Maclear's Beacon
Mountain peak · Newlands ·
Iconic flat-topped peak offers panoramic city & ocean views
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Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa Get directions
Iconic flat-topped peak offers panoramic city & ocean views
Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa Get directions
"Home to South Africa’s most famous flat-topped peak, this sprawling park pairs striking geological formations with distinctive fynbos; I hike one of the many trails to the 3,563-foot summit or ride the cable car for panoramic views over the city and sea." - Katie Jackson Katie Jackson Katie Jackson is a New York City-based writer who covers travel, food, and more. Her work has appeared in USA Today, The Sunday Times, Esquire, Outside, New York Post, and Travel + Leisure, among others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Arguably the best urban national park in the world and Cape Town's playground, the mountains are crisscrossed by trails of varying difficulty that deliver spectacular views: watch the sun rise from Lion's Head or set on the Atlantic from the Pipe Track, tackle the technical India Venster Trail, or enjoy panoramic vistas from Suther Peak. There are gentle, shady strolls through Newlands Forest and single-track routes across the mountaintop, opportunities to spot the king protea, tiny colorful sunbirds, and even the caracal, and a cable car that can whisk you to the top in minutes." - Heather Richardson Heather Richardson Heather Richardson is a journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. She writes about travel, conservation, and environmental science for publications such as National Geographic, Nature, BBC Future, and The Guardian. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Home to the world's longest abseil, offering thrilling adventure experiences with stunning views of the Cape seaboard."
"Ascending the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain (3,563 feet) is a must in Cape Town: hikers can earn the view or ride the aerial cableway to stunning panoramic vistas of the city and Atlantic Ocean." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"The iconic flat-topped mountain that dominates the Cape Town skyline and offers dramatic vistas and outdoor experiences; it’s celebrated for its scenic beauty, is a focal point for hiking and sightseeing, and is frequently cited as a must-see natural landmark when weather permits." - Travel + Leisure Editors