Table Mountain Cape Town – Hiking Trails, Cableway & Visitor Guide

Table Mountain & the Cableway Visitor Guide

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Best Time to Visit

All year round: Table Mountain is a year-round attraction, but weather plays a major role.

• December to March: Best months for clear skies and warm weather, but also the busiest season for tourism.

• April to June: Cooler and less crowded, ideal for hiking, photography, and peaceful visits.

• July to August: Winter brings variable weather—rain, mist, and wind can limit visibility or cause the cable car to close.

Important Note: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway usually undergoes annual maintenance during August.
Dates vary each year, and the cable car may be closed for 2–3 weeks. Always check the official website for updated closure dates before planning an August visit.

Best hours to visit: Early morning (8–10 am) or late afternoon (3–5 pm) for softer lighting, fewer crowds, and more comfortable conditions.

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Location & Access

Where is Table Mountain Located?
Table Mountain is located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. The main access point for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is via Tafelberg Road, about 15 minutes by car from the City Bowl, V&A Waterfront, or Camps Bay.

Cableway Base Station Address:
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Tafelberg Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
View on Google Maps

How to Get There:

• By Bus: City Sightseeing buses stop nearby
• By Taxi/Uber/Bolt: Convenient and quick, especially during busy hours or if parking is full. Check that your Uber/Bolt driver has a valid driver license with a PDP and the vehicle has the correct operating license (The car should have 3 discs on the windscreen: 1. License, 2. Road Worthy & Fitness and 3. A Operators Permit).

• By MyCiTi Bus: Take the 107 Table Mountain Route from Civic Centre or Camps Bay to the Lower Cable Station. View the route map, here.

• Tour Shuttles: Offered by many sightseeing companies as part of guided Cape Town tours.
• By Car: From the city, follow signs to Table Mountain via Kloof Nek Road, then turn onto Tafelberg Road. Limited parking available—arrive early in peak months.

Free Park & Ride Shuttle (Peak Season Only)
A free shuttle operates from a lower parking zone on Kloof Nek Road to the base station during summer and holidays.

Accessibility:

• Fully wheelchair-accessible cable cars and viewing platforms.

• Short uphill walk from parking or public transport drop-off.

• Use “Table Mountain Cableway” in GPS or ride-hailing apps for accurate navigation.

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Entrance Fees

• Cable Car Tickets: Available for both return and one-way trips.

• Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues and secure your preferred time slot.

• Payment: Card payments only. No cash accepted.

• Note: Wild Card and SANParks passes are not valid for the Cableway.

• View ticket rates here.

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Facilities

At the Base Station:

• Restrooms, café, free Wi-Fi

• Secure parking

• Info and ticket desk

At the Summit:

• Restaurant and gift shop

• Scenic viewpoints

• Guided walking tours (free, every hour)

• Accessible restrooms

Smoking, alcohol, pets, and drones are not allowed.

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Hiking Trails

Table Mountain is one of the top hiking destinations in South Africa. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned trekker, there’s a trail for you.

1. Platteklip Gorge (Most Popular)

• Duration: 1.5–3 hours (ascent)

• Fitness: Moderate to strenuous

• Description: The most direct and popular route. Well-marked but steep with rocky steps.

2. India Venster

• Duration: 2.5–4 hours

• Fitness: High – involves scrambling and steep drops

• Description: Scenic with panoramic views, but technically challenging. For experienced hikers only.

3. Skeleton Gorge (via Kirstenbosch Gardens)

• Duration: 4–6 hours

• Fitness: High – includes ladders and stream crossings

• Description: Lush and shaded. Starts inside Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden (entry fee required).

4. Kasteelspoort

• Duration: 3–5 hours

• Fitness: Moderate to strenuous

• Description: Starts from Camps Bay side. Offers quieter paths and ocean views.

5. Diagonal Route / Twelve Apostles Trail

• Duration: 4–6 hours

• Fitness: High

• Description: Longer, less crowded, and ideal for fit hikers looking for an adventurous route.

Safety & Preparation Tips:

• Check the weather forecast before hiking.

• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks.

• Start early and descend before dark.

• Use a hiking map or app.

• Avoid hiking alone.

• Add this emergency number (medical/safety) to your contacts prior to your hike: +27(0)861 106 417

View guide to Table Mountain and a Map, here.

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Table Mountain Cable Car Facts

• Rotating Cabins: 360-degree rotation for full panoramic views.

• Trip Time: About 5 minutes each way.

• Capacity: Up to 65 passengers per cabin.

• Operating Hours: Generally from 8 am to 8 pm in summer; shorter in winter.

• Weather Dependent: The cable car may close due to strong winds or poor visibility. Check updates before you go.

• Sustainability: Operates as a carbon-neutral, ISO14001-certified eco-tourism attraction.

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Visitor Tips

• Book tickets online for faster access.

• Arrive early to beat crowds and ensure parking.

• Weather on the mountain can be up to 10°C cooler—dress in layers.

• Bring sunscreen, water, sturdy walking shoes, and a hat.

• If hiking, start early and let someone know your route and expected return time.

• Combine your visit with nearby sights like Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, or the V&A Waterfront.

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Conservation Matters

Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most botanically rich areas on Earth. It is home to over 2,000 plant species—many endemic to the region.

Visitors can help protect this unique ecosystem by:

• Staying on designated trails

• Not picking plants or feeding wildlife

• Disposing of litter responsibly

• Supporting conservation-minded tourism practices