Capetonians love their mountain! Here's how you can make the most of the Table Mountain National Park.

Pack a picnic
Silvermine (021 780 9002, www.sanparks.org) is an idyllic spot to spend a lazy summer's day. Take a walk on one of the marked trails or just chill out at the reservoir where you'll find braai spots and a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk. Remember that no swimming is allowed though!

Hug a tree
Few people know that the Tokai Arboretum (Tokai Road, 021 712 7471) is a National Monument dating back to 1886. There are over 1500 trees from hundreds of species in the forest, all of which are plotted on a map at the entrance. Visit on a Saturday morning and stock up at the fresh produce market (9am-1pm, 082 823 4121) next door.

Step out in the shade
Join the locals making the most of the shady paths of Newlands Forest. Park at the Forest Station (021 689 7438, www.sanparks.org) on Union Avenue where there's a good map of the area. Wondering about those two helicopters? They are stationed in Newlands during the hot summer months and are used to fight fires across the Peninsula.

Reach the top
Whether you take the Cableway (www.tablemountain.net , R145 per adult) or tackle Platteklip Gorge, make sure you stand on top! The views are outstanding and you'll get to laugh at the antics of the resident dassies, or rock hyrax.

Stay safe!
It may look like a summer's day, but conditions on the mountain can change in minutes! If you're going exploring always carry warm clothing and water, and wear proper walking shoes. There's safety in numbers, so walk in a group of at least three people. If you run into trouble call the Table Mountain National Park emergency number on 021 957 4700.

» Originally published in Mango Juice, the in-flight magazine of South African low-cost carrier Mango Airlines.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites