Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the flat-topped icon of Cape Town, a sheer-sided sandstone massif rising over a kilometre above the city and the Atlantic, often draped in a rolling 'tablecloth' of cloud. Part of a national park rich in unique fynbos plant life, its summit plateau, reached by a rotating cable car or by hiking trails, offers breathtaking panoramas over the city bowl, the coast, Robben Island and the peninsula stretching south.

What you actually see

• The summit plateau - the flat top with its panoramic views and trails.
• The rotating cable car - the revolving car up the sheer cliffs.
• The fynbos - the unique Cape flora of the mountain.
• The views - the city, coast, Robben Island and the peninsula.

When to go

October to April, the warmer, drier summer, for the clearest weather, though the famous 'tablecloth' cloud and high winds can close the cable car at short notice; go up on a clear, calm morning and check conditions first.

Honest expectations

The cable car closes in high wind or heavy cloud, which is common, so go up on the first clear, calm morning of your trip rather than leaving it to the last day. It is very popular, so queues build; book online. The hike up is strenuous and should not be underestimated or done alone.

Nearby

The V&A Waterfront, the Cape of Good Hope and the winelands are all in the Cape Town area.