Location and surroundings
The mountain is situated in South Africa, within the Northern Cape region, under the Ubuntu Local Municipality and Pixley ka Seme District Municipality. Belonging to the Great Karoo within the Central Plateau of the Southern African Ranges, Groot-Tafelberg ranks as the highest of 33 named peaks in the Great Karoo. The surrounding landscape consists of expansive terrain typical of this elevated plateau.
Neighbouring peaks
Groot-Tafelberg is surrounded by several nearby elevations. The nearest features include:
- Brandberg (peak), 1,653 m, 3.2 km SW
- Begrafniskop (hill), 1,433 m, 5.8 km N
- Spitskop (hill), 1,502 m, 6.4 km W
- Langberg (hill), 1,532 m, 7.2 km NE
- Osberg (peak), 1,606 m, 7.9 km S
- Osberg (hill), 1,516 m, 8.0 km NE
- Slagberg (peak), 1,509 m, 8.0 km N
- Kafferskop (hill), 1,401 m, 9.8 km S
Standing at 1,966 metres, Groot-Tafelberg exceeds all of these immediate neighbours in height.
The view from the summit
From the heights of Groot-Tafelberg, several prominent summits within a 25-kilometre radius are visible. The highest peaks within this range are Spioenkop at 1,708 m located 24.5 km SE, Grootberg at 1,657 m situated 23.0 km S, and Kwaggaskop at 1,584 m lying 21.7 km SE. Additional visible elevations include Besonderkop at 1,581 m at 13.7 km SW, a second Kwaggaskop at 1,572 m at 18.1 km SE, and Kranskop at 1,563 m positioned 20.9 km NW.
The range
Groot-Tafelberg belongs to the Southern African Ranges, part of the Central Plateau, and specifically the Great Karoo. The broader range encompasses 33 named peaks, among which Groot-Tafelberg is the highest elevation.
Climate and weather
Climate data for Groot-Tafelberg consists of estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature reaches about 20 °C during the warmest month of January and drops to about 6 °C during the coldest month of June. Mean temperatures remain above freezing throughout all months of the year, spanning January to December. In the surrounding area, precipitation averages about 250 mm annually, with February being the wettest month at about 40 mm and July the driest at about 5 mm.
Best time to visit
The summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing across every month of the year, from January through December. Precipitation patterns show drier conditions during the winter months, with July receiving only about 5 mm of precipitation, making the drier months favourable for planning ascents in terms of weather stability.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Groot-Tafelberg is defined by the arid and semi-arid conditions of the Great Karoo. Vegetation typically consists of drought-resistant shrubs, low bushes, and succulents adapted to the plateau climate, while local fauna includes small mammals, reptiles, and bird species suited to high-altitude plateau environments.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking organised ascents in South Africa, the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) serves as the national alpine club and mountaineering federation. Established guiding companies operating in the country include Venture Forth International based in Cape Town and Table Mountain Walks also based in Cape Town.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height requires proper preparation for variable weather conditions and remote terrain. In the event of an emergency, the national mountain rescue number is 112, which can be reached from a mobile phone. In the Western Cape, Wilderness Search and Rescue can be reached on 021 937 0300, and the ambulance service is available at 10177.
Interesting facts
Groot-Tafelberg attains a prominence of 486 metres and reaches an elevation of 1,966 metres. It holds the distinct ranking of being the highest of 33 named peaks located within the Great Karoo.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Groot-Tafelberg? Groot-Tafelberg reaches an elevation of 1,966 metres.Where is Groot-Tafelberg located? It is located in South Africa, within the Northern Cape region, spanning the Ubuntu Local Municipality and Pixley ka Seme District Municipality.
Which mountain range does Groot-Tafelberg belong to? It belongs to the Southern African Ranges, within the Central Plateau and the Great Karoo.
What are the nearest peaks to Groot-Tafelberg? The nearest elevations include Brandberg at 3.2 km SW, Begrafniskop at 5.8 km N, and Spitskop at 6.4 km W.
How does Groot-Tafelberg compare in height to nearby peaks? At 1,966 metres, it is higher than all of its immediate neighbouring peaks and passes, and it ranks as the highest of 33 named peaks in the Great Karoo.
Is there water on the way to Groot-Tafelberg? There are no verified natural springs or maintained water sources listed along the approaches, so hikers should carry an adequate supply of water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres depending on the heat and length of the day.
Are there huts on Groot-Tafelberg? OpenStreetMap shows no huts or shelters near the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Groot-Tafelberg? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on the operator; however, 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.