Posted on Thursday, 5 June 2014

Before my girlfriend and I arrived at Cape Town in the morning, we met a fellow passenger who told us his suite had a full size bath in it. Feeling slightly less ostentatious than before, we consoled ourselves (or at least I did) with a complimentary Montecristo cigar in the lounge car. I was determined to eke every last penny out of this costly but highly enjoyable railway experience!

Other Train Options

We agreed that if we ever made the journey again, we would opt for one of the less expensive train services. These include the Premier Classe deluxe train – also very luxurious but much cheaper than the Blue Train – and the Shosholoza Meyl Tourist Class train, the most affordable option, but one that is highly rated by sites like Seat61.com.

Cape Town

The stunning Table Mountain – the one I planned to abseil off – could be seen in the distance as we approached Cape Town, passing vineyards and shanty towns before entering the city proper.

After arriving in the bright, airy Cape Town Railway Station, we decided to take better control of our budget and use the city's economical Metrorail to find our guesthouse.

Jambo

We found it without too much trouble. The couple who owned and ran Jambo Guesthouse were incredibly welcoming. After we settled into our comfortable room (a slight come down after the Blue Train but still cozy and clean!), they gave us a map and recommended a few places to visit. They were impressed by my intention to abseil off Table Mountain, but their assertion that I "must be crazy" did give me the jitters once again!

We headed out into the hot sunshine of Cape Town and decided, after a spot of lunch, that I would abseil off the mountain that very afternoon.

However, after Skypeing Abseil Africa – one of the main firms offering this experience with excellent reviews – we discovered that there wasn't an available slot until the morning. But they said weather conditions would be even better then. And so I booked my place.

We spent the rest of the day exploring Cape Town on the Metrorail system, ending up by the bustling harbour front. We enjoyed a meal at Mariner's Wharf, thereafter perusing the many nautical souvenirs on offer in the adjacent shops. An interesting mixture of tourists, well-heeled locals and a few old 'seadogs' created a vibrant atmosphere. While I enjoyed the afternoon, I couldn't help but be a little nervous about the idea of hanging off Table Mountain the following day!

The morning arrived. We had a delicious cooked breakfast at Jumbo, then headed off to the Abseil Africa office in the city centre. We were then bussed by the friendly team to the cable car station for the ride up.

Table Top

By around 9am we were at the top. We enjoyed stunning views of Cape Town, high up over the ocean. We agreed that you couldn't find a better location for a city: it was magnificent.

Cape Town, South Africa

But I found it hard to appreciate the views a great deal, since the adrenaline was pumping around my system so much: I hadn't been so scared in a long time.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

1000m Drop

The guys at Africa Abseil gave a full demonstration before it was our turn. I was the last in line, so probably suffered the most anxiety! It was a very, very long way down, but I had to go through with it!

I then anxiously waved goodbye to my girlfriend. I was hooked up to the rope, which was fixed to an additional safety line as well as the main line. However, this extra safety feature didn't help my nerves too much!

I was a very shaky at the start and couldn't bear to look down. But after a few metres of carefully lowering myself, my legs straight against the sheer rock, I did look earthwards. I almost froze with fear as I saw how far up I was: 1000 metres, straight down!

I glimpsed the deep blue Atlantic and the dramatic landscapes below. But the beauty was lost on me: I was terrified. But after a few deep breaths I started shimmying down once more. Aside from the safety man at the top, the whole group was waiting for me at the bottom.

I admit I was very, very glad to reach the foot of the rock face – sliding down the final few metres, shaking with adrenaline as they unhooked me.

Hiking Back Up

And then, after a few minutes' of much-needed rest, it was time to head back up the mountain. We all excitedly discussed our recent experiences with each other.

The guide who led us up the mountain gave us lots of historical nuggets as we walked. The route was a little narrow in places - and I was glad I brought a bottle of water given the heat.

Looking back, the 45 minute hike back up to the start point was at least as good as the abseil – affording us incredible views over the city and coast.

My girlfriend gave me a big hug at the top, saying I looked rather pale. I had had my fill of adrenaline experiences for a while – although I'm glad I went through with it. What a rush!

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