This is one of the prime tourist attractions in Cape Town, and so I was a bit reluctant to go, being one of those people who take pride in getting off the beaten track. The steep vertical climb of the cable car to the summit is no joy ride for those who are afraid of heights. I learned on my way up that I was dangling from the longest continuous stretch of cable in the world. The mountain’s plateau affords 360-degree views of Cape Town and its surrounding mountains and coastline, which from this vantage point is not to be missed. The mountaintop is quite large, and lined with paths and benches, so it is quite a pleasant place to leisurely pass a few hours.

It’s flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east, the Lion’s Head and Signal Hill to the west, and the Karbonkelberg to the southwest. Further along are the Twelve Apostles, running south along the coast (through small beach-side suburbs like Clifton). (The best view of them is from a sailboat – there are various operators which you can book from the V&A Waterfront, like the Tigresse catamaran – (021) 425 5457.)

Table Mountain looks for all the world as though its maker has sliced off the top of the peak, hence the name the Dutch arrivals gave it -- the best view, and the classic picture postcard, is from BloubergStrand, north east along the coast from V&A, where you can get a great photo across the Atlantic Ocean (just don’t try dipping in your toe – it’s direct from the Antarctic!) of the flat top, whether it’s a clear day or the famous "tablecloth" of clouds is shimmering on the peak.

Assuming it’s not, head up on the revolving cable-car to the top (105pp return) for a cracking panorama over the city -- you can hike up (there are apparently 350 routes up, though it’s not an easy endeavour and can only be undertaken with expert advice, i.e., through the Mountain Club of South Africa or Friend’s of Lion’s Head) but the rotating cable car is quite entertaining in itself. Once at the top, the level summit is 3km long (east-west) and its highest point is 1086m (Maclear’s Beacon, which the astronomer Sir Thomas Maclear erected in 1843 as an experiment more accurately to measure the circumference of the earth) – you are asked to stick to the paths and not to feed the dassies (hydraxes) which live up there. Most entertaining is to wander along the set paths though the fynbos (literally fine bush) of local shrubby undergrowth, including species and protea. There are various birds and the occasional tortoise lurking around. Make sure you take up your binoculars for the excellent views of Cape Town below.

Signal Hill can be accessed by car and gives a good alternative view (especially of the city lights by night or of the sunset – it’s popular for locals for picnics or "sundowners"). The Lion’s Head is also a dramatic sight – it was originally the site of the cannons which announced the entry of ships into Table Bay (since moved into town).

The cable car is operational different times of the day. From February 1st to April 30th the first car up is 8:30am, the last car up at 7:30pm, and the last car down at 8:30pm.

If you figure on walking one way and riding the other, the cost for an adult is R50 (about US$5.50), a return ticket is R95. Children and seniors can get a return ticket for R50, while toddlers ride free.

If you're lucky you'll get to see the mountain both with and without its well-known "tablecloth" -- the nickname for cloud that often seems to hang down much of the mountain.

There are two ways to the top, climb or take a cable car. Only the very daring and brave choose the former. The circular cable car, called the Rotair, carries up to 65 passengers and rotates a full 360 degrees as it ascends to the top Table Mountain in only 76 seconds, giving everyone on board incredible views.

Once on top of Table Mountain, there are pathways and trails, benches and seating areas. If you are lucky, and the weather is good, you will be able to see almost forever. The lofty heights of this table top is nothing short of spectacular. We could see in all directions- ships at sea headed toward the harbor, numerous bays, and the City of Cape Town itself. We could see Lion’s Head Peak, Devil’s Peak, Signal Hill and even the towering formations of the Twelve Apostles. We could see Robben Island, the island maximum-security prison when Nelson Mandela spent so many years during the Apartheid.

Several types of tickets are available, one-way (if you are planning to climb down), round trip and combination tickets. We purchased the Lunch Package ticket. This combination ticket was not advertised and we had to ask for it. The $13.50 USD ticket included the round-trip ride on the Rotair, and a self-serve buffet lunch. However, it was not the typical "all you can get" type arrangement. At end the buffet line, our plate was weighed; if it was over-filled, there was an extra cost. Luckily, none of our plates went over the limit. Lunch is offered between 11:30 to 3:30. Drinks, sandwiches and salads are available, or bring your own and have a picnic is one of the most interesting setting in the world. I think we could have stayed there all day just looking at the world below.

Table Mountain is also handicapped accessible, providing space for wheelchairs on the Rotair and eleven of the thirteen overlooks on the top are wheelchair accessible.

Table Mountain Website

The aerial cablway that carries you to the top is amazing in and of itself. The large contained tram rotates as it ascends and descends and provides you with a 360 degree view of the area. The summit contains many amenities as well as hiking trails and spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town.

Imclement weather (especially the high winds that can come off of the coast) can lead to the cableway being closed. Always call ahead to make sure that it's open that day. Go early to avoid the crowds.