Table Mountain Cableway Tour – Cape Town’s Icon in the Sky

Introduction

Soaring over Cape Town, the Table Mountain Cableway offers one of the most breathtaking experiences in South Africa. Glide to the summit in a rotating cable car, explore scenic trails, spot wildlife among ancient rocks, and enjoy world-class dining — all with views stretching across the city, ocean, and beyond.

Whether you hike up, ride both ways, or mix the two, this unforgettable experience captures the heart of the Mother City.

🌄 What to Do on the Table Mountain Cableway Tour

👣 Guided Walking Tours

• Join a free guided walk departing every hour from 09:00 to 15:00, starting at the Twelve Apostles Terrace (just below the Table Mountain Café).

• Learn about the mountain’s history, geology, and unique plant life.

• Tours last about 30 minutes and are great for all ages.

💡 Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the quiet trails before the midday rush.

🥾 Scenic Walks

• Choose from three signposted pathways at the summit.

• Take in 360° panoramic views of Cape Town, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, and the Atlantic coastline.

• Rest at benches along the route or enjoy a picnic overlooking the ocean.

🎧 Audio Tours

• Download two free audio guides to explore at your own pace.

• Learn about the mountain’s geology, culture, and biodiversity through narrated commentary.

🦎 Wildlife & Flora

• Keep an eye out for:

  • The famous rock hyrax (dassie) basking in the sun.

  • Mongooses, lizards, snakes, and dozens of bird species.

• Discover over 1,400 plant species, many unique to Table Mountain’s fynbos biome.

🚠 Cable Car or Hike

• Cable Car: A 5-minute ride with a rotating floor for uninterrupted views.

• Hike: Challenge yourself with the Platteklip Gorge trail — a steep but rewarding 2–3 hour climb.

• Combine both — hike up and ride down for the best of both worlds.

☕ Dining with a View

• Enjoy a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars both at the summit and lower station.

• Choose from fine dining, quick snacks, or cocktails with a view.

🍽️ Dining & Refreshments on Table Mountain

Table Mountain Café

• Located at the top station.

• Serves buffet-style meals, pizza slices, South African dishes, pastries, and coffee or wine.

• Outdoor seating with panoramic views of Cape Town.

TEN67 Eatery

• Great for families and casual dining.

• Menu includes breakfasts, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, bagels, and grab-and-go options.

• Enjoy desserts and illy coffee while taking in the views.

Views by De Grendel

• Stylish wine bar and bistro featuring award-winning wines from the De Grendel Estate.

• Offers pastries, light meals, hot and cold drinks, and free Wi-Fi.

• Includes a VIP room for private events or celebrations.

Kloud Bar

• Situated on the Twelve Apostles Terrace.

• Offers Aperol on tap (the only one in the world).

• Serves cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and snacks — perfect for sunset drinks.

TAP Bar (Lower Station)

• Trendy spot overlooking Cape Town’s City Bowl.

• Known for Newlands Brewery beers, cocktails, and local favourites like the mini BBQ steak Gatsby.

• Menu includes burgers, salads, and pasta.

Wi-Fi Lounge

• Relax indoors with free Wi-Fi, charging points, snacks, and drinks.

• Climate-controlled — cool in summer, warm in winter.

• Private VIP room available for small groups.

Terrace Bar

• Located on the Twelve Apostles Terrace.

• Serves beer on tap, wine by the glass, soft drinks, and light snacks.

• Perfect sundowner stop before your descent.

Table Mountain Kiosk

• At the Lower Cable Station.

• Offers snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and cold drinks before or after your visit.

🛍️ Shopping on Table Mountain

Shop at the Top

• Inside the historic old stone building at the summit.

• Sells branded T-shirts, jackets, caps, mugs, bottles, plush dassies, and more.

Little Shop at the Top

• Stocks sunblock, lip balm, hats, and essentials for spontaneous explorers.

Exit Shop (Lower Station)

• Perfect for last-minute souvenirs before heading home.

Visitor Centre

• Offers information services and a selection of gifts.

Locally Sourced Products

• Over 95% of all items are locally made.

• Partners include Posse Clothing, Rootz Creation, Synergy Frontiers, and others supporting South African artisans.

Online Store

• Shop from home at tablemountainshop.net and have souvenirs delivered worldwide.

🚗 Getting to the Table Mountain Cableway

Location

• Lower Cable Station: Tafelberg Road, Cape Town

• Distance: About 15 minutes from the city centre

By Car

• Follow signs marked “Table Mountain Cableway” throughout Cape Town.

• Drive up Tafelberg Road and park along the roadside or in nearby lots.

Park & Ride

• Free MyCiTi Shuttle from the parking area at Kloof Nek Road.

• No bus card required — rides are sponsored by Table Mountain Cableway.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

• Uber, Bolt, and metered taxis are widely available.

• Tip: Agree on the fare before the ride if using a regular taxi.

By City Sightseeing Bus

• The Red Route Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops directly at the Cableway.

• Runs daily between the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Table Mountain.

💰 Cableway Rates (Valid 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025)

• Adult Return Ticket (Online): R450

• Adult Return Ticket (Ticket Office): R500

• Adult One Way (online): R295

• Child Return Ticket (Online): R225

• Child Return Ticket (Ticket Office): R255

• Child One Way: R160

• SA Senior Citizens (60+): Return R130 | One Way R70 (with valid ID, ticket office only)

• Students: Return R280 | One Way R170 (with valid student card, ticket office only)

• Children 3 years and under: Free of charge

• Fast Track (Skip the Queue): Return R1100

🎟️ Buy online via Webtickets to save time and money.

💡 Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for calmer winds and fewer crowds.

• Weather: The Cableway closes in high winds — always check online before visiting.

• Bring: Sunscreen, hat, jacket, camera, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly facilities and cable cars.

• Essentials: No ATMs at the summit — bring a card or cash.

• Fuel & Facilities: The Lower Station has toilets, cafés, and rest stops.

Final Word

A visit to Table Mountain is more than just a trip — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
From the moment you ascend in the rotating cable car to your final gaze across Cape Town’s skyline, you’ll understand why it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Whether you’re enjoying coffee at the summit, exploring scenic trails, or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, the Table Mountain Cableway Tour promises an unforgettable journey — where sky, city, and sea meet.