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.