Cape Towns Best Kept Secrets

Did you know that if you can produce proof that it's your birthday
you can go up Table Mountain in the cable car free? No Its not an urban legend. You will however have to produce a valid identity document that shows your date of birth.

Ah! Table Mountain one the eight wonders of the modern world. An ecosystem on its own and it even has its own weather system independent from the city and surrounding areas that it overshadows. it can be poring in the city, while the sun beats down on the top of the mountain, or vice versa.

The trip up and the descent don't take very long. For your convenience the cable car turns while ascending and descending enabling you to take photographs from multiple angles and truly catching the spectacular wonder of nature that this place brings.

Once up top there are a number of clearly marked walks that can take several hours depending on the route that you choose. You will see deer (and wonder how on earth did they get up there), as well as the famous dassie - or rock hyrax, the closest genetic equivalent to the elephant. Quite surprising because they look like rather large guinea pigs!

The views from the mountain will take you to the South where as you gaze across the Atlantic you know the next stop is Antarctica. Looking down you'll see Camps Bay and Clifton, the playground of the rich and wealthy, in the opposite direction you'll see the harbour, and looking out across table Bay you'll see the northern suburbs along the sandy beaches as the horizon stretches towards Namibia.

If you're on a budget remember to take some sandwiches and a drink. There is a well stocked restaurant with a large variety of meals up in the clouds of this peak, but remember they hold the captive market and thus you will pay a premium to buy food there.

There are also souvenir shops on the mountain, however I only recommend site specific souvenirs such as Table Mountain T shirts and key rings. All the other tourist stuff can be bought down below at half the premium.

A list for your backpack:

Sunhat/cap
Sunglasses
Camera
Water/drinks
Sandwich and/or snacks
Mobile Phone
Identity documents
Spending money.

Getting there: - You can catch a My Citi bus from the main Bus station at the Civic centre in the Centre of town (This link will provide maps, info and fares) or the City sightseeing bus will take you along its route.