Our mountain ranges

Table Mountain is just one feature of a 50-kilometre Cape Fold mountain range that stretches from Signal Hill all the way to Cape Point. This range also includes the Back Table (behind Table Mountain) and what are known as the Twelve Apostles, along the Atlantic coast.   

Across False Bay lies the Kogelberg range, of which the City’s Steenbras Nature Reserve forms part. By arranging a permit, you can hike up the Steenbras River Gorge to Crystal Pool.There are many other mountains near Cape Town, like the Hottentots Holland Mountains. This mountain range can be crossed at Sir Lowry’s Pass on the N2, a short but scenic drive that takes you into the Overberg region. Further afield you will find many other ranges, including the Drakenstein mountains, as you head to the wineland areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and the Langeberg Range.

For some great tips and information on hikes, picnics and other ways to safely explore our mountains, please see Explore our mountains, fynbos and forests.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is a national monument, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Cape Town is famous for this flat-topped sandstone mountain. Renowned for its hiking routes and adventure sports, its indigenous animals and plants, as well as incredible panoramic views of the peninsula, Table Mountain is a nature and activity hotspot.

If you are facing Table Mountain from the CBD, you will see Devil’s Peak to the left and the smaller Lion’s Head to the right; both also offer incredible opportunities for climbing, hiking, sports and exploration. These two peaks face Table Bay and together, all three form the classic bay and mountain image we see in many postcards of the city.

Table Mountain’s vegetation is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is also home to the endemic – and critically endangered – Table Mountain Ghost Frog.

Where to explore

The City of Cape Town manages a number of nature reserves and natural areas. Some of these – like Helderberg Nature Reserve in the Hottentots Hollands – offer beautiful mountain settings and lots of mountain activities.

For a beautiful, scenic drive along the back of Table Mountain, try Chapman’s Peak drive. Chapman’s Peak is regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak winds its way along the vertical cliffs rising out of the ocean between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Opened in 1922 and built by convict labour, it was named after John Chapman, the chief mate of the ship consent. Upon being becalmed in the area of Hout Bay, Chapman was sent ashore to find provisions. The name of the bay was recorded as Chapman’s Chaunce (‘chance’). It is reputedly the oldest surviving English place name in South Africa.

For provincial and national reserves in the Western Cape that offer a mountain experience, we recommend browsing the following websites:

• CapeNature: manages 24 nature reserves and wilderness areas across the Western Cape. Most offer overnight accommodation and/or camping and a variety of activities.
• South African National parks (SanParks): manages five national parks within the Cape, including Table Mountain National Park.

Dog walking on the mountain

If you want to walk your dog in Table Mountain Park and in SanParks reserves, you will need a My Activity Permit. Your dog will also need to be kept on a lead. SanParks have produced a very handy brochure with maps and instructions for how to walk your dog on the mountain. Take it with you when you are planning your walk.

Document downloads

• 1. Stories of the South Peninsula Chapter 1-13 Full document Research Publication

     01/06/2014, Research publication - 11.2 MB