Situated at the southwestern tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park, part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site, encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south - a distance of approximately 60 km.
The narrow finger of land with its many beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is bound by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay in the east.
It has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.
Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.
Areas of Special Interest
* Boulders Penguin Colony
* Cape of Good Hope – which includes Cape Point
* Silvermine
* Table Mountain – free access with the exception of the independently run Cable Way.
Scenic drives may be taken along Boyes Drive, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria Road, the Ou Kaapse Weg, from Simon's Town to Smitswinkel Bay, from Kommetjie to Scarborough and to Cape Point.
Popular picnic spots are located at the Signal Hill lookout, The Glen, Van Riebeeck Park, Newlands Forest, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Nek, Oudekraal, Tokai, Witsand, Soetwater, Buffels Bay, Bordjiesrif, Miller's Point and Perdekloof.
Accommodation
Tented Accommodation (self catering) is provided within the park in 4 camps.
There is a wide spectrum of privately run accommodation available on the fringes of the park in many price ranges.
Outdoor Activities
3-Day Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail
A luxury three-day, guided, portered, catered, hiking experience that links the cultural history of Cape Town city with the natural heritage of Table Mountain.
* Mountain Biking
Several approved mountain biking trails exist within the park. These trails are limited to existing jeep tracks and roads only, and are found at Tokai Forest, Silvermine, Kloofnek to Mowbray Ridge and at the Cape of Good Hope.
* Mountain Climbing
There are a number of approved climbing routes. Contact the Mountain Club of South Africa for further details, telephone (021) 465 3412.
* Hang Gliding/Paragliding
This is available at Lion's Head and Silvermine.
* Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails within the park that appeal to a wide audience - from those wanting a short or leisurely walk to those seeking a longer and more challenging hike.
* Water-based Activities
Spectacular beaches abound for sun-seekers. The numerous beaches and reefs encircling the Peninsula also permit surfing all year round, and the ample supply of wind in the Peninsula makes this area the ideal spot for wind-surfing and sailing enthusiasts.
The clear waters of the Cape Peninsula also provide excellent scuba diving and snorkelling conditions, although a wetsuit is necessary to ward off the cold.
There are tidal swimming pools at Oudekraal and at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.
* Angling
This is a very popular pastime, although there are seasonal and area restrictions determining where, when and which marine resources may be caught. The seas around the peninsula are a Marine Protected Area and there are restricted zones where no extractive sports are allowed.
Information Centres
Information centres are located at the Table Mountain cableway station, Silvermine, Boulders, Tokai, Smith's Farm at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.
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