Southern African Journey Log 9: Tabletop Heights and African Nights

Table Mountain: The Crown Jewel of Cape Town

Table Mountain is the crown jewel of South Africa. Visiting Cape Town is never complete without experiencing this iconic landmark. Rising dramatically above the city, its flat, table-like summit seems almost otherworldly, as if nature decided to create a mesa in the middle of an urban landscape. But why is it so flat? The answer lies in its unique geological formation—billions of years of erosion shaped this ancient sandstone plateau into the distinct table-like shape we see today. As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain is both a geological marvel and a cultural symbol, offering unparalleled views of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Instead of driving, we got on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus today. Every city we visit, we ride the double-decker bus wherever it’s available. My inner child never seems to grow up; I feel the urge to run straight to the upper deck every time! Beyond the fun, the tour provides a great overview of the city and helps us understand its layout without the hassle of navigating ourselves. The Red City Tour starts at the V&A Waterfront, makes a stop at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station, and then loops back to the waterfront. After a comfortable 30+ minute ride, we arrived at the base of Table Mountain.

The aerial cableway was fast-moving and exhilarating, almost like a roller coaster climbing up to the skies. As we ascended, the gondola rotated, offering breathtaking views of the city below, while passengers exchanged gasps and excited chatter.

At the summit, we found a well-maintained resting area and a network of trails to explore. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular—a 360-degree panorama of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the distant horizon. The sheer scale of beauty makes you fall in love with the city all over again. We wandered around for over two hours, taking it all in, before hopping back on the bus to return to the Waterfront.

At the V&A Waterfront, we spent the afternoon strolling through the bustling mall. While I didn’t take many photos, the experience was thoroughly enjoyable. The mall was modern, clean, and filled with a variety of shops and eateries. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time.

A Night of Flavor and Fun at Gold Restaurant

In the evening, we had reservations at Gold, a traditional African restaurant that turned out to be so much more than just a place to eat—it was an immersive experience. The vibrant atmosphere was alive with music, drumming, and laughter. Guests could get their faces painted, join in on drum sessions, or sing along with performers who moved from table to table. My kids were captivated by the towering stilt-walkers, bursting into giggles every time they came by.

The food was a highlight. From South African ostrich biltong and Zanzibar masala fish curry to Kenyan irio patties and Namibian venison pot, every dish was a delicious exploration of African culinary traditions. The Zambian kandolo balls were a personal favorite. Gold isn’t just a meal; it’s an unforgettable cultural experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cape Town. In fact, I’ve been consistently impressed by the city’s dining scene—this is truly a paradise for food lovers.