Says South African Nobel Literature Prize, John Maxwell Coetzee , that Cape Town is a city "rich in beauty in beauty" and the truth is that it lacks an iota of reason. A few minutes before landing at the international airport and you realize that this southern metropolis is located in a privileged environment, perhaps one of the most seductive world.
The combination of natural elements is extraordinary. Bays adorned with beautiful beaches, cliffs roaring towards the Cape of Good Hope (Vasco de Gama roared when the winds began to lift devastating waves) and granite peaks that crown to compose a very seductive picture that can be seen from hundreds of kilometers around, especially the imposing Table Mountain or the 12 Apostles.
Just landed in Cape Town after a few days of safari in Kruger Park with Adventure Africa , we decided to visit its icon. Table Mountain was named one of the seven natural wonders of the world in 2011, but for the inhabitants of the Mother City is a giant that has always embraced from above and which has witnessed the turbulent and fascinating history of the city and South Africa.
Climb Table Mountain by cable car
The visit to Table Mountain depends on luck, or rather of the hazardous weather. The rapid changes of weather and strong wind (which suffer in our own flesh) make it difficult for many days climb to the top, so before attempting to climb the mountain is better informed on their official website .
The easiest and fastest way to ascend to this natural viewpoint is impressive through its cable car from Tafelberg Road and it costs 225 rand (about 17.5 euros) for journeys back and forth. It is such a popular attraction that since the inauguration of the funicular, eight decades ago, have used more than 16 million people. Personalities and celebrities like Queen Elizabeth II, Oprah Winfrey, Sting and Tina Turner have been unable to resist his charms.
Nothing climb the cable car cabin we approach one of its windows to try to capture the spectacular climb up this mountain of granite and sandstone 1,086 meters. Our joy in a well, as the locals knew something we did not know: the funicular up and rotates as the window is also spinning. The best advice is to forget at the time of the photos, as it is more appropriate to try to enjoy the panoramic views of the cliffs and the ocean that surround the beautiful Cape Town.
Visit the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town
The views from the top are a treat for the body and soul. The Table Mountain National Park stretches from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope. Shaped like a plateau level hides privileged corners for lovers of hiking, biking and adventure sports (for the more adventurous) as paragliding and hang-gliding or climbing.
It also has a unique biodiversity and therefore was declared a Natural Heritage Site by Unesco as part of the eight protected reserves as part of Botany Zone Cape region. If you have time we recommend a trip to Kirstenbosch, which they say is one of the best botanical gardens in the world located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
We opted for the easy option and tourist cable car, because we did not have too much time in Cape Town. However, if you climb walking it is best to bring an updated map and do not take shortcuts because with the ever-changing weather conditions can be of no visibility in minutes, so it's best not to take risks.
Our visit was in December and although we were in the austral summer had cold at the top of Table Mountain, so better catches a mini sweatshirt or fleece in case cooling. As do many people in Cape Town every day, we improvised a picnic (with some wine from South Africa included) and got ready to enjoy spectacular views and sunset.
In the next to the cable car station area has a souvenir shop and a small cafe near the viewpoints. People often take small walks in the footpaths of the area, or simply disconnect from the hectic pace of life in Cape Town. Between bite and sip of wine, they began to lower temperatures and the wind picked up strongly. From loudspeakers they warned us that we should leave the area and return to the funicular, so we suffer in our own flesh the changes of time famous Table Mountain and had to interrupt a very nice time. Nevertheless much he deserved it.
Table Mountain is the natural wonder of Cape Town and a must visit on the trip to South Africa ... if time does not prevent i
No comments:
Post a Comment