“In the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” ~ Jack Kerouac

In almost every picture you see of Cape Town, Table Mountain is the magnificent backdrop – the iconic image. On your first visit to the city, you’ll probably schedule a trip up the Mountain for Day 2. You simply have to do it. The wonderful cable car ride up is great fun (Save hours and a long line – book ahead http://www.tablemountain.net/). You’ll want to spend at least 2 hours at the top, circumnavigating the trails, taking unbelievably gorgeous photos, and having a drink at the snack bar. A fabulous time to go is an hour before sunset – the light changing on the city below is spectacular.

Now, you’ve probably know, you can climb Table Mountain. I did it. It’s tough as hell. While you don’t need a professional guide, you DO need lots of water, endurance and true grit. As I am a flatlander who calls Florida home, I’m not ashamed to share I really struggled. My daughter (young, fit and a crazy passionate hiker) commented, “That was a slog.” If you are determined, check this out:

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/hike-up-table-mountain-53164.html

Now here’s an option for those of us who are active and like a little adventure. Choose to hike up Lion’s Head. It’s pleasant, relatively easy, and the views are unbelievable. Because the path takes you around the mountain, you get incredible vistas of Cape Town, Table Mountain, the Atlantic and Camps Bay.

The walk took us about 3 hours roundtrip (remember, I’m a flatlander.) There were some ladders along the way, but they were no sweat. However, about 20 minutes from the top, you are faced with a choice. The shorter way consists of chains, ladders and foot holds I found terrifying. (I made it up to the first ledge along this route. My knees turned to jelly. I prayed hard, and scrambled down with an audience of well-wishers….really embarrassing!) Unless you are truly an adventurer in awesome shape, opt for the longer way – follow the path that circles the mountain. It will only add about 20 minutes to your ascent.

Derek and I have been to Cape Town 14 times. We had never hiked Lion’s Head before. Now, I can assure you, we will do it every time we visit. It’s that memorable.