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 age, how they’re purchased and single vs roundtrip. Note : The Table Mountain entrance fees stated below are valid until June 2026. The Cable Car Cape Town prices for an all day adult roundtrip ticket on-line costs 450 rand ($26). A one-way ticket for the cable car up Table Mountain (or down) is R295 (about $17). The rate for a child (age 4 to 17) all day roundtrip ticket on-line is 225 rand. A Cape Town cable way one-way ticket for children is 160 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. Table Mountain Guided Hike: Hike one of the most popular Table Mountain hiking routes, like the India Venster trail, with a guide who will help you scurry up the cliffs. After navigating the Table Mountain walking trails to the top, take the easy way down via the cableway. Get the details! Table Mountain 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! Table Mountain Hike Without a Guide: Most visitors opt to hike Table Mountain with a guide for safety reasons. That said, experienced hikers can head for the summit on their own. Begin in the picturesque Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and find the Skeleton Gorge Table Mountain trailhead using details from All Trails . 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! 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 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 . Share This Story! Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn