Climbing Tafelberg Mountain

Our anchorage in Spanish Waters was always oriented towards Tafelberg (Table) Mountain. Every morning, the sun rose precisely from behind its flat summit, delaying the dawn and casting long shadows over the bay. At 192 meters, it is the fourth-highest peak on the island but arguably the most recognizable. Unfortunately, nature’s gift to the landscape also made it a target—Tafelberg was once a major source of phosphate mining, and for years, its very existence was at risk of being erased.

Luckily, either common sense or public protest (or both) prevailed, and by the 1960s, mining operations switched to a less destructive “hole-in-the-tooth” method—extracting phosphates from within while preserving the outer contour, so the mountain still appears intact from a distance.

Curious to see it up close, we decided to climb to the summit. Fortunately, the local rock climbing club maintains a path leading up, making the ascent possible. Well, time to head for the heights!

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