Table Mountain by cable car

A trip up Table Mountain by cable car – logistics & tips

A trip up Table Mountain by cable car is a must on anyone’s list for Cape Town.

The slowly revolving cable car gives stunning, vertiginous views over Cape Town and its surroundings. Once on top of Table Mountain, viewing decks that literally ‘hang’ over the edge of the mountain offer wonderful photographic opportunities. We recommend either heading up the mountain when the cable car opens, or enjoying a late afternoon trip after the tour groups are safely parked in their hotels. The cable car operates until mid evening in the summer months.

Once on top, you can gently stroll to the various viewing points. Alternatively, you can enjoy a longer fairly easy walk to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point. This will take approx 1½ hours, but should only be done in good visibility, not with any fog or mist. The weather on the top of Table Mountain can be dramatically different from down below in the city and so, even in summer, it is always wise to bring a backpack with an extra layer of clothing, water reserves, snacks, and sunblock.

Note: We recommend booking your Cable Car return ticket online before you arrive in Cape Town. This reduces the overall queueing time as you don’t have to queue for a ticket. However, you still have to queue to get onto the Cable Car.

Please book well in advance if arriving in Cape Town over the Christmas period as the queues are frankly horrendous! We also recommend heading up the Cable Car in the afternoon when it is less busy – though it can be more windy.

The price mentioned is for a one way ticket per adult for the afternoon. The morning ticket is more popular and hence more expensive.

Please note that we don’t book this tour on a standalone basis. But you can book it online on the supplier’s website if you follow this link: www.tablemountain.net