Table Mountain in Cape Town is one of the most recognized landmarks in the entire world. Distinguished by its long, flat top, it’s one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa.

The mountain attracts tourists from all over the world, including some famous faces like Queen Elizabeth II, Tina Turner, and Jackie Chan. And with Robben Island just a few miles from the coast of Cape Town, it served as a symbol of hope for Nelson Mandela throughout his imprisonment.

Hiking to the top of Table Mountain is quite popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The steep trek takes approximately three hours from base to summit and requires a great deal of stamina. My shoulders heavy with camera equipment, I decided against the exhausting hike in favor of something easier. Luckily on October 4, 1929, the cableway opened, allowing visitors to take a quick 5-minute journey to the top. To date, the cableway has transported over sixteen million people to the lofty plateau of Table Mountain!

Peeking over the edge, my eyes followed the beautiful coastline - punctuated by tiny houses and what seemed like a sea of lush green vegetation. Since South Africa is known for its plant and animal biodiversity, I hurried to the base of Table Mountain to take a closer look at the flora and fauna that inhabit the area.

Sitting at the foot of Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch Garden served as a perfect backdrop for my exploration. Founded in 1913 and home to over 7,000 plants and flowers, its goal is to preserve and protect native species.

The garden is largely occupied by a plant species called fynbos. With its leathery, needle-like leaves, fynbos is rather unremarkable in appearance. However, fire is a critical part of its survival, as intense heat triggers the release of their seeds in order to germinate and flower. Moreover, a fire can help return important nutrients and minerals to the soil from other plants, providing a fertile environment for fynbos to grow. That’s unbelievable - these plants need to be set on fire in order to live!

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