This great landmark offers visitors spectacular views towards the Hottentots Holland mountains. It has a wonderful tea garden where you can enjoy tea and scones. The memorial, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was built in 1912 to honour the former Cape Colony Prime Minister and mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes. The site was chosen as it was Rhodes’ favourite viewsite. Built from Cape granite quarried on Table Mountain, the memorial consists of 49 steps – one for each year of Rhodes’ life. The 8 lions were modelled on those at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London, England.
A bronze bust of Rhodes rests on a pedestal with a poem written by his close friend Rudyard Kipling; and the statue of Energy at the base of the steps was commissioned as a tribute to his drive and determination. This restaurant, which is famous for its delicious homemade cakes and desserts, offers splendid views from the sun terrace in summer and a log fire in winter. The memorial is open to the public in winter (May-Sept) from 08h00 to 18h00 and in summer (Oct-Apr) from 07h30 to 19h00, and there is no charge.