Table Mountain
An iconic flat-topped mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure s...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Table Mountain
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic flat-topped mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and its surroundings. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
"WOW. There are two souvenir shops. There's one main shop that sold food. Views, you'll see in the pictures for yourself! A must do in Cape Town."
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Weather changes rapidly! Bring layers, a windbreaker, hat, and sunscreen, even on sunny days.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially when hiking. Dehydration is a real risk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views from the Summit
Top of Table Mountain
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Cape Town, the Atlantic, and the Indian Ocean. A true feast for the eyes!
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Lower Cableway Station
Glide effortlessly to the summit in a rotating cable car, offering unparalleled views on your ascent and descent.
Platteklip Gorge Hike
Base of Table Mountain
Conquer the iconic 'stairway to heaven' – a challenging but rewarding hike with consistent inclines to the top.
Planning Your Visit
Cableway vs. Hiking: Choose Your Adventure
Safety First on the Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Weather changes rapidly! Bring layers, a windbreaker, hat, and sunscreen, even on sunny days.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially when hiking. Dehydration is a real risk.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear proper hiking boots or sturdy shoes for grip and comfort on trails.
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
Never hike alone. Go with at least one other person for safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Weather changes rapidly! Bring layers, a windbreaker, hat, and sunscreen, even on sunny days.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially when hiking. Dehydration is a real risk.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear proper hiking boots or sturdy shoes for grip and comfort on trails.
🚶♀️ Hike with a Buddy
Never hike alone. Go with at least one other person for safety.
📱 Fully Charged Phone
Ensure your phone is fully charged for navigation and emergencies. Consider a power bank.
⏰ Start Early
Beat the heat and crowds by starting your hike or cableway trip early in the morning.
💰 Check Cableway Prices
Book tickets in advance online to potentially save time and money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Table Mountain for its absolutely breathtaking views and the iconic cableway experience. Many highlight the stunning panoramas of Cape Town and the oceans, making it a must-visit. Some find the hikes challenging but rewarding, though weather can be unpredictable and windy.
"What a breathtaking experience. I've been here when I was little and didn't remember much of it. But, WOW. There are two souvenir shops. There's one main shop that sold food. Views, you'll see in the pictures for yourself! A must do in Cape Town. It's free on your birthday and there's a student discount as well. It was HELLA windy up there!"
Devashka Singh
"Stunning! A true wonder of the world.
We had an amazing time visiting table mountain. It was truly breathtaking. From the moment we started via a cable car, the views were epic. Once we got to the top of table mountain, we had all-around stunning views of Cape Town as well as the Atlantic Ocean & Indian Ocean.
Prices were very reasonable. I could’ve spent the whole day and night up there just looking at the incredible views.
Loved every single minute of it! Highly recommend!"
M A
"We climbed the mountain for 4 hours, only when you arrive close to the top there is a good 4G cellular connection, so It's impossible to use any guide apps during your route. The mountain is very challenging, but the road is amazing."
Alex binkin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Table Mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway from the lower station, or by hiking up various trails. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to take you to the cableway base or the start of popular hiking routes like Platteklip Gorge.
Yes, there is parking available at the lower cableway station, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early or using alternative transport.
While direct public transport to the summit is limited, you can use the MyCiTi bus service to get close to the lower cableway station. From there, it's a short walk.
For popular trails like Skeleton Gorge, driving or taking a taxi to Kirstenbosch Gardens is recommended. For Platteklip Gorge, the cableway base is the starting point.
Yes, many tour operators offer packages that include transport to Table Mountain, often combining it with other Cape Town attractions. This can be a convenient option for first-time visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on whether you use the cableway or hike. Cableway tickets have different prices for adults, children, and seniors, with potential discounts for South African residents. Hiking is free, but you might incur costs for guides or transport. Check the official website for current Table Mountain cableway prices and Table Mountain fares.
You can purchase Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets online through the official website, which is highly recommended to avoid queues, or at the ticket office at the lower cableway station.
Yes, discounts are often available for children, seniors, and South African residents. Some reviews mention it being free on your birthday.
The Table Mountain open hours for the cableway vary seasonally and are weather-dependent. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date Table Mountain hours before your visit.
Absolutely! Booking Table Mountain tickets online is the best way to secure your spot and often offers a slight discount. This is especially true for Table Mountain aerial cableway tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Table Mountain stands at an impressive height of 1,086 meters (3,563 feet) above sea level. The summit offers a vast plateau with incredible views.
At the top, you can enjoy panoramic Table Mountain views, explore walking paths, visit the cafe and souvenir shops, and simply soak in the magnificent scenery.
Yes, there is a Table Mountain cafe at the summit offering refreshments and light meals, as well as souvenir shops.
You might encounter various Table Mountain animals and Table Mountain wildlife, including rock hyraxes (dassies), various bird species, and if you're very lucky, perhaps a glimpse of a caracal.
Table Mountain is an ideal day trip destination. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the views via the cableway or dedicate a full day to hiking and exploring the summit.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The summit offers incredible panoramic shots. Look for viewpoints near the cable car station, along the walking paths, and especially during sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
Yes, modern smartphones are excellent for capturing the stunning Table Mountain view. Ensure your phone battery is charged, as you'll be taking many photos!
While not as common as general tours, some photography-focused tours might be available, or you can hire a private guide who can take you to prime photo locations.
Capture wide-angle landscapes, close-ups of the unique flora, the city skyline, and the dramatic cloud formations that often crown the mountain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If hiking, opt for easier, well-maintained trails like the lower sections of Platteklip Gorge or a guided walk. Always supervise children closely, especially near edges. Consider bringing a stroller if the cableway is your primary mode of transport, as paths at the summit are generally accessible.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Table Mountain: Routes and Safety
For those seeking a moderate challenge with rewarding views, India Venster is a fantastic choice, offering stunning vistas of the city bowl and Camps Bay. However, it can be more exposed and requires a good head for heights.
Safety is paramount. It's strongly advised not to hike Table Mountain alone. Traveling in a group of three or more is recommended.
The Iconic Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
It's advisable to book your Table Mountain cableway tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. The cableway operates on a weather-dependent schedule, so always check their official website for Table Mountain open hours and any potential closures due to maintenance or adverse weather conditions.
When planning your visit, consider the Table Mountain cableway price and Table Mountain fares. While hiking offers a more adventurous experience, the cableway provides accessibility for all fitness levels, making the summit of Table Mountain reachable for everyone.
Capturing Table Mountain's Majesty
When hiking, look for unique perspectives of the flora and fauna, the rugged terrain, and the winding trails. The Pipetrack hike, for instance, offers a relatively flat path with continuous views.
For the best results, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife or distant details. Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged, as you'll likely be taking many photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit