Cape Town’s Table Mountain sits majestically in the background. To be marveled at in its enormity on clear days and in wonder on overcast days when the South Easter winds create the ‘tablecloth’.
However, the best way to experience one of the most famous mountains in Africa is from the top of it!
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
The elevation at the plateau is 3,500ft and the views from Table Mountain are simply spectacular. Visitors to Cape Town, South Africa can complete a strenuous hike or swiftly arrive to the plateau using the Table Mountain Cable Car.
History of Cape Town’s Table Mountain
Table Mountain was formed 520 million years ago – making it 6 times older than the Himalayas. In 1503 the first European climbed the peak and named it Table of the Cape.
Then, in the late 1700s, the British erected three blockhouses on the mountain. By the early 1900s, five dams were built (with the help of a steam engine train that carried materials across the plateau) to provide Cape Town with water.
In 1929, the first Table Mountain Cableway opened, which ran until it was overhauled in 1997. By the 1930s, there was a campaign to establish a national park.
It wasn’t until 1998 that South African President Nelson Mandela created Cape Peninsula National Park.
Table Mountain is part of what is now known as the Table Mountain National Park – and the range extends to the southern end of the cape.
It’s also included as part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site and, in 2011, it was added to the list of New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Table Mountain Cable Car or Table Mountain Hike
There are many Table Mountain activities, but most visitors either choose walking up Table Mountain or riding the table top mountain cable car.
There are several routes that lead to the top, but we were a little uncertain about hiking Table Mountain without a guide. We discuss Table Mountain guided hikes at the end of the article.
Although trekking routes are clearly shown on Table Mountain hiking trails map, we felt the hike exceeded our level of comfort. We had also not packed hiking gear for our trip to South Africa.
For us, the Cape Town Table Mountain cable car provided an easy and quick way to the top…no trekking gear required!
Table Mountain Cableway Facts
Before you go on the cable car to Table Mountain in Cape Town, there are a few things you should know.
Table Mountain Cable Car Prices
Fares for the cable car depend on several factors – including time of day, age of visitor, how they’re purchased and single vs roundtrip. Note: The Table Mountain entrance fees stated below are valid until June 2025.
The Cable Car Cape Town prices for an all day adult roundtrip ticket on-line costs 430 rand ($23). These are the most expensive Table Mountain Cableway tickets. In the afternoon (1pm to close), the adult price is reduced to 370 rand ($20).
A one-way ticket for the cable car up Table Mountain (or down) is R250 (about $15) regardless of time of day or purchase point.
There is now also the option to buy Fast Track Table Mountain Tickets to avoid waiting in the line. The roundtrip costs R995 ($54) and a single ride R505 ($27).
The rate for a child (age 4 to 17) all day roundtrip ticket on-line is 215 rand. The afternoon only fare is 185 rand. A Cape Town cable way one-way ticket for children is 150 rand all day. Children under 4 ride for free and there are also reduced rates for seniors.
Table Mountain Tickets Online
To make a Table Mountain cable car booking, tickets should be purchased online. Tickets are valid for 7 days from the date chosen and can be refunded during that period if not used.
Cable Car Table Mountain Opening Times
The cable car operating hours varies by season, with the first car up at either 8:00am or 8:30am and the last car coming down at 6:00pm (at the height of winter) or at 9:30pm (at the height of summer).
The cable car also closes for maintenance in the winter. This is usually during the month of July, but be sure to check ahead of your visit.
How To Get to Table Mountain Cape Town
The Table Mountain cableway can be reached by car, public bus, tour bus or private tour. If using public transport, check the Table Mountain bus schedule.
The City Sightseeing Cape Town Tour Bus makes several stops at Table Mountain daily. Learn more about the bus as it’s an ideal option for Cape Town visitor transportation!
Table Mountain Weather
The weather at Cape Town Table Mountain can change quickly – and drastically! It can be clear and sunny in the city and the mountain can be covered in clouds.
Wind can also cause the Table Mountain cableway to stop running without too much warning. For ideal views from Table Mountain, you want to try to visit on a clear day!
Best Views From Table Mountain
The Table Mountain Plateau has numerous trails that allow visitors to take in the vistas from various viewpoints.
Plan to spend a couple of hours at the top. We took these images from Table Mountain on the clearest day during our visit to Cape Town in November.
#1 Below the Table Mountain Cable Car
The Table Mountain cableway cars can carry 65 people per car up the mountain in a quick 5-minute ride. Unless you purchased Skip-the-line tickets, you might as well enjoy the view while you wait!
#2 Views from Table Mountain to Camps Bay
This was our favorite photo spot on Table Mountain. Looking down on the white, powdery sand of Camps Bay, one of the Best Beaches in Cape Town, was utterly amazing!
#3 Cape Town City Views from Table Mountain
On a clear day, the view from Table Mountain to the Cape Town Stadium, V&A Waterfront Harbor and Cape Town CBD is pretty incredible as well!
#4 View of Devil’s Peak from Table Mountain Plateau
The name, Devil’s Peak, originates from folklore. According to legend, Van Hunk, a pirate, was smoking his pipe on the mountain when he encountered a man who challenged him to a smoking contest.
It turns out, the man was the Devil and every time the mountain is covered in the ‘tablecloth’ the two are battling each other.
#5 View of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill
This is the view from Table Mountain looking at Lion’s Head (left peak) to Signal hill, with Cape Town in the foreground and Sea Point in the background. Robben Island can be seen in the distance.
#6 Views from Table Mountain to Hout Bay
The southern viewpoint from the plateau features views to Hout Bay and beyond. On a clear day you can even see some of the Chapman’s Peak Drive!
#7 View of The 12 Apostles Mountain Cape Town
The 12 Apostles mountain range extends south from Table Mountain along the stunning western coastline. This Table Mountain view is absolutely wonderful and it was our second favorite spot on the peak.
#8 Table Mountain Dassies
Small, gopher-like Dassies are often spotted sunning themselves on the rocks of the Table Mountain plateau. Interesting fact: Although they are small creatures, they are a relative of the African Elephant!
#9 Table Mountain Lizards
Colorful bright green lizards are a common sight on Table Mountain, too! This is a Southern Rock Agama basking in the sun – but they are often found among the undergrowth and plants on Table Mountain.
Cape Town Tours of Table Mountain
There are many Cape Town excursions that lead visitors to the top of Table Mountain. Those interested in guided Table Mountain walks can choose from several routes. Plus, there are half or full-day guided Table Mountain hiking tours.
Private Table Mountain Guided Hike: Enjoy a private hike with a professional guide that fits your fitness level and interests. The guide will tailor the tour to the Table Mountain walking trails that best fit your needs. Find out more!
Table Mountain 4-Hour Hiking Adventure: Hike the India Venster trail (one of the most popular Table Mountain hiking routes) with a guide who will help you scurry up the cliffs. From the top, take the easy way down on the cableway. Get the details!
Table Mountain 2-Hour Platteklip Gorge Hike: Follow a guide up the Platteklip Gorge – the shortest of the Cape Town Table Mountain hiking trails. Enjoy the incredible views and then ride the cable car back down. Learn more!
Full-Day Table Mountain Hike: Begin in the picturesque Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where this Table Mountain trailhead is found, and hike up Skeleton Gorge then return by cable car. Find details!
What You Need for Your Visit to Table Mountain
We have a few additional Cape Town tips and packing hacks to help make your visit to Table Mountain go smoothly.
Proper Travel Shoes
For the scenic viewpoints on Table Mountain that we highlight, a pair of durable shoes, like Merrell Trail Shoes or all-purpose trainers, are sufficient.
Find additional styles and read honest reviews in our article on the Top Shoes for Travelers.
Travel Camera & Binoculars
It is best to capture the beauty of Table Mountain with a good travel camera that has a zoom lens. We use a Canon Rebel with a everyday 18-135mm lens.
We actually wish we would have brought along our 55-250mm lens for even better photos of the amazing Table Mountain views. Binoculars are another must-have accessory!
Day Bag
Whether you use a backpack or a suitcase, you will certainly want a great day pack to organize and secure all of your essential, everyday travel items!
Cape Town Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may help cover expenses incurred for a wide range of things. These might include injuries, illnesses and flight delays or cancellations and even lost luggage. Find rates and a full list of coverages at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to South Africa! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Read more for your trip to South Africa! We have detailed travel guides for Visiting Penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Town Wine Tasting plus our Complete Cape Town Itinerary!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.