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Table Mountain is the flat-topped mountain above Cape Town, rising to 1,085 metres, reached by an aerial cableway or hiking trails and protected within Table Mountain National Park.
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Table Mountain
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One of 2 Things to Do in Cape Town
In short
Table Mountain rises to 1,085 m behind central Cape Town, its flat summit reached by aerial cableway or hiking trails inside Table Mountain National Park. A cableway return costs R475 online or R530 at the office, R230 for children 4 to 17. Cars run from 8:00 into the evening but stop in strong wind, so check the live status that morning. Plan half a day.
Table Mountain rises directly behind the city centre of Cape Town in South Africa. Its level summit plateau is about three kilometres from side to side, flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and Lion's Head to the west. The highest point, Maclear's Beacon, is 1,085 metres above sea level. The mountain lies within Table Mountain National Park, managed by South African National Parks.
The mountain is made mainly of sandstone laid down hundreds of millions of years ago over older granite and shale. The Khoekhoe people called it Hoerikwaggo, the mountain of the sea. Portuguese navigator Antonio de Saldanha climbed it in 1503 and gave it the name Table of the Cape.
The mountain forms part of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its fynbos vegetation includes more than 2,000 plant species, many found nowhere else. Rock hyraxes, known locally as dassies, are common on the top. A layer of cloud often pours over the edge in summer, known locally as the tablecloth.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, first opened in 1929, carries visitors to the top in a few minutes in rotating cars. Hikers often take the Platteklip Gorge route, the most direct path, which climbs steeply for about two to three hours. On top, paths lead to viewpoints over the city, Robben Island and the Atlantic coast.
The cableway closes in strong wind or thick cloud, so check its status on the day. Cableway tickets are sold separately from park fees and are cheaper online. Bring warm layers, as the summit is cooler and windier than the city.
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Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
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Key information
⛰️Height: 1,085 m at Maclear's Beacon
🌿Status: Part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site
🚡Cableway: Opened 1929
🏛Managed by: South African National Parks
💰Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
Explore the area
Lion's Head 3 km
V&A Waterfront 6 km
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on the eastern slopes
✦
Plan your visit to Table Mountain
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Ways up
- Aerial Cableway
- Platteklip Gorge trail
- India Venster route (experienced hikers)
On top
- City and harbour viewpoints
- Maclear's Beacon walk
- Fynbos plants
What They Offer
Visit duration
Half a day
Tours & experiences
Guided tours and experiences that include Table Mountain. See tours
Accessibility
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Age limits
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
What to pack
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
What to wear
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Not allowed
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Amenities
Café and shop near the upper station; loop paths of 15–45 minutes to viewpoints over Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Lion's Head
Driving
Parking along Tafelberg Road fills early on clear days: arrive before 9:00 or late afternoon.
Public transportation
MyCiTi and hop-on hop-off buses stop at the lower station on Tafelberg Road, about ten minutes by car from the city centre.
Address
Opening Hours
The cableway runs from 8:00 AM into the evening; the last cars change by season (late summer: last up 7 PM, last down 8 PM). Cars stop in strong wind, so check the live status that morning; online tickets stay valid for a period after the chosen date.
Special events
No special events on record for Table Mountain.
Best times to visit
Clear mornings or late afternoon; sunset is popular, but expect a queue down. Hikers walking down should start well before sunset (steep, rocky, unlit paths).
Best days to visit
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Best months to visit
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Admission tickets
Prices and how to get tickets.
Table Mountain admission ticket
Ticket prices
Cableway adult return R475 online, R530 at the ticket office; child (4–17) R230 online; under 4 free (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027)
Opening hours
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Children and admission
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Groups
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Pets
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Photography
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Bags
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Smoking
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Accepted payment
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
Its highest point, Maclear's Beacon, is 1,085 metres above sea level.
It is the layer of cloud that forms on the summit and spills over the edge, mostly when the southeasterly wind blows in summer.
It is part of the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas, inscribed by UNESCO in 2004.
Rock hyraxes (dassies), lizards, many birds and small antelope. Baboons live on other parts of the park.
Portuguese navigator Antonio de Saldanha climbed it in 1503.
Water, sun protection and a warm layer, as weather on top can change quickly.
Table Mountain is in Cape Town, South Africa. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.
Explore the area on this page lists 3 places around Table Mountain, among them Lion's Head and V&A Waterfront.
Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.
Getting there
By the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, or on foot by trails such as Platteklip Gorge.
Timing & weather
Most fit hikers take two to three hours to reach the top. It is steep and exposed to the sun.
It stops in strong wind, thick cloud and during annual maintenance. Check the cableway status before leaving.
The aerial cableway opened in 1929 and has been upgraded several times.
The best time to visit Cape Town is Nov to Mar. Dry and warm, with highs of 24-27C and under 30mm of rain a month.
Booking
An adult return costs R475 online or R530 at the ticket office (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027). Children aged 4 to 17 pay R230 online, and under-fours ride free.