
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is closing down from the 22nd of July till the 25th of August; it’s the longest closure for many years. Urgent replacement work is needed as well as seasonal repairs. So, no getting to the top by the cable car.
In your humble writer’s view, this is a blessing in disguise as it an opportunity to hike up the many paths which lead to the summit. My favourite, which I have made several times with my children, is via Skeleton Gorge.
Driving to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens, you leave your car in the parking. Almost immediately, you start to ascend the gorge made famous by the walking habits of Jan Smuts and which is almost entirely covered by a canopy of indigenous shrubs and trees. This canopy is a godsend in summer as it gives you much respite from the intense heat and moments to sit down in the shade. The ascent will take an averagely fit person about 2 hours and then a further 2.5 hours to reach the cable car station from which you can hike down.
After the shade of Skeleton Gorge, vistas open up, and you spend almost as much time looking at the sublime views as you do concentrate on your walk.
Talking of climbing, figures recently released confirm record numbers of visitors and tourists to Cape Town. The seasonally good weather always helps, but a convergence of good news is promoting Cape Town internationally. In no particular order: the designation of Cape Town as world design capital in 2014, its inclusion as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, as well as an acceleration of sporting, conferencing and business events. More international artists are touring in the mother city with Justin Bieber, Rodrigues and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers all appearing in the next month. The international Cape Town 10s rugby tournament in February and the largest mass participation bicycle race in the world, the Cape Argus in March, are just some of the sporting highlights.
We who live here always knew that Cape Town was special, but it was our private secret. It seems that the secret is well and truly out. Rock on 2013.
Climbing Table Mountain By Uyaphi.com
Commodore Hotel
Rates from R1 650.00 per person
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Rijks Country House
Rates from R1 250.00 per person
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Franschhoek Country House
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Mount Nelson Hotel
Rates from R12 250.00 per person
Nestled in a garden oasis, the Mount Nelson Hotel is ideally located near Cape Town’s top attractions, including the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill. Its location offers the perfect balance of city exploration and peaceful retreat.
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Schulphoek Guest House
Rates from R2 625.00 per person
Schulphoek Guest House in Hermanus is a boutique retreat perfectly placed to showcase the beauty of Schulphoek Bay. Guests can enjoy an idyllic escape with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Watching Southern Right Whales glide past your window is just one of the many highlights.
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Plumwood Inn
Rates from R1 250.00 per person
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Cape Grace Hotel
Rates from R9 21.00 per person
Experience the beauty of Cape Town at The Cape Grace Hotel, where luxury is redefined. Located on the peaceful V&A Waterfront, this iconic Hotel offers elegance, comfort, and world-class service. From stunning marina views to relaxing in beautifully designed spaces, every moment is pure indulgence.
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Camps Bay Retreat
Rates from R4 855.00 per person
Perched on Signal Hill, Camps Bay Retreat is a five-star boutique hotel combining luxury with stunning natural beauty. Set on 4 acres of a tranquil nature reserve, it boasts some of Cape Town's best Atlantic Ocean views while staying close to all essentials.
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