Table Mountain | Cableway, Hikes & Views in Cape Town

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Table Mountain

Above Cape Town by Cableway or on Foot

Table Mountain rises more than a kilometer above Cape Town, and from its flat summit you look down on the city, Table Bay, Robben Island and the length of the peninsula. The mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park, and the cableway, a fixture of our private Cape Town tours, reaches the top in about five minutes. On foot it takes a few hours. The wind decides much of the day up here, so it pays to plan around the forecast.

Two hikers resting on a rocky peak while watching the sunset from Table Mountain.

Cableway History

The aerial cableway opened on 4 October 1929.

Rotating Cabins

Rotair cabins, introduced in 1997, carry 65 people and turn a full circle.

Weather Closures

Operations pause during strong winds; check status before traveling.

Hiking Routes

Popular hikes include Platteklip Gorge and India Venster for experienced hikers.

Best Visiting Times

Summer mornings typically offer clearer views and shorter queues.

Trail Essentials

Sun protection and water are essential on exposed trails.

Summit Fynbos

Fynbos dominates the summit plateau with high plant diversity.

Visitor Management

Marked pathways and platforms help manage visitor flow safely.

Plan Your Visit: Cableway, Weather, and Hiking

Cableway Tickets and Timing

The current Rotair cars carry 65 people and turn a full circle during the four- to five-minute ride, so everyone gets the view. On the Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch day tour the ride is followed by the botanical garden. Buy tickets online to shorten the wait, and choose a flexible ticket if wind is forecast, since the cableway stops when it blows too hard. Lines are usually shortest early and late in the day. When the “tablecloth” of cloud pours over the summit, visibility can drop to almost nothing within minutes. Leave a buffer before evening plans in case the cars pause, and check the time of the last car down. The upper station, at 1,067 m, has level paths with railings, a café and toilets.

Best Weather and What to Pack

The summer sun is strong at this height, and the southeaster can arrive with little warning. Carry a windproof layer, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and at least a liter of water per person. Shoes with grip help on smooth rock and damp paths. In winter, cold fronts bring rain and a real chill on the summit, so add a warm layer and watch the forecast; the UV can be high even in spring and autumn. If the cableway is closed, Signal Hill and the beach at Camps Bay make good alternatives until the wind drops.

Hiking Routes and Safety Tips

Platteklip Gorge is the most direct route to the top, about 3 km up a steep, exposed gully that takes most people between one and a half and three hours. Start early to avoid the heat. India Venster involves real scrambling and suits experienced hikers with good footwear and a head for heights; skip it in poor weather. Stay on marked trails, carry water and a charged phone, and tell someone your route. If cloud rolls in, stay close to the path and its markers. Only plan to ride down if the cableway is running; otherwise you will have to walk back the way you came.

Table Mountain was voted one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011, and the cableway now carries about a million visitors a year. Our three-day Cape Town tour starts with the ride up, weather permitting.