Tour Guide, Cape Town, South Africa
| 4 mins read
Table Mountain is considered to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, at over 260 million years. It is older than Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, the Andes or the Alps. Now that's really old! In 2012, Table Mountain was inaugurated as one of the world’s ‘New7Wonders of Nature’ which is just kind of cool.
The mountain (and the rest of the Cape Peninsula - about 50 kilometers as the crow flies!) is covered in a very unique indigineous flora, called "Fynbos" (or "Fine Bush") which in turn forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom - one of 6 floral kingdoms in the world, as recognised by UNESCO. Not only is the Cape Floral Kingdom the smallest, but it is also the most bio-diverse, with over 9500 species of mostly indigeneous vegetation. The area stretching from Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope, consists of approx. 2200 species, (of which roughly 70% are endemic to the area) which is more plant species than the entire UK or New Zealand for that matter! (We might not always beat these guys at Rugby, but at least we beat them with our abundance of floral array!)
Table Mountain is the only terrestrial structure in the world to have a constellation named after it. In 1754, French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lecaille named the southern constellation Mensa after the iconic landmark. He originally called it Mons Mensae, which is Latin for “the table mountain”.
Table Mountain is often covered by a layer of windswept cloud, which is called the "tablecloth". Folklore or legend has it that this "smoke" is the result of a smoking contest in which a the devil and a pirate named Van Hunks, competed for top honours. The devil revealed himself to Van Hunks after becoming light-headed and falling to his death. "Devil's Peak" (the prominent peak on the left hand side) is named after this incident. Today, the "smoke" still lingers. Ok, ok... On a boring note - This "tablecloth" is called an orographic cloud and is formed when the prevailing south easterly wind forces air up the side, which cools rapidly, thereby forming the cloud. There, my secret is out! (But I still love the Van Hunks story more!)
Table Mountain is also regarded as a very special place to "tie the knot". They reckon that at least one couple get hitched every month on top. Understandably, the view is truly spectacular, so that makes sense. Incidentally, my first ever date with my girlfriend (now my beloved wife of nearly 20 years!) was climbing this beautiful beast. Obviously, it must of been a great date because we are still together! We didn't however tie the knot up top, but we still visit the top quite often to reminisce. (hand in hand, I might add!)
Many famous people (including my wife and I) have visited this beauty in the sky - Several of these world- famous figures include King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Steffi Graf, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Margaret Thatcher, Prince Andrew, Michael Schumacher, Brooke Shields, Michael Bublé, Tina Turner and Jackie Chan. In fact, the mountain is so famous, that there is even a fully edible chocolate version of it available to purchase at the local Souvenir shop! Just saying...
Whatever your reasons for wanting to visit Cape Town (and naturally ascend its beautiful and rather ancient ol' mountain) you will not be disappointed. Cape Town (or the "Mother City" as she is affectionately called) offers the traveller an array of awesome things to do. Whether its the incredible history or the diverse culture, the majestic scenery or the endless white sandy beaches, the award-winning Cape wines or the sublime cuisine, I can guarantee that a treasure trove awaits everyone! - George Meyer (Nov, 2015)