Let’s start this post with a few amazing facts about the most iconic landmark of South Africa that you probably didn’t know yet.
- Table Mountain is the country’s most photographed attraction and over 800,000 people visit the sight each year.
- The mountain is officially recognised as one of the seven world wonders.
- It is the only South African and only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it. The constellation is called “Mensa”, which means ‘table’ in Latin.
- It is one of the oldest mountains in the world. The rocks on the mountain are over 600,000,000 years old.
- Table Mountain hosts the richest floral kingdom on earth, with more than 1,470 floral species.
- The mountain is featured on the South African flag.
Interesting, right? So it’s a definite must see for locals and visitors alike and the children will absolutely love the spectacular ride in the cable car from the main station right up to the top.
How to get there
Especially in the popular summer months, the parking situation at the Cable Station is quite hectic and it can be really challenging to find a spot. Therefore, it’s easier to simply take a taxi, Bolt or Uber or the City Sightseeing Bus to get dropped off at the cable station directly. You can also use public transport. The MyCity bus will drop you off at the Lower Tafelberg Road stop, but the other options are slightly more convenient as you don’t need to walk up the hill.
There used to be a free shuttle service from Lower Tafelberg Road stop to the Cableway Entrance. However, this service is currently suspended.
Tickets
Once you’re at the Lower Cable Station and you haven’t bought your tickets online in advance, you must stand in line at the ticket office first. There, they accept cash (ZAR), credit cards and debit cards.
| Ticket Type | Return | One-Way | Ticket Type | Return | One-Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O* Morning Adult (8h00 – 13h00) | R395 | R220 | O* Afternoon Adult (13h00 till close) | R340 | R220 |
| O* Morning Child 4-17 years of age (8h00 – 13h00) | R195 | R120 | O* Afternoon Child 4-17 years of age (13h00 till close) | R170 | R120 |
| SA Senior Citizen (7 days a week at Ticket Office and online) | R110 | R60 | Student (7 days a week at Ticket Office) | R230 | R130 |
| Children under the Age of 4 | Free | Free | Children under the Age of 4 | Free | Free |
Once you’ve got your ticket, you will have to queue to board the Table Mountain Cable Car. Alternatively, you can also skip the queue if you choose to buy a Fast Track ticket. The premium ticket is available at R600 per round trip in the off season and R800 during peak season, which runs from 16 December to 5 January.
You can book your tickets in advance here: ONLINE TICKETS
Explore Table Mountain
The cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain takes about 5 minutes. You will get a fabulous 360 degree view on your way up before you depart the cable car 1,089 metres above Cape Town. The Cableway (and some parts at the top as well) is wheelchair accessible.
On top of the mountain, you can enjoy the fabulous view of the city, the ocean, the surrounding mountains and you’ll find some cute animals, too! There are plenty of dassies, lizards, insects and birdlife to be seen. We already mentioned the stunning flora on top of Table Mountain. It is an important part of the Cape Floristic Region and the single richest floristic area in the world. There is a lot of fynbos vegetation on the mountain, with over 1,460 different species of plants.
In case you’re getting hungry, you can even grab a bite to eat and some drinks at the Summit at the top. They serve snacks, ice cream and other meals to their visitors. Table Mountain Café has a selection of delicious self-service meals and snacks, including options for kids, as well as tasty pastries and desserts.
However, Table Mountain Café is currently under construction and closed until further notice.
Souvenirs
Of course, you will be able to take home some memories in form of souvenirs. The retail outlets feature a variety of souvenirs, gifts and clothing that range from affordable goodies to more luxury items.
Birthday Specials
If you are a South African citizen, you’ll receive a special gift in your birthday month! It’s a new offering which allows all SA citizens from the age of 4 to redeem a FREE birthday Cableway ticket on any day of the calendar month in which your birthday falls.
So if you’re born in the month of December you will be able to collect and redeem your free birthday ticket on any day in December (even if it’s before your actual birthday). If you are born on the 31st of December, you cannot take the ride in January though. In that case, you will have to do redeem the ticket before or on your actual birthday.
In order to receive the free birthday ticket, you will also have to present a valid South African identity document, South African driving licence or South African birth certificate on arrival at the Cableway.
If the ticket is for a little one, then obviously Mom and Dad can help to collect the ticket on their behalf.
Our Experience
Back in the days, we used to hike up Table Mountain by foot. With the kids, the Cable Car is obviously more convenient and a real highlight for the kids. They love the excitement before boarding the cable car and are eve getting a bit scared when it lifts up and you look down the city hanging on a tiny cable. I mean, we know it’s 100% safe, but for people who struggle with heights it can be really challenging. But it’s absolutely worth it. Standing on top of Table Mountain is a once-in-a -lifetime experience and there are so many things to discover that it is a Must-See. We usually take our visitors there to show them “our” natural wonder.
Little bummer: the queues in summer are absolutely insane. So don’t go up there without buying a ticket in advance. This will safe you at least one queue and shorten your waiting time a little bit.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Checklist
- Opening Times: Mon– Sun 08:30 – 19:00
- Age Group: 0 – 99
- Rates: Adults = from R390 return trip, Children (4-17y) = from R190 return trip, Children under 4 = Free
- Baby Changing Facilities: No
- Kids Menu: Yes
- Fun Factor: 4/5
- Free WIFI: Yes
Website
https://tablemountain.net/
Phone: +27 (0) 21 424 8181
