Table Mountain and Cableway
Tafelberg Road, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001
Table Mountain is a must-see for all Cape Town visitors. The breathtaking sights from the summit, standing at 3,563 feet (1,086 meters), make the ascent truly rewarding. Fortunately, you can avoid physical exertion with the assistance of two cable cars, both featuring rotating cabins that transport visitors directly to the peak.Once at the top, a series of hiking trails show off Table Mountain National Park’s geographic features, while daredevils can test their mettle by rappelling from the upper cable station. On clear days you can see spectacular views of Cape Town, Robben Island, Camps Bay, and far along the Atlantic Seaboard. If you hike to the other side of the top of Table Mountain, you can even see the Indian Ocean at Muizenberg beach.
The basics
Gazing down at Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain is an iconic South African experience. Most Cape Town city tours take visitors to the top of Table Mountain, with the aerial cableway included in the Cape Town City Pass. If you're short on time, choose a private tour that offers skip-the-line access to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. For those seeking adventure, tackle a guided hike up the mountain and enjoy a relaxing cable car ride back down.
Things to know before you go
Table Mountain is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Cape Town (South Africa).
Without skip-the-line access, be prepared to wait in line for as long as an hour for a cableway ticket in peak season (December to April) for a ride to the top of the mountain.
Note that the cableway doesn’t operate in strong wind.
Take something warm to wear, as it’s significantly chillier on the mountain than in Cape Town.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to use the trail network at the top of the mountain.
The cableway is accessible to wheelchair users, as are some areas atop the mountain.
How to get there
The lower Table Mountain cable station, near the western edge of Cape Town, is best accessed by car, taxi, or rideshare. The MyCiTi bus and the hop-on hop-off bus stop here as well.
When to get there
Visibility from the top of Table Mountain tends to be best in the early morning or in the evening. However this can be dependent on the weather and season you are visiting. During winter it is often best to visit a day or two after a winter storm has passed.
During summer (December to April) early mornings are usually best if you want stunning views of the surrounding city. Visit in May through November to avoid lines and crowds. Planning your visit around these times ensures a more enjoyable and scenic experience.
Amenities at the top
Once you’re at the top of Table Mountain, you’ll find plenty of amenities to help you enjoy your time including a café and a gift shop. A Wi-Fi lounge offers free connectivity and charging ports to keep mobile devices juiced up. Speaking of mobile devices, you can also download two free audio tours with insights into the legends of Table Mountain.
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