Experience Table Mountain National Park
Encompassing the iconic flat-topped mountain that overlooks Cape Town, this park is unique for being almost entirely surrounded by a vibrant metropolitan area. It covers approximately 22,000 hectares and is characterized by its extraordinary biodiversity, specifically the "fynbos" vegetation. The park is not a single contiguous area but a collection of protected zones including the Table Mountain massif, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, the Silvermine nature area, Boulders Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope. It serves as both a playground for outdoor enthusiasts—offering world-class hiking, climbing, and paragliding—and a vital sanctuary for rare plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.
Explore on Map
Iconic Highlights
1
Table Mountain Summit: Accessible via the Aerial Cableway or various hiking trails like Platteklip Gorge for unparalleled views of the Atlantic.
2
Cape of Good Hope & Cape Point: The rugged southwestern tip of Africa featuring dramatic sea cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and wild beaches.
3
Boulders Beach: A sheltered cove in Simon's Town that is home to a world-famous colony of endangered African Penguins.
4
Lion’s Head: A popular sunset hiking spot offering 360-degree views of the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard, and Robben Island.
5
Chapman’s Peak Drive: Often cited as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, carved into the mountainside between Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
Wildlife & Nature
Zebra
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 23°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 18°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 18°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 18°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 20°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 22°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 19°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Passport: Must be valid for at least 30 days after your departure with 2 blank pages.
Visa: Standard South African rules apply (many nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 90 days).
Health: Cape Town and the park are completely Malaria-free.
Conservation Fees: While much of the park is open-access (free), daily conservation fees apply at specific sites like Cape Point, Boulders Beach, and the Silvermine gate. These are covered by a valid SANParks Wild Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Table Mountain Cableway always open?
The cableway is weather-dependent. Strong winds or thick cloud cover (the "Tablecloth") can lead to temporary closures. Always check the official website for real-time status before heading up.
Are the baboons at Cape Point dangerous?
They are wild animals and can be aggressive if they see food. Keep your car windows closed, do not carry visible food bags, and never attempt to feed or touch them.
Can I hike Table Mountain alone?
It is always safer to hike in a group of at least three people. Ensure you have a map, plenty of water, and warm clothing, as the weather on the mountain can change rapidly.