Tour of Table Mountain and Lion's Head and its rich culture

Discover the history of Table Mountain and Lion's Head on a guided tour. Learn about the forced removals and the resilience of communities that once lived in the shadow of Table Mountain. Take in the views from the top of Lion's Head.

On the way to the mountain, pass significant neighborhoods like District Six, tying in Table Mountain's history of forced removals and the resilience of communities that once lived in its shadow.

Upon arrival, scale this historic 600-million-year-old World Heritage site by cable car where you will take in spectacular views of the Peninsula. The quick, scenic ride in a rotating cable car provides 360-degree views as you ascend. The journey takes about 5 minutes, leading to a viewing platform with trails and a café.

Table Mountain is often referred to by its original Khoisan name: Hoerikwaggo, meaning “Mountain of the Sea.” Indigenous Khoikhoi and San communities regarded it as sacred-an ancient sentinel watching over the land.

Walking the trails, learn that the mountain's fynbos biome is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many plants here were used by early healers for traditional medicine.

After descending the mountain, head to Lion's Head and listen to the stories that surround this historic site over centuries. Take in the beautiful views from the top.

From the top, viewing Cape Town below opens the chance to reflect on its layered identity. The neat grid of the City Bowl, the colorful houses of Bo-Keep, and the lush green of Company's Garden all tell stories of colonialism, migration, and transformation.

Robben Island in the distance ties in powerful themes of resistance, especially the story of Nelson Mandela.