On a brilliant spring day, we ascended Table Mountain under clear blue skies. Despite the strong winds typical of Cape Town’s weather, the temperature was pleasantly mild, a sign that spring had truly arrived in South Africa.
Essential Tip: Book Your Tickets in Advance
Save yourself hours of waiting by purchasing your cable car ticket online before you arrive. We booked ours as part of a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass, which proved to be an excellent decision.
The open-top bus tour itself is a fantastic way to experience Cape Town’s vibrant atmosphere while enjoying African music. For Table Mountain, simply disembark at Stop 7, you can’t miss it, as it’s dedicated exclusively to the cable car station.
Going Up Table Mountain, Cape Town – South Africa
Skip the Queue
Upon arrival, we noticed a long line snaking outside the building. Our hearts sank – until we realized this was only for people buying tickets on-site. With our pre-purchased tickets, we walked straight inside, took the elevator up, and waited just 15 minutes for the cable car. This alone made advance booking worthwhile!
The Spectacular 360° Rotating Cable Car
Initially, we worried about not getting a good spot for photos near the windows. But as we began ascending, an announcement explained that the floor rotates 360 degrees during the journey! Every passenger gets a prime viewing position of the stunning bay and Cape Town cityscape. It’s the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos without jostling for position.
Exploring the Summit
Table Mountain looks deceptively flat from below, but the summit reveals a dramatically different landscape. Rocky terrain, indigenous fynbos vegetation, and varied topography create a world that feels far removed from the urban sprawl below.
The top features a gift shop (“Shop on the Top”) and restaurant, but we recommend exploring the hiking trails first. These well-maintained paths suit all fitness levels and offer spectacular viewpoints.
Great hiking paths on top of Table Mountain
Two Distinct Views
City Side: Marvel at panoramic vistas of Cape Town, Table Bay, and Robben Island. On clear days like ours, the visibility is extraordinary. Several viewing platforms provide Instagram-worthy photo opportunities where you’ll feel on top of the world.
Going Up Table Mountain Gives You Great Views over Cape Town
Atlantic Side: Gaze toward the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range (ironically, you’ll count more than twelve peaks!) and the exclusive Camps Bay, where luxury apartments cling to cliffsides. According to our bus guide, this area is a favorite retreat for celebrities seeking privacy.
Practical Information
Ticket Prices:
- Single ticket: approximately R600
- Return / Fast Track: approximately R995
- Children under 4: Free
- Tickets valid for 7 days from purchase
Why Choose a Single Ticket?
Adventure seekers can hike up or down Table Mountain through scenic trails abundant with indigenous flora. The trek takes 1.5-2 hours and rewards hikers with intimate views of the mountain’s ecosystem and potential wildlife sightings. This option is perfect for those who want a more immersive experience.
Book a ticket for the Cable Car up Table Mountian
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September-November) offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. However, Table Mountain is stunning year-round. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the cable car closes during high winds.