain’s flat top peak rises to 1,086 meters above sea level, but its features are more striking because it is so close to the sea and the city.
Apart from the mountain, the national park also features the Cape of Good Hope, the African continent’s southernmost point. The mountains is one of the best places to visit in South Africa.
Table Mountain National Park Accommodation
SANParks offers a variety of lodging options that provide peace and quiet in natural settings while also being in convenient locations with plenty to see and see. Luxury tented campgrounds are located along the beach, as well as cottages in the forest and even on the summit of Table Mountain. They come at a variety of price points, so there’s something for everyone.
Wood Owl cottage
Stay in this wonderfully renovated historic forester’s cottage on the slopes of the Constantiaberg, right in the heart of the Tokai pine plantation. It provides easy access to the forest and mountains while also being close to the city, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest while still shopping and dining out.
Wash House
Platteklip Wash House is part of the historic Wash House complex, where Cape Town’s washerwomen worked from the mid- to late-nineteenth century. Built on the slopes of Table Mountain, this home was meticulously renovated to blend in with its natural surroundings.
Eland and Duiker self-catering cottages
This weekend getaway or family vacation spot is located in the magnificent Cape of Good Hope national reserve. The Eland and Duiker self-catering cottages are ideal for people looking to get away from the city and reconnect with nature. Relaxation, scenery, and good times are what Cape Point is all about. Bring a book, binoculars, and your hiking boots for a relaxing day of hiking amid unspoiled fynbos.
Olifantsbos self-catering cottage
From the fynbos and uninterrupted views to the galloping ostriches and grazing deer, Cape Point delivers the ultimate natural experience. You’ll need a few days to take it all in. Olifantsbos cottage provides this possibility, along with your own private beach for good measure. The two houses are surrounded by jagged rock sides and overlook a peaceful beach.
Orange Kloof tented camp
Orange Kloof tented camp is a place that’s a bit of a surprise in ‘beachy’ Hout Bay. Here we’re talking forest. A rare Afromontane forest surrounds the beautiful camp, which is located just down the road from Constantia Nek going towards Hout Bay. Opened in 2007, Orange Kloof offers comfortable facilities so close to Cape Town – ideal as a getaway for families, nature lovers, hikers or for team building.
What is special about Table Mountain National Park?
South Africa’s most famous landmark is Table Mountain. It is also the most photographed destination in the country, with millions of visitors riding the famed cable car to the top. Not only for our people but also for visitors from all over the world, Table Mountain has become the single most inviting icon.
Is Table Mountain one of the 7 Wonders of the world?
Table Mountain, along with the Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, has been named one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Is it cold at the top of Table Mountain?
Cape Town’s winters are mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 10°C. However, temperatures at the summit of Table Mountain can drop to only a few degrees, so be prepared.