Which South African mountain is known for its flat-topped summit above Cape Town?

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Which South African mountain is known for its flat-topped summit above Cape Town? Table Mountain.

Table Mountain is the distinctive flat-topped landmark overlooking Cape Town, South Africa. Its summit reaches about 1,085 metres, with steep cliffs surrounding a broad plateau. The highest point is Maclear’s Beacon, a stone cairn built in 1865 during Sir Thomas Maclear’s geodetic survey.

The mountain’s level appearance has a geological explanation. Resistant quartzitic sandstone forms the upper layers, while softer rock around it eroded away. The result is a durable, mesa-like platform. Clouds frequently spread across the plateau, creating the famous “table cloth.”

Table Mountain is flanked by Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak, which are separate landmarks often confused with it. Visitors can reach the top by hiking routes such as Platteklip Gorge or by using the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which opened in 1929.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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