Table Mountain, SOUTH AFRICA
Airing Date: Apr 30th, 2002
The panoramic views enjoyed at the top of Table Mountain are spectacular.
Getting to the top can be an adventure in itself. A 65-person cable car built in 1998 can carry you to the top in just a few minutes. The cable car gives you 360-degree views and has a revolving floor. It really is a fantastic way to travel literally into the clouds.
The summit features a restaurant and souvenir shop where you can purchase memorabilia from a truly unique experience.
Table Mountain is home to one of the world's largest abseils - 112 metres of vertical rock.
For a less adventurous decent and great way to see the mountain a three-hour scenic mountain bike right is the way to go. If you think that sounds too much like hard work, don't panic, 90% of it is down hill.
When you finally reach the bottom, a 20 minute drive on the eastern side of the mountain will land you at Kirstenbosch.
With over 500 hectares containing nearly 9,000 indigenous plants, it is no wonder Kirstenbosch was voted one of the top seven botanic gardens in the world.
There are self-guided walking trails and even a Braille Trail where the sight impaired can discover the delights of Kirstenbosch by holding on to a rope as they move along the path.
Another 20 minute drive takes you back to the city where a walk along Government Avenue to see South Africa's Houses of Parliament or a visit to the South African Museum will help give you a great insight into this area.
The museum is open daily and with rock painting dating back more than 27,000 years the African culture section is a must see.
The facts
South African Airways fly to Johannesburg with connecting flights to Cape Town. Prices start from $1924 from Perth and $1954 from the east coast.
South African Airways
Tel: 02 9223 4528
Website: www.saairways.com.au
A room at Cape Town's Holiday Inn Waterfront Hotel will cost from $96 per night.
Holiday Inn Waterfront
Tel: 0011 27 21 409 4000 (international)
Email: capetownhiwaterfront@southernsun.com
Cable car rides cost just $14 per adult return or get a lunch package for $28.
Bike tours start at $59 per person and depart at various times throughout the week.
The museum costs $2 for adults and kids are admitted free.
Adventure Village
Tel: 0011 27 21 424 1580 (international)
South African Tourism
Tel: 02 9261 3424
Tel: 0011 27 11 778 8049 (international)
Website: www.satour.com.au
Suggested Reading Material
Lonely Planet
Website: www.lonelyplanet.com
Rough Guides
Website: www.roughguides.com
