50 Facts About Table Mountain: South Africa's Iconic Landmark

Table Mountain is a majestic and iconic landmark located in South Africa's beautiful Cape Town. This flat-topped mountain has captured the imagination of visitors and locals alike for centuries. In this article, we'll explore 50 fascinating facts about Table Mountain, from its unique flora and fauna to its rich history and cultural significance.

Discover 50 Facts About Table Mountain: South Africa's Iconic Landmark

• Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain that overlooks the city of Cape Town in South Africa.
• The mountain is approximately 1,086 meters (3,563 feet) high.
• Table Mountain is one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
• The mountain is made up of sandstone and forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.
• The Table Mountain Cableway was opened in 1929, and it takes visitors to the top of the mountain.
• The cableway has been upgraded several times over the years, with the most recent upgrade taking place in 2020.
• The mountain has over 350 different species of plants.
• Many of the plants on Table Mountain are endemic, which means they are found nowhere else in the world.
• The mountain is home to several species of animals, including dassies (rock hyrax), porcupines, snakes, and lizards.
• The mountain is popular with hikers, and there are over 350 different routes to the top.
• The Platteklip Gorge route is the most popular hiking route to the summit.
• The mountain is also popular with rock climbers, with over 1,500 climbing routes.
• Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be over 260 million years old.
• The mountain was originally called Hoerikwaggo by the indigenous Khoi people, which means "mountain in the sea."
• Table Mountain is known for its spectacular views, and on a clear day, visitors can see as far as Robben Island.
• The mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plant diversity in the world, with over 9,000 species of plants.
• The mountain has a flat top that is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) long.
• The top of the mountain is often covered in a layer of cloud, which is known as the "tablecloth."
• The mountain is part of the Table Mountain National Park, which is home to several other landmarks, including Cape Point.
• The mountain has several rock formations, including the famous Lion's Head and Devil's Peak.
• The mountain is part of the Cape Fold Belt, which is a geological formation that runs along the southern coast of South Africa.
• Table Mountain is a popular destination for tourists, with over 800,000 visitors annually.
• The mountain is an important symbol of Cape Town and South Africa, and it appears on the city's coat of arms.
• Table Mountain has been the site of several important events in South African history, including the signing of the Treaty of Table Bay in 1806.
• The mountain was also used as a signal station during the Anglo-Boer War in the late 19th century.
• The mountain is part of the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, which is dedicated to protecting the endangered African penguin.
• The mountain has several hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to very difficult.
• The Skeleton Gorge trail is one of the most challenging hiking trails on the mountain.
• The mountain is a popular spot for paragliding, with several launch sites on the slopes.
• The mountain has several natural springs, which provide water for the city of Cape Town.
• The mountain is surrounded by several beaches, including Camps Bay and Clifton Beach.
• The mountain has several caves, including the famous Echo Cave.
• The mountain is often covered in a thick fog, known as the "Table Mountain Cloud."
• The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has carried over 27 million visitors since it was opened in 1929.
• The cable car can carry up to 65 passengers per trip, and it takes about five minutes to reach the top.
• The mountain is home to several bird species, including the African Fish Eagle and the Cape Sugarbird.
• Table Mountain has been designated as a Global Important Bird Area, due to the high number of endemic and threatened bird species found there.
• The mountain has several rock climbing routes that are considered to be world-class, including Africa Arête and Atlantic Crag.
• The mountain was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011, after a global competition that involved over 100 million votes.
• The Table Mountain National Park was established in 1998, and it covers an area of over 28,000 hectares.
• The mountain has several rare and endangered plant species, including the Table Mountain Ghost Frog and the Table Mountain Beauty.
• Table Mountain is a popular spot for picnics, with several picnic areas located throughout the park.
• The mountain has several unique rock formations, including the famous "Table Mountain Sandstone."
• The mountain has several scenic drives, including Chapman's Peak Drive and the Victoria Road scenic drive.
• The mountain is surrounded by several townships, including Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
• Table Mountain is a popular spot for stargazing, with several stargazing events held throughout the year.
• The mountain has several caves that are open to the public, including the Boomslang Cave and the Wynberg Cave.
• The Table Mountain Cableway has won several awards over the years, including the Lilizela Tourism Award for Best Visitor Experience in 2016.

From its designation as a World Heritage Site to its breathtaking views of the city below, Table Mountain is a true natural wonder. Its unique geology and diverse ecosystems make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover or adventure seeker. Whether you're hiking to the top or taking the cable car, there's no doubt that Table Mountain is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. So, come and discover the wonders of Table Mountain for yourself and experience the magic of this iconic South African landmark.