Everything you need to know about visiting Table Mountain
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
When you're in Cape Town, there's no escaping it: the iconic Table Mountain. On 11 November 2011, Table Mountain was officially named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, chosen from a list of more than 440 candidates worldwide. It's one of Cape Town's most famous landmarks—and a place you simply can't miss.
How to get to the top of Table Mountain
There are two ways to reach the summit of Table Mountain: by cable car or on foot. We've done both, and below I'll explain what to expect so you can decide which option suits you best.
Taking the Table Mountain cable gar
The easiest way to reach the top is by taking the cable car. Two rotating cable cars operate throughout the day, and the journey takes only about five minutes.
Each cabin has a rotating floor that slowly turns 360 degrees during the ride, allowing everyone to enjoy panoramic views without having to fight for the best spot. It's a clever design that lets you simply relax and take in the scenery.
Table Mountain cable car tickets
Although the cable car ride itself only takes five minutes, Table Mountain is one of Cape Town's most popular attractions. During peak season, waiting times of two hours or more are not uncommon.
To save time, it's best to buy your tickets online before your visit. That way, you can head straight to the cable car queue instead of first waiting at the ticket office.
Even though the queue is well organised and there are some shaded areas, you'll still spend much of your time standing outside. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and, on hot days, a hat or handheld fan. We visited during the South African winter in July and still found ourselves waiting in temperatures of around 25°C (77°F).
Near the entrance you'll find a few food stalls, public toilets, and a place to grab an ice cream while you wait.
If you want to avoid the longest queues, arrive right when the cableway opens or visit later in the afternoon. The downside of going later is that you'll have less time to explore the summit before the last cable car departs, unless you plan to hike back down.
The official Table Mountain website provides live updates on whether the cableway is operating, current waiting times, and allows you to purchase tickets online.
Keep in mind that the cableway closes during bad weather, including strong winds, heavy rain, or thick fog. It also shuts down for annual maintenance for approximately one month, usually sometime between late July and mid-August.
Hiking Table Mountain
The second option is hiking to the summit. And by hiking, I mean a fairly challenging climb.
Table Mountain stands 1,086 metres (3,563 feet) high, so most of the route is uphill. Unlike the cable car, hiking to the top is completely free, making it a great option if you're travelling on a budget.
The best hike to the top of Table Mountain
The most popular hiking route is Platteklip Gorge. This is the shortest and quickest route to the summit, covering approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles). Depending on your fitness level and the number of photo stops you make, the hike usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.
The trailhead is located about 1.5 kilometres beyond the cable car station and is easy to find on Google Maps by searching for "Platteklip Gorge Starting Point."
Because Platteklip Gorge is the fastest route, it's also the steepest. You'll climb around 650 metres (2,130 feet) in elevation, mostly by walking up rocky steps. Although the distance isn't very long, the continuous ascent makes it more demanding than many people expect.
Make sure you're well prepared. Bring enough water and snacks, wear sunscreen and a hat, and don't forget to take regular breaks—it's the perfect excuse to enjoy the incredible views. Sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended, as the rocky trail can be slippery in places.
Once you reach the top, it's about a 15-minute walk to the cable car station. From there, you can either take the cable car back down or continue exploring the many walking trails across the summit.
What to do at the top of Table Mountain
Whether you arrive by cable car or on foot, there are several walking trails to explore at the top.
Table Mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park, home to an extraordinary variety of plant species, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world.
Of course, the biggest reward is the spectacular panoramic view over Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. Near the upper cable car station, you'll also find two restaurants, a café, and a gift shop.
Tips for visiting Table Mountain
Besides booking your tickets online and arriving early, I highly recommend bringing an extra layer of clothing. Even on warm days, it can feel surprisingly chilly at the summit because of the wind. This is especially noticeable if you've just finished the hike and are sweaty. During our last visit, I underestimated how cold it would feel and even ended up buying a beanie from the gift shop.
Once you've finished exploring the top, you can either hike back down or take the cable car. One-way tickets are available, and the queue at the top is usually much shorter than the one at the bottom.
