1. Overview
Explore Table Mountain, a stunning natural landmark in Cape Town, South Africa. With its breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna, it’s a must-visit for any traveler.
2. History & Biodiversity
Learn about the mountain’s ancient history and unique biodiversity that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. Hiking & Cable Car
Discover the best hiking routes and the famous cable car ride to the summit.
4. Things to Do
Experience various activities, including hiking, wildlife spotting, guided tours, and adrenaline-pumping adventures.
5. Facilities & Rates
Understand the facilities available, operating hours, and rates for accessing the mountain via the cable car.
6. Getting There
Find out how to reach the iconic Table Mountain and plan your visit effectively.
Contour Path, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa
Phone +27 21 424 8181
With a summit of 1,085 meters/3,560 feet, Table Mountain may not rank among the tallest mountains globally; however, it stands as an iconic symbol. Visible from throughout Cape Town, its flat-topped silhouette is instantly recognizable, significantly contributing to the Mother City’s reputation as one of the most beautiful locations worldwide. A prime attraction for both visitors and locals, it was declared one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011 after a global campaign that attracted 100 million votes.
History & Biodiversity
Table Mountain, formed by volcanic and glacial action roughly 520 million years ago, is among the oldest mountains in existence today, outdating the Himalayas and the Alps. The name derives from Taboa do Cabo, or Table of the Cape, a term coined by Portuguese explorer Antonio de Saldanha in 1503. To the indigenous Khoi-San people, it was known as Hoerikwaggo, or the Mountain of the Sea. Part of Table Mountain National Park, established in 1998, it is also recognized as part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of six global plant kingdoms, uniquely contained within a single country.
This region hosts around 9,000 distinct plant species, with approximately 69% found nowhere else on the planet. Almost 1,500 of these species grow on Table Mountain, including fragrant fynbos and beautiful proteas. The diverse plant life consequently attracts numerous birds and small animas, enriching the ecological tapestry of the area.
Hiking to the Top
If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike up and/or down Table Mountain. There are two principal routes on the mountain’s north face: Platteklip Gorge and India Venster. The former is by far the easiest, featuring a set of simple switchbacks and staircases. While a fair level of fitness is necessary, no special equipment is required. The route is well patrolled and well-maintained, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Moreover, it is free if you opt to hike independently. However, this route can become crowded, particularly during summer.
India Venster presents a much more challenging option suitable only for scramblers and climbers. It is essential to have an experienced guide, as elevation changes involve climbing over boulders. This route typically requires 3.5 hours, but the aesthetics of the views and the privacy of the climb make it worthwhile. Both trails lead near the cableway, and many hikers prefer to ascend on foot and descend via cable car. For organized tours, you may visit Hike Table Mountain.
Riding the Cable Car to the Top
The Table Mountain Cableway, opening in 1929, is the most popular method to reach the summit today. Its streamlined capsules accommodate up to 65 people and transport visitors to the summit in just five minutes, allowing for stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The gondolas rotate, ensuring that all passengers enjoy a 360º perspective. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road. Do bear in mind to expect long lines during peak seasons.
Things to Do
Explore Hiking Trails
From the Upper Cable Station, three marked trails offer excellent sightseeing opportunities: the 15-minute Dassie Walk, the 30-minute Agama Walk, and the 45-minute Klipspringer Walk. These paths cater to all ages and fitness levels, enabling close encounters with the mountain’s unique flora and fauna. Impressive viewpoints are interspersed along these routes.
Wildlife Spotting
Table Mountain serves as a haven for various small animals and birds. Look out for the charming rock hyrax, or dassie—a rodent-like creature closely related to elephants. Tortoises and blue-headed rock agama lizards can also be seen, while bird enthusiasts may spot regional highlights like the Cape sugarbird and the orange-breasted sunbird.
Take a Guided Tour
Free, 30-minute guided tours operate hourly from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily. These tours depart from Twelve Apostle Terrace, just below the café, narrating the tale of Table Mountain and the cable car. Alternatively, the free VoiceMap app provides a self-guided audio experience called the Upper Cableway Station Audio Guide: Tabletop Walking Tour.
Thrilling Adventures
If you seek more excitement, various options cater to adventure seekers. Downhill Adventures offers mountain biking descents along off-road trails, and Abseil Africa provides the chance to rappel off the summit. This thrilling descent is not for the faint-hearted, operating daily from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Relax and Enjoy the Scenery
Regardless of how you choose to experience Table Mountain, ensure you take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views. From the summit, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Mother City, Table Bay, and the surrounding Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak, and Signal Hill. If you want to share your photos instantly, the mountaintop WiFi Lounge provides free internet access and charging points.
Facilities, Hours & Rates
On top of Table Mountain, visitors can find several facilities, including the self-service restaurant Table Mountain Café, food kiosks, and the WiFi Lounge. The Shop at the Top offers a variety of souvenirs. The cableway caters to wheelchair users and operates daily, with services suspended during high winds. Be mindful that Table Mountain’s weather can change rapidly, and the cableway may close unexpectedly. Always allocate ample time to hike down if necessary. Operating hours vary throughout the year; typically, the first car begins ascending at 8:00 AM, with the final descent around 8:00 PM.
The cableway rates are as follows:
Morning (8:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Adult: R330 (return), R190 (one way)
- Child (4-17): R165 (return), R90 (one way)
Afternoon (1:00 PM – close)
- Adult: R290 (return), R190 (one way)
- Child (4-17): R145 (return), R90 (one way)
Getting There
The Lower Cable Station and the trailheads for both hiking routes are conveniently situated on Tafelberg Road, close to the Cape Town suburb of Camps Bay. If you don’t own a vehicle, the city’s popular Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing bus stops at the cableway. Alternatively, public buses, metered taxis, or Uber are viable transportation options to reach this stunning destination.
