Established in 1998, Table Mountain National Park is a magnificent natural place located within Cape Town, South Africa. This Natural World Heritage Site is known worldwide for its beautiful valleys, bays, luxurious beaches, majestic Table Mountain, and famous Cape of Good Hope. Because the park is a part of an urban area and because it only has three points in which people must pay to visit, Table Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in South Africa welcoming 4.2 million visitors annually.
Table Mountain National Park contains something for natural enthusiasts at any level – from the curious tourist to the nature lover. Unique fauna and flora, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and forests are part of this diverse natural place.
The park has many attractions including the following:
The Cape of Good Hope received its name from King John II of Portugal. However, many travelers have been enthralled with the area through the times including European sailors Dias who named it the Cape of Storms in 1488, and Sir Drake who in 1580 referred to it as “The Fairest Cape in all the World.”
The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Table Mountain National Park as well as South Africa in general. Visitors should not be surprised to see an abundance of wildlife in this area including Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok, and Zebra.
For visitors who want to get a breathtaking view of Cape Town, hike to the summit of Table Mountain and look out over the city. This mountain is well-known for the tablecloth of clouds that blankets its slopes as the south easter winds blow. The mountain offers a range of trails that make it possible for hikers at any athletic level to enjoy anything from leisurely strolls to rigorous hikes.
After a rigorous hike into Table Mountain visitors might want to soak up some sun on a warm, sandy beach. Llandudno Beach on the Atlantic seaboard provides an atmosphere for tanned and bronzed beach goers to mix, mingle and experience the culture of the beach. For a laid back, relaxing beach going experience, Noordhoek, Kommetzie, and Scarborough beaches might just be the right place to stretch out on a beach towel and enjoy a cool drink.
Table Mountain National Park’s ancient forests provide a wonderful way to connect with nature and find spiritual enlightenment. The deep green ecosystems of these forests are millions of years old. They are home to a myriad of smaller animals, birds, and invertebrates. The most popular forests include Newlands Forest and Orange Kloof in Hout Bay Because Table Mountain National Park contains oceans, mountains, forests, and beaches, visitors can enjoy numerous activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, hang gliding, parasailing, fishing, picnicking, scuba diving, surfing, wind surfing, and rock climbing.
Tom and Lena found that Table Mountain National Park was just the medicine needed to calm and soothe their frayed nerves and worn down spirits.