Table Mountain is probably the most instantly recognizable mountain in the world - you can confuse Mt. Fuji with half a dozen other volcanoes, Mt Blanc with a couple of other Alpine peaks and Mt. Everest with various other Himalayan summits, but Table Mountain with its flat top is unique. Although only 1,086 meters high, it raises seemingly from nowhere and almost vertical to its flat top.

The views from the top are spectacular and the easiest way since 1929 has been to use the cable car. The current cars date from 1997 and car makes a 360-degree turn going up so there is no need to push for the best viewpoints. Check the website for times, prices (less than $10) and directions.

It is also not particularly difficult to climb the mountain. There are various routes ranging from not much more than walking to pure rock climbing. The fastest route from the back of the mountain takes just more than an hour. A favorite route from the front is up Platteklip Gorge, where the mountain seems to be split in two. This route takes about two hours and was the route taken for the first recorded ascent of the mountain in 1503. Weather conditions change rapidly so it is important to be prepared for bad weather even on a seemingly calm sunny day.

Botanists will be impressed by the more than 1400 species of plants on the mountain - many unique to the Western Cape. Fauna is more limited with the most famous being dassies, small hamster like animals whose closest relative is the somewhat heavier African elephant.

On the mountain at the Upper Cable Car station is a restaurant / souvenir shop but it is more interesting to take your own picnic lunch and enjoy it away form the crowds. In summer it is most popular to go up in the late afternoon and watch the sun set into the Atlantic Ocean. Postcards mailed at the top is franked with a special mark. The highest point, Maclear’s Beacon can be reached in a 45 min walk from the station.

Table Mountain is often covered by clouds - referred to as its tablecloth. There is an old Dutch legend from colonial times describing the source of the clouds as a smoking competition between an old man and the devil. (The adjacent mountain to the left is known as Devil’s Peak.) However, according to meteorologists conditions in the region causes moisture to condense into clouds above 900 meter and evaporate below 900 meter and Table Mountain being just over a kilometer high gets caught up in the action. The tablecloth is a magnificent sight as well, but only if you actually managed to have seen the clear mountain as well. The cloud cover can last for weeks, especially in summer, so it is prudent to take photos of the mountain and get thee to the top at the earliest opportunity!

For the less energetic, the cable car presents the preferable option. Opened in 1929, the cableway today takes about 600 000 visitors a year to the summit. The cable car trip offers stunning views across the bay and close-ups of the rock face as the car rotates a full 360 degrees during its six minute summit trip. Be warned though, the cable car may be closed down if the winds become too strong.

On the top, follow some of the walking trails to see some of the 1470 species of plants which call the mountain is home. Many show features typical of alpine plants, low growing stunted growth and narrow leaves. Endemic plants include the rare Silver Tree and the wild orchid, Disa uniflora. Abseiling is another option for the adventurous while on top.

However it is the spectacular view over the city and its beaches which leaves most visitors gaping in awe. Even the "locals", the rock hyrax or dassie, sit sunning themselves on the rocky ledges admiring the view.

One of the only attractions in Cape Town where you're probably in for a bit of queing, the view from the top is superb. The cable cars run from early morning to late evening(wind depending). If it's a lovely evening in summer, go up at about 7:00pm with a bottle of wine and a picnic and enjoy one of the best sunsets you'll ever see. There are restaurants and toilet facilities up there if required.

NOTE: Because of the height, it can get cold, even on the hottest summer day, so take along a jacket.

For the more athletic, there are various routes that you can walk up the mountain. They range widely in degrees of difficulty, so ask before setting out. Accidents happen every year when people get stuck too difficult a route.Why not walk up and take the cable car down?