Mountain peak · Newlands
"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."
"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
"It's practically impossible to find a spot in Cape Town that's not in the shadow of Table Mountain: This majestic plateau dominates the city's skyline and makes a photogenic backdrop to virtually any picture. But people don't just gaze upon it; you can scale the stately 3,500-foot-tall behemoth in many ways. Choose from any number of hiking trails—they range from challenging to near death-defying, so choose wisely—or, if you're the more easy-going (read: lazy) type, take the cable car up and down in five minutes flat each way." - Sarah Khan
"When I'm in Cape Town I make a point to hike up Table Mountain — it's one of those don't-miss outdoor experiences." - Matthew Kepnes