Table Mountain and Cableway

Gazing down at Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain is an iconic experience. Just about every Cape Town city tour includes a trip to the top of Table Mountain, and the aerial cableway is included in the Cape Town City Pass. If you’re pressed for time, opt for a private tour with skip-the-line access to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can challenge yourself with a guided hike up the mountain (and a sweat-free cable car ride back down).

• Table Mountain is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Cape Town.

• 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).

• 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.

The lower Table Mountain cable station, near the western edge of Cape Town, is best accessed by car or local taxi. The MyCiTi bus and the hop-on hop-off bus stop here as well.

Visibility from the top of Table Mountain tends to be best in the early morning or in the evening. Visit in May through November to avoid lines and crowds.

Once you’re at the top of Table Mountain, you’ll find plenty of amenities to help you enjoy your time (and the spectacular views), 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.

The easiest way to summit Table Mountain is by taking the Aerial Cableway. From the center of Cape Town, a car or taxi gets you to the cable car’s lower station in around 20 minutes. Or, join a tour, which includes Cape Town hotel pickup and skip-the-line cableway admission.

The best time to visit Table Mountain is early morning or evening—when visibility is best, and you can enjoy the clearest views. Seasonally, winter and early spring (May through November) are the quietest periods and promise fewer crowds and shorter lines.

Yes, there are many different hiking trails to the top of Table Mountain. The trails vary in difficulty, from the short and direct Platteklip Gorge trail to the challenging and longer India Vester trail. For the best experience, hike with a local on a guided hiking tour.

The main attraction on Table Mountain’s summit is, of course, the view. You can see Cape Town and its waterfront, Table Bay, Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, and Robben Island from the summit's viewing platforms. There is also a café and gift shop on the summit of Table Mountain.

When you visit Table Mountain, you should bring a warm layer. Even if it is hot in the city, it is almost always significantly cooler on the mountain. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to use the network of trails that fan out from the summit.

Safety considerations at Table Mountain include the effects of altitude and strong sun: Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you hike, choose a trail that suits your ability and wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. As always in Cape Town, keep an eye on your belongings.