Page 102 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL FALL 2020 South Africa

Table Mountain

Cape Town’s iconic landmark, Table Moun-
tain, dominates the skyline whether
shrouded in fog or dramatically silhouetted
against a clear blue sky. Voted one of the
New Seven Wonders of the World in 2011,
the wide flat peak more than 3,500 feet high
is a must explore for its stunning views and
unique topography and plantlife.
We stopped here as part of a tour, and
benefitted from the expertise of our guide to
time our visit - early-mid morning - to mini-
mize our wait in the crowded queue for the
cableway ride up the mountain. More than a
million tourists annually brave these long
lines and the blazing sun for postcard selfies
at the top, and during peak season - and on
clear days - waits can be draining.
Aboard the cablecar, we and our fellow
passengers all enjoyed panoramic vistas as
the car rotated 360 degrees during the five
minute journey to the top. There everyone
poured out - and spread out - to gaze at the
city and harbor or follow marked trails
across the breezy plateau.
Signs mark three moderate walks - Dassie,
Agama and Klipspringer - that are easy to
navigate to viewpoints to the north, south
and west. Free 30-minute guided walks, of-
fered hourly, add to the experience, sharing
history and pointing out landmarks, notable
vegetation (some endangered), and birds
that soar overhead.
Snacks are sold in the curio Shop at the
Top along with souvenirs. For heartier fare,
try the adjacent cafe with indoor and out-
door seating that commands views across
the plateau and a menu of South Africa-in-
spired dishes and beverages.
If you go: https://tablemountainnational-
park.org/ and https://www.tablemountain-
.net/

102 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020