Review: Table Mountain

If you're in Cape Town, you've probably already spotted Table Mountain.
It's practically impossible to find a spot in Cape Town that's not in the shadow of Table Mountain: This majestic plateau dominates the city's skyline and makes a photogenic backdrop to virtually any picture. But people don't just gaze upon it; you can scale the stately 3,500-foot-tall behemoth in many ways. Hiking trails range from challenging to near death-defying, so choose wisely—or, if you're the more easy-going (read: lazy) type, take the cable car up and down in five minutes flat each way. What awaits you at the top? A view that's guaranteed to take your breath away.

Fun! So once we're at the top, what else will we find?
Table Mountain is the best vantage point from which to take in a gorgeous view of a gorgeous city: ocean and beaches on one side; Lion's Head and skyscrapers on the other; Robben Island in the distance. There's also a restaurant that serves passable food if you really need it, but we recommend packing some snacks and just navigating the paths that route you across the mesa's flat top, taking in a different view at every turn. Along the way, you'll also see plenty of unique plant life that make up the Cape's distinctive fynbos vegetation, and one thing not to miss: a glimpse of a dassie—a cute, furry, rodent-like creature that you'll find scampering along the edges.

Got it. What's the best way to get up the mountain?
The cable car is fast and smooth-sailing, and the paths that take you around the top are easy to follow. You can always veer off-path if you want to get away from the crowds for a peaceful moment (or the perfect selfie), but just be careful when you're getting too close to the edges in areas without railings.

That sounds cool. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?
This is perfect for anyone who loves a good view—which is everyone, right? Active travelers will love the hike, and everyone else will the ease of the cable car. When you get to the top, you're in for the most iconic view of a stunning city—few people will want to miss that.