Table Mountain in Cape Town is one of the most recognized landmarks in the entire world. Distinguished by its long, flat top, it’s one of Africa’s most visited tourist attractions.

Some famous faces have reached the top of Table Mountain, including Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie Chan, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger. With the notorious Robben Island prison a few miles from the coast of Cape Town, the mountain served as a symbol of hope for Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment.

While hiking to the top of Table Mountain was my first choice, the steep trek takes approximately three hours from base to summit. Short on time and heavy with camera equipment, I decided in favor of something easier. On October 4, 1929, the cableway opened, allowing visitors to make the journey in five minutes. To date, the cableway has transported over sixteen million people

From the rocky summit to the Atlantic coastline, I could see a thick carpet of green. South Africa is known for its plant and animal life. Completely frozen from the cold mountain air, I headed down the mountain to further explore the flora and fauna in the area.

Sitting at the foot of Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch Garden served as a perfect backdrop for my exploration. Founded in 1913, and home to over 7,000 plants and flowers, its goal is to preserve and protect native species.

A large part of the garden dedicated to a plant species called fynbos. With its leathery, needle-like leaves, fynbos aren’t that exciting to look at. However, fire is a key part of its survival. Intense heat triggers the release of their seeds in order to spread and flower. These plants need to be set on fire in order to live - that’s UNBELIEVABLE!

Go Wild! Join us on safari.

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