Table Mountain is a natural landmark that overlooks the city of Cape Town in South Africa. The mountain is a popular attraction among both locals and tourists, with views from the top that are not to be missed. You can reach the top either by hiking or by taking the cableway.
Table Mountain, Cape Town, was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. The mountain is named after its iconic flat top which resembles a table. The table is over a thousand meters above sea level, despite being so close to the ocean. It is a part of the Table Mountain National Park and is home to over 2000 different species of plants.
Table Mountain Cable Car
The cableway first opened its doors in 1929 and has since made trips to the top of the mountain relatively easy. In its lifetime, it has transported nearly 30-million people safely across the cableway. Cable cars leave from the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg road every 10 – 15 minutes – so you’ll never have too long a wait.
Each of the two cable cars has enough space for 65 people, allowing for over 800 travelers to reach the summit every hour. The car’s floor rotates, allowing passengers to enjoy a 360-degree view of Cape Town. The trip only lasts about 4 or 5 minutes, allowing you time to appreciate the spectacular views before exploring the mountaintop.
Getting to Table Mountain Cable Car, Cape Town
Table Mountain cableway can be accessed in a number of ways. You can drive, use public transport, use the City Sightseeing bus or make use of taxi services like Uber.
Table Mountain Tickets
Tickets for the Table Mountain aerial cableway can be purchased online and at the ticket office. Your Table Mountain ticket will only be only valid if purchased from recognized partner ticket outlets, Cape Town Tourism, City Sightseeing South Africa and Webtickets.
The cable car Table Mountain price can vary throughout the year. You can purchase tickets for either the morning or the afternoon (before or after 1 pm). The afternoon table mountain rates are slightly more affordable.
Children under the age of four travel at no cost and South African pensioners receive tickets at a discounted rate. All students can also purchase tickets at a concession rate. Table Mountain also offers a Cable Card that allows year-round access to the cardholder.
Table Mountain, Cape Town, also has an ongoing birthday special. Any adult over the age of 18 with a valid South Africa ID can get one free return ticket on their birthday. A very special way to celebrate!
Table Mountain cable car prices
Adult
Morning one-way: R200
Morning return: R360
Afternoon one-way: R200
Afternoon return: R300
Child
Morning one-way: R100
Morning return: R180
Afternoon one-way: R100
Afternoon return: R150
South African Pensioners
One-way: R50
Return: R100
Students
One-way: R100
Return: R180
Cable Card
Adult: R800
Child: R400
Adult and Child Combo: R1000
Table Mountain Cable Car Times
Table Mountain cable car operates 7 days a week but if the weather conditions are bad, the cableway doesn’t operate. The last cable car goes up the mountain an hour before closing.
Operating hours depend on the season and change throughout the year, so always check your planned times. Updated times are available on Cape Town’s cableway website.
The cableway opens at around 8 every day and runs until about 6. However, during summer the cableway can remain open as late as 8, providing visitors with the opportunity to watch the Cape Town sunset from the mountaintop. It’s a phenomenal way to end the day before grabbing a drink at one of the many bars near the lower station.
The Cafe and the WiFi lounge open with the first car that goes up. The Cafe closes 30 minutes before the last car goes down and the WiFi lounge closes 15 minutes before the last car goes down. So you can grab a coffee and post those photos throughout the day!
Other Ways to Experience Cape Town’s Table Mountain
The cable car is perfect for travelers who are eager to reach the top in a convenient and entertaining way. However, the cableway isn’t the only way to explore the landmark. Various tours are available and can make the experience even more memorable.
Hiking up or down the mountain is an unforgettable experience that doesn’t require a ticket. The cableway also offers one-way tickets, allowing you the opportunity to experience both the excitement of the cableway and the magnificent hike.
The hike itself is relatively straight forward but can be time-consuming. It can take between one and three hours depending on your fitness level (and the amount of time you spend admiring the view). There are a variety of different routes available with varying difficulties.
The View from the Top
The mountaintop allows travelers to experience magnificent views of the city of Cape Town, but they are not the only thing on offer at the top of the mountain. Visitors can relax and share their experience online in the WiFi lounge, browse the gift shop for souvenirs or even have a meal at the Table Mountain Cafe.
There are various walks available on the plateau – the Dassie Walk, the Agama Walk, and the Klipspringer Walk. Table Mountain offers guided walks along these paths. They depart from the Twelve Apostles Terrace every hour on the hour.
The mountain also offers abseiling for the more adventurous travelers. Abseil Africa operates daily from 08.30 until 15.30 and costs about $70. This experience lasts about 45 minutes and boasts breathtaking views that will get your pulse racing.
Last Thoughts on Table Mountain
Seeing Table Mountain is an incredible experience that allows for amazing photographs and stories. Whether you decide to take the cableway or you hike your way to the top, you will not be disappointed.
Table Mountain isn’t the only thing worth seeing in Cape Town. The beautiful South African city has a lot to offer from horse riding to wine tours. Africa Center compares amazing specials and packages in and around Cape Town.