MOUNTAIN TABLE

Part of the Cape Peninsula National Park mountain range, Table Mountain is a must-see in Cape Town. It has become one of the new Seven Wonders of the World for its beauty and incredible biodiversity. In the distance, the Drakensberg mountains, while the city takes shape around Signal Hill and Lion's Head. To the north, Devil Peak points skywards, encircled by a small cloud. To the south, the "12 Apostles" above Camps Bay are majestic, with Cape Point visible in the distance. Many dassies live up there. Watch out, they bite! Of course, it's forbidden to pick any flowers, light any cigarettes or feed the dassies.

Climb it on foot (2 hours) or by cable car, and marvel at the spectacular view over the city and the peninsula, at over 1,000 m altitude. The cable car ascent is impressive.

A 15-minute ride. A shorter tour, the Dassie Walk, takes you around the cable car station. Another 30-minute tour, the Agama Walk, offers a 360° view of Cape Town and the peninsula.

A 3-hour hike. A large loop that circles the plateau and passes by the highest point of Mac Lear's Beacon mountain, at 1,087 m altitude. In fine weather, allow a good 3 hours to stroll around the plateau, bask in the sun and enjoy a drink at the restaurant. In summer, it's best to climb at the end of the day, for the sunset (remember to book online at weekends!). Free guided tours daily at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

1-day hike. Numerous routes are available from Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch and even Constantia. We recommend setting off in the morning from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (entrance fee payable) and climbing one of the two passages, Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine, to reach the plateau. A route that passes two mountain lakes will take you to the cable car station (minimum 4 hours). Be aware that all along the way, you'll have to climb ladders, which are very safe, but not suitable for non-sports enthusiasts or the timid. There are many ways down, the most convenient of which is to the parking lot. If you're too lazy to walk up and want to devote yourself to this walk from 11am, buy a one-way ticket and take the reverse route to Kirstenborsch, which is the most classic.

5 days/4 nights. The Hoerikwaggo trail, organized by the National Park guides, is best booked well in advance! You'll hike from the Cape of Good Hope in a small group to Table Mountain, passing through the "12 Apostles" mountain range and sleeping in well-equipped heavy tent camps, accompanied by a ranger.

Tips: Ask about the weather. Buy a detailed map of the park or hire the services of a guide, as hiking trails are not well marked and the mountains can be dangerous: sudden fog, crevasses... Always remain vigilant and walk in groups, not too late in the afternoon. Also in winter, don't go through Skeleton Gorge, as this path is a steep riverbed with very slippery and downright dangerous stones. Prefer Nursery Ravine. Don't forget to take a little wool with you, because when the weather turns cloudy, the temperature drops rapidly.