A Complete Guide to Table Mountain National Park
Written by Zeldi Smulders
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is an impressive congregation of natural magnificence covering a large area of Cape Town, starting from the city centre and extending to the Cape Peninsula. Don’t let the name fool you, however! Although it is indeed home to the famous Table Mountain, this park has much more in store for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Find out more about it in this complete guide to Table Mountain National Park.
A worthy addition to your South African getaway, this UNESCO world heritage site is known for its historic, scenic, and recreational significance; a real package deal! It forms part of the South African National Parks, or SANParks, meaning great care is given to the park and a group of rangers are responsible for patrolling the mountains and ensuring the safety of the visitors.
Location
You can find this gem at the southwestern tip of Africa where it comes to an end at Cape Point. A substantial section of the park is found within a metropolitan area but everywhere you look you can see exceptional natural beauty, from bays to valleys, with the Atlantic Seaboard to the west and the fynbos biome surrounding you completely.
How to get there
After you have taken a flight to Cape Town International Airport, you can drive to the park with a rented car or hop on to the MyCiti bus, which can take you to the city centre where you will find Signal Hill close by. Most of the other attractions in the park can be reached with connections from the centre, but for the Cape Peninsula, it is better to rent a car so that you can drive leisurely and admire the view along the way.
Best time to go
The best time to visit is between November and February when the temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and the rainy days are minimal. This park displays a typical Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and wet, yet mild winters. The warmest months are from November to February, while the coldest months are from June (the rainiest month) to August, although the winters are never terribly cold.
The opening hours at the gates of the park depend on the season and the specific attractions, so it’s best to confirm the times before you get there. Although it’s mostly open access, there are some points where conservation fees need to be paid and then foreign visitors pay a standard conservation fee.
What to do
Main attractions
Table Mountain
This natural wonder, known as Table Mountain, is a flat-topped mountain that provides a striking backdrop to the beloved city of Cape Town. Frequently adorned with clouds, it is a marvellous place to escape the city and immerse yourself in its natural features between indigenous critters and colourful fynbos.
You will certainly find a Table Mountain route worth taking, whether you are in the mood for an energetic hike or you are just stretching your legs on a peaceful stroll. Alternatively, you can take a cable car ride to the summit and enjoy panoramic views on your way to the top.
Lion’s Head
With a name that describes its resemblance, Lion’s Head is very popular with hikers as its trail routes are quite short, but always offer incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic seaboard, Table Mountain, and the city below.
Signal Hill
Towards the northern portion of the park, you will find a landmark hill that provides stunning views of Cape Town and its harbour. You can drive up to Signal Hill where a cannon fires every day, indicating that it is noon.
Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope)
This historical site, which was first known as The Cape of Storms and is now known as The Cape of Good Hope, can be described as a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast at the southern end of Cape Peninsula. The renowned Cape Point is the highest section of the reserve and can be reached by foot or via funicular.
Boulders Penguin Colony
One of only a few endangered African penguin colonies in the world calls Boulders Beach their home. This park attraction near Simon’s Town consists of 3 beaches, 3 boardwalks that allow you to look at the penguins along the way (while keeping them safe), and 1 designated penguin viewing area. The beach holds immense boulders that protect from currents, large waves, and wind, making this attraction a nice family-friendly beach.
Silvermine
Located in the central section of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine provides wonderful views and hiking opportunities. Think of peaceful river walks, following a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk around a spectacular dam, or heading to the graceful Silvermine waterfall. This is also the ideal place for mountain biking, dog walking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Activities
Be adventurous
Explore the land and sea with hiking, fishing, scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, windsurfing, rock climbing, paragliding, horse riding, and more. Keep in mind that there are some prohibited activities for various environmental reasons.
Walk through forests
Wander through lush Afromontane forests in this area with hundreds of trees forming canopies above your head. Popular forest walks include the shady paths through Newlands Forest and Oranjekloof in Hout Bay.
Go to the beach
The beach days in this area can only be epic as you lounge around and watch sunsets on white sandy beaches with azure ocean sights and enough space for everyone to enjoy it.
Have a picnic
Table Mountain National Park is filled with prime picnic spots, like Signal Hill, but there are also many other noteworthy spots like the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens close by. Grab a blanket and some local snacks and take in the incredible views this area has to offer.
Take a scenic drive
The popular Chapman's Peak Drive offers a scenic route winding between the quaint harbour town of Hout Bay and a laid-back coastal suburb in Cape Town called Noordhoek. This spectacular marine drive is famous for its thrilling curves that bring forth multiple opportunities to admire Cape Town's incredible surroundings and stop at picnic spots and whale-watching vantage points.
Support the locals
Browse through the curio shop at Cape Point, get a souvenir at the Boulders Visitor Centre, or grab a bite at the Table Mountain Café. Inside and outside the park, you will find ample opportunities to spend your dime in a way that supports communities and allows you to learn more about the local cultures.
Nearby sites
Cape Town
The city of Cape Town has many hidden wonders to discover and you are already in the perfect position to find them. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore popular suburbs like Camp's Bay and Clifton for unforgettable beach days and mouth watering cuisine.
Cape Winelands
An unmissable experience when visiting this area is the taste of local wine paired with rolling vineyard views. You can start at the nearby Constantia Wine Valley and work your way up the great area encompassing the Cape Winelands.
Wildlife
Marine life
The South African Marine Living Resources Act is strictly enforced throughout the park to protect the magnificent marine life residing there. Wonder at the amazing variety, ranging from great white sharks to Cape fur seals, and take hold of the whale and dolphin watching opportunities that draw many to this area.
Reptiles, amphibians, and birdlife
While you wander through the park, look out for smaller wildlife like reptiles, amphibians, and birdlife. If you keep your eyes peeled you will be amazed by endemic frogs hopping nearby or lizards taking it easy on the sunny rocks. There are many species of birds to admire thanks to the great diversity in habitats that range from the rocky highlands and forests to the ocean and its shorelines.
Other mammals
The abundant wildlife in the park comes in many shapes and sizes, like the small fynbos-adapted antelope species (with larger antelope species found in the Cape of Good Hope area), and other fantastic creatures like the Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Clawless Otter, and the Cape Fox!
Flora
You will find over 2.000 different species of plants in Table Mountain National Park. Rich in floral biodiversity, especially rare and endangered plants, this park forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a world heritage site, that contains the extraordinary fynbos biome.
Where to stay
Basic
Perched high on the slopes of Lion’s Head, Radium Hall enjoys breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the city, and Devil’s Peak. This newly-created guesthouse is stylishly decorated, blending modern architecture with touches of traditional South African flair. All 5 rooms have private en-suite bathrooms and free wifi.
La Rose B&B
Perfectly located in the bustling Bo-Kaap, this B&B provides you with everything you need for a memorable stay! Stylish decorations are inspired by a fusion of French, Indian, Cape Malay, and African influences. The laid-back atmosphere is welcoming and warm, and the location of La Rose is perfect to explore the city. Start your day with a buffet breakfast in the atrium while indulging in conversation with guests from around the globe.
Mid-level
Tucked between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean View House is within walking distance of the coast and an easy drive to the centre of town. A collection of suites, apartments, and rooms all offer something unique. Self-catering options are also available with some rooms boasting kitchens. On-site facilities include expansive gardens with a small mountain stream, koi ponds, as well as two swimming pool areas for those hot summer days.
Built on the mountainside above a harbour, Mariner Guesthouse is the perfect stay for those seeking a quiet location while still being within walking distance of some of the best shops and restaurants in historical Simon’s Town. With breathtaking sea views and a range of luxurious, spacious en-suite bedrooms – all heated by solar geysers – Mariner Guesthouse makes for a stylish, elegant, and eco-friendly oceanside stay.
A beautifully restored example of Victorian architecture built in 1901, this hotel lies on the slopes of the Devil's Peak below the Rhodes Memorial in a very quiet, leafy and flowered avenue. There are 6 en-suites, all individually decorated with impeccable taste.
Fancy
Found along Cape Town’s most glamorous stretch of beach in Camps Bay, Seafive Boutique Hotel offers 7 exclusive en-suite rooms with sweeping mountain and ocean views. The pool, bar, and living areas blend South African and Mediterranean décor, offering scenic areas to cool off, catch some sun, or enjoy a sundowner before heading out for dinner.
Sea Star Rocks
Sea Star Boutique Hotel offers sweeping views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, a refined distance from the buzz of the strip. Only 15 minutes from the CBD and conveniently accessible from Camps Bay drive, this boutique hotel offers 3 suites, an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, and a private plunge pool.
Stepping out of the hotel, it is not hard to see where Camissa House’s design inspiration has been sourced. Table Mountain is on its doorstep and is the canvas for the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s great centres of terrestrial biodiversity. Camissa House is a celebration of Africa’s Cape and its meandering history connecting mountain and sea.
How to include Table Mountain National Park in your South African adventure
To make the most of the incredible environment, you will need about 2-3 days to explore the various attractions that stretch about 70 km from Signal Hill to Cape Point. With the vibrant city of Cape Town in its midst and the Cape Winelands close at hand, you will not run out of things to do and it will also be easy enough to add the park attractions to your itinerary or work them in between the rest of your stops.
Insider tips
For your own safety, take part in the park’s outdoor activities during daylight hours, stay in a group, and don’t stray from the demarcated trails.
Keep in mind that some of the attractions like Cape Point and Boulders have begun to establish themselves as cash-free environments and will only accept card payments.
Weather patterns in this area can change quickly, so be prepared and bring a wind-resistant and waterproof jacket.
Dare to dream of a place where vast mountain and ocean views combine with exceptional wildlife and activities to create the perfect getaway. Are you ready to plan your trip?
