Western Cape Article - South African Vacations

the other side of the mountain. The front end of Table Mountain is only the front edge of the53-km craggy mountain sandstone spine that runs the length of the Cape Peninsula.The entire mountain area iscovered with more than 1 470species of fynbos and someof the plants and animals onthe mountain are found onlyhere and nowhere else in theworld. The famous silver treeand the Table Mountainghost frog are but twoexamples of the uniquemembers of this naturalbotanical kingdom.Trips up the mountain roadsoffer views of the differentworlds of city, sea and land.The road up Signal Hill offerssuperb views of the city andthe Atlantic seaboard. Thespiral pathway up Lion’s Head passes through silver trees and spring flowers and at night, theview of the sparkling city lights with a backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain, is without equal.There are some 350 routes from the bottom ofthe mountain to the summit, ranging fromundemanding to extremely difficult, andshould only be undertaken by experiencedclimbers. Besides walks and hikes, there isrock-climbing, cross-country running, botany,birding, geology, abseiling and paragliding tobe enjoyed. However, most people are quitecontent to stand in awe of God’s wonderfulcreation.OTHER ATTRACTIONSCaltex Petrochemical Refinery: The refinery islocated in Plattekloof Road and offers guidedtours that need to be arranged beforehandwith the refinery.Planetarium: The planetarium is located at theSouth African Museum in Victoria Street andis accessible to wheelchairs.Telkom Exploratorium: This exciting placebrings the science of telecommunicationsvividly to life and allows children to participatein the displays.53