Table Mountain
via Wikipedia: List of mountain peaks by prominence · see source
Table Mountain (Khoekhoe: Huriǂoaxa, lit. It is a prominent landmark and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually for hiking and cableway rides.
- Location
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Type
- Syncline mountain (mesa)
- Area
- Approximately 57 km² (Table Mountain and Back Table)
- Annual visitors
- 4.2 million (Table Mountain National Park)
Reader's Guide
The mountain's geology reveals a syncline structure, with hard quartzitic sandstone forming the plateau after softer layers eroded. The mountain also holds cultural importance, being part of lands formerly inhabited by Khoe-speaking clans such as the !Uriǁʼaes. The 'table cloth' cloud phenomenon adds to its mystique. Its legacy endures as a destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists, while its conservation areas protect unique ecosystems.
Did You Know?
- The 'table cloth' cloud is legendarily attributed to a smoking contest between the Devil and a pirate named Van Hunks.
- The mountain's flat top is due to it being a syncline mountain, with softer layers eroded away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Table Mountain attract so many tourists?
Roughly 4.2 million people visit Table Mountain National Park each year to hike its trails or ride the cableway to the flat summit. The dramatic view it offers over Cape Town makes it one of South Africa's most recognizable landmarks.
Where is Table Mountain located and what does its Khoekhoe name mean?
It rises directly above the city of Cape Town, South Africa, and together with the Back Table covers roughly 57 square kilometers. The Khoekhoe name Huriǂoaxa translates to 'sea-emerging,' describing how the peak appears to rise straight out of the coastal waters.
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