Miracle of the Planet - Table Mountain

Cape Town is the second most populated city in South Africa. It is located very near the Cape of Good Hope. Here is the parliament of South Africa. Cape Town belongs to the most beautiful cities in the world, and it is also the most visited city of South Africa. Initially, this city arose and continued to gain strength as a transshipment base for Dutch ships on their way to the countries of East Africa, India and other parts of Asia. And played this very important role until the opening of the Suez Canal in 1969.

Cape Town was founded by the Dutch explorer Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, as a stronghold for the provision of ships to the Dutch East India Company. After repeated and long wars, in 1814 the city finally became the property of Great Britain and became the capital of its Cape colony. But there was no peace here. In 1869, rich deposits of precious stones and metals were discovered in this country, and "diamond" and "gold" fevers began. The contradictions among various political forces began to increase and the Anglo-Boer war broke out. In the end, the British defeated, and in 1910 the South African Union was created , and Cape Town became its legislative center. In 1961, the country began to bear the name of South Africa.

Today, from an economic point of view, the city celebrates the rapid development of the tourist business, as well as the intensive development of the real estate market.

The table mountain in South Africa is actually a symbol of Cape Town and even depicted on its flag. Instead of an acute peak, an even flat surface strikes the eye. If you approach the city from a distance, first you will see Table Mountain, Cape Town falls into the field of view later, as you approach.

Due to the fact that the mountain has a large flat top, it seems that it is not very high, but, in fact, this is not quite so. The highest place on the flat surface is at an altitude of 1087 meters above sea level. Climbing steep slopes takes at least two hours. But, of course, for those who prefer a comfortable climb, Table Mountain offers a modern cable car.

By the way, it is interesting to note that it is customary to call mountains of this type all over the world. There is also a constellation called "Table Mountain". By the way, in the local language this natural miracle carries a completely different name, "Hory Kvaggo", which means "Sea Mountain".

On the slopes of the mountain lies a fainbos - a dense shrub consisting of a huge number of plant species. He, unfortunately, is very fire dangerous, but this is a natural way for him to be updated. It begins to crowd the coniferous trees brought here. Now they try to limit their quantity so that they do not violate the natural balance. The slopes of the mountain are pitted with numerous caves.

In order to protect this unique natural complex, in 2004 it was decided that the Table Mountain would become the center of the Nature Reserve "Table Mountain".

Most of the time, the upper part of the mountain is covered with a white cloud cover. It is believed that the reason for this is the warm and cold currents passing in the ocean nearby. It is curious that this natural phenomenon is explained with the help of one legend. It is said that a certain Fan Hanks, a local resident, was very fond of smoking. And he was fond of it so much, and the tobacco of his groin is so disgusting that he was sent to this mountain. According to legend, there he met the devil, and they arranged a competition, who will smoke someone. Still they say that it, with interruptions, continues to this day.

Now the Table Mountain is perfectly equipped for tourists. In addition to the aforementioned cable car, there are sight telescopes and restaurants. For fans to walk, there are many walking paths. On the mountain found about 1470 species of various plants - an amazing variety. Here lives a nice animal called "slonopotam". It looks like a ground squirrel, but five times larger than it and not at all afraid of people. From this mountain offers breathtaking views of various parts of the city. Particularly striking is the beauty of the view of the city and the ocean at sunset of the day.

Table mountain is a unique monument of nature. This place deserves to be seen.