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Natural attractions #9 in Cape Town

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

4.7 · 3,987 reviews
Exposed, breezy, and panoramic.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Interesting facts
1

The cable cars rotate 360 degrees during the trip to ensure all passengers have a panoramic view without needing to move.

2

The summit of Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region, which is one of the world's most diverse floral kingdoms.

3

The rock formation atop the mountain is primarily Table Mountain Sandstone, laid down approximately 450 million years ago.

4

The 'Tablecloth' is a frequent orographic cloud formation caused by the condensation of moisture-laden southeasterly winds rising over the flat top.

5

The cableway system has transported over 30 million visitors since its inception in 1929.

6

The mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, a status determined by a global poll concluded in 2011.

7

The upper station is situated on the Platteklip Gorge side, providing direct access to historic hiking routes used by early explorers.

Overview

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway provides rotating cabin transport to the 1,067-meter summit of Table Mountain, a flat-topped landmark within a UNESCO World Heritage site. The system features two Swiss-designed cars that rotate 360 degrees during the five-minute ascent, offering panoramic views of the Cape Town city bowl and the Atlantic coastline. Upon reaching the summit plateau, visitors access a network of interconnected footpaths, including the circular 15-minute Dassie Walk. The mountain is home to over 1,400 floral species, many of which are endemic to the Cape Floral Region. The summit facilities include a restaurant, cafe, and gift shop located near the upper station. The structure is part of the Table Mountain National Park, which serves as a critical biodiversity hotspot. Wind speeds and weather conditions frequently impact operations, as the cableway must halt during high-wind events. The cableway station serves as a primary access point for the diverse range of hiking trails traversing the mountain's upper plateau.

Photo spot

The western edge of the plateau overlooking the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Camps Bay.

Insider tips

Check the official website for real-time weather alerts and operational status before heading to the base.

Bring a windbreaker or warm layer, as temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than at the city level.

Use the free mobile audio guide available on the operator's app to learn about the mountain's ecology during your visit.

What to avoid

Do not attempt the hike down if you are unprepared, as the terrain is rugged and weather shifts quickly; relying on a taxi/rideshare at sunset can result in long wait times.

Good to know

Operations are strictly dependent on weather conditions and wind speed; the cableway undergoes annual maintenance closures typically for two weeks in mid-year.

Etiquette

Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile fynbos vegetation; do not feed the local wildlife, specifically the dassies (rock hyraxes).

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a clear, low-wind day for sunset views over the Atlantic.
Address
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
-33.948, 18.403
Get directions
Details
Geological FeatureSandstone plateau
FloraCape Fynbos

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a clear, low-wind day for sunset views over the Atlantic..

The western edge of the plateau overlooking the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Camps Bay.

Close by you'll find Table Mountain, De Waal Park, Platteklip Gorge Starting Point.