Table Mountain and Cableway Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Table Mountain and Cableway. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town
• Table Mountain Adventurous Hike & Cable Car Down
• India Venster Route: Hiking in Table Mountain from Cape Town
• Table Mountain Private Hike Tour of Kasteelpoort Route from Cape Town
• Cape Town Guided City Day Tour

Table Mountain and Cableway tickets usually begin at ZAR 280 for an adult one-way cable car trip. Many people hike up and buy a Table Mountain cable car ticket for the trip down, or vice-versa. A return ticket booked online is usually ZAR 430 for adults or ZAR 490 at the ticket office. Other options to speed up entry include a fast-track, ZAR 650 one-way, or ZAR 995 return.

The easiest way to summit Table Mountain is by taking the Aerial Cableway. From the center of Cape Town, a car or taxi gets you to the cable car’s lower station in around 20 minutes. Or, join a tour, which includes Cape Town hotel pickup and skip-the-line cableway admission.

The best time to visit Table Mountain is early morning or evening. Visibility is usually the best at these times, so you can enjoy the clearest views. Seasonally, winter and early spring (May through November) are the quietest periods and promise fewer crowds and shorter lines. That said, days with amazing views are farther between as the weather is less cooperative.

Yes, if you opt out of using affiliated Table Mountain and Cableway tours there are many different hiking trails to the top of Table Mountain. The trails vary in difficulty, from the short and steep Platteklip Gorge trail to the challenging and longer India Vester trail. Some trails are quite technical, and every year dozens of tourists have to be rescued.

For the best experience, hike with a local on a guided hiking or walking tour. Table Mountain National Park has been a hotspot for crime in the past year, so the city’s tourism board does not recommend hiking alone anywhere in Cape Town. In fact, some Table Mountain National Park signs say visitors should hike in groups of four or more. Never hike alone.

The main attraction on Table Mountain’s summit is, of course, the 360-degree view. You can see Cape Town and its waterfront, Table Bay, Devil's Peak, Lion's Head, and Robben Island from the summit's viewing platforms. There is also a café where you can grab a bite to eat and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for dassies. These adorable little badger-like creatures that are the African elephant’s closest living relative make their homes in the rocks at the summit. You can take photos of them. But please don’t feed them or try to touch them.

When you visit Table Mountain, you should bring a warm layer. Even if it is hot in the city, it is almost always significantly cooler on the mountain. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to use the network of trails that fan out from the summit.

And if you plan to hike, leave your valuables at the hotel (in the safe) or your AirBnB. This includes jewelry. Table Mountain National Park has seen a serious uptick in crime recently with many muggings occurring during the daytime. You may even want to carry a can of pepper spray (it’s legal in South Africa).

Safety considerations at Table Mountain include the effects of altitude and strong sun: Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you hike, choose a trail that suits your ability and wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear. As always in Cape Town, keep an eye on your belongings.

It’s unfortunate, but Table Mountain attracts criminals who prey on tourists. Scams aren’t common here, but muggings occur on almost a daily basis. Most victims are lone travelers, so it’s best to always visit Table Mountain with a group. That said, groups have been targeted, too. Most crime occurs on the hiking trails. If you just ride the cable car up to the summit, walk around, and ride it back down, you should be fine.