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It was a sunny day when we headed to Table Top Mountain, possibly the most famous sight in Cape Town, South Africa. Yet as so often is the case, the view from Table Mountain was covered in thick clouds.
No problem: even in the fog we had a great time at the top of this Cape Town mountain.
Contents
- Visiting Table Top Mountain
- Walking around on top of Table Mountain
- Information on table mountain hiking trails and climbing table mountain
- The “official” route up
- Other routes up Table Mountain
- Practical information for visiting table mountain
- Facts About Table Mountain
- Where to stay in Cape Town?
- Pin for later
Visiting Table Top Mountain
There are different ways to get to Table Mountain, which I'll list in the practical information at the bottom of this post. We took an Uber there from Simon's Town after we'd gone whale watching. It dropped us off at the bottom of the Table Top Mountain cable car, where you also find the ticket office, a shop, and restrooms.
We'd gotten complimentary tickets from the Cape Town tourism board and so we headed straight for the line to get into the elevator. The elevator takes you up to the platform from where the table mountain aerial cableway takes off, but you can also simply take the stairs up.
We were feeling a bit lazy and didn't realize it wasn't that far up :-)
Once we got inside the table mountain gondola, we got lucky to get a spot by the window. The “driver” got in last and before we took off, told us to step away from the sides and let go of the handlebars by the windows.
Why would that be?
We soon found out. The cable car started turning! In fact, the cable car has a round shape, and going up Table Mountain, it turns 360°. That way, everybody gets a good view of Cape Town from above.
That is, until you go through the famous Table Mountain cloth. It can be clouded on top of Table Mountain even on the sunniest day and even when it's not, the weather circumstances can change so fast that it's hard to plan your visit.
We were bummed a bit that it was clouded when we got up there, but we visited when it best fitted our program and didn't want to risk putting it off until the end of our stay without a guarantee of clear skies.
Anyway, we still had the Table Mountain trails to walk.
Walking around on top of Table Mountain
Yes, there are trails leading up and down, but even if you visit Table Mountain with the cable car, there are several options for a bit of walking around at the top.
In fact, there are three loop routes that all follow the same path, but of which the two shorter ones simply cut through the middle of the loop a bit sooner. The Klipspringer one is the longest one, followed by the Agama Walk and the Dassie walk.
We took the longest route and made a little detour getting on one of the trails that head down the mountain as well. It took us a little over an hour over mostly flat terrain, making plenty of stops to admire the Table Mountain flora and fauna along the way
Vegetation up on table mountain consists mostly out of different kinds of fynbos, with their being over 2,000 kinds of plants and flowers on the mountain.
Some animals found on Table Mountain are porcupines, lizards, snakes, and tortoises. The only animal we saw (aside from a few birds), though, was the dassie, or the rock hyrax.
In fact, we saw quite a few of these guinea-pig-like animals on our walk and because of their similarity to several rodents, I was surprised to learn later that they actually have more in common with elephants than with, for example, the guinea-pigs they look a little alike!
It was clear that the dassies at Table Mountain were used to seeing humans as they weren't shy at all. Some even came up to us, a bit hesitant but clearly hoping for a snack.
Note: you're not allowed to feed the animals at Table Mountain.
During our Table Mountain hike, we came across several information plates telling us all about the place and its geology. That was enough for us, but if you want to know more or have specific questions, you can always join one of the free Table Mountain guided walks that take place daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The tours take 30 minutes and go into the history of Table Mountain and its cableway.
Information on table mountain hiking trails and climbing table mountain
The “official” route up
We'd contemplated hiking up Table Mountain but given all the other things we wanted to do as well while we were in Cape Town, we opted to take the Table Mountain cableway instead. Because of this, I can't comment personally on how to hike up Table Mountain, but I did do some research for you in case you want to do it the hard way ;-)
Hiking up Table Mountain takes between one and four hours depending on your physical condition and assuming you're taking the shortest route, which is the Platteklip Gorge route. Yes, that's a wide range and apparently, that's mostly due to the fact that the hike is rather steep.
While the entire walk from the bottom at the parking lot to the top is only 3 km, it's categorized at moderate to tough but easy to navigate. As you'll be walking on sometimes narrow paths along the slopes of the mountain, the height might add another level of difficulty if you have vertigo like I do.
Other routes up Table Mountain
Aside from the route above, there are plenty of other hiking trails up Table Mountain. If you include climbing routes, there are actually more than 900 trails that can be tied together into different kinds of routes leading up to the summit.
That's way too many to mention here, so I'm going to pick one and that's the route starting from the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. The Smuts Track is a good option in summer as it lies mostly in the shade, whereas Platteklip Gorge route does not.
Practical information for visiting table mountain
Some answers to questions you may have about how to visit Table Mountain.
Where is table mountain located?
Table Mountain lies in the center of Cape Town city and can easily be reached both from the coastal neighborhoods and from the Waterfront and the City Bowl.
How much do table mountain tickets cost?
You actually don't pay for the park, but you do need to pay for Table Mountain cable car tickets. Rates vary depending on the time of the day.
There's a permanent discount for kids and a discount for seniors and students who come on Friday and buy their tickets at the on-site ticket office.
Check the website for up-to-date ticket prices.
!IMPORTANT: there are different rates in the height of summer, from December 15 – January 15.
Where to buy table mountain tickets?
You can buy tickets at the ticket office on-site or book Table Mountain tickets online.
The benefit to getting your tickets online is that they're valid for seven days from your chosen date and can also be refunded. That means that if you're in Cape Town for a couple of days, you could see what the weather's like before deciding what day you'll go up the mountain.
!IMPORTANT: only online tickets bought via Webtickets, Cape Town Tourism and City Sightseeing South Africa are accepted at the cableway. There are other sites that sell tickets but these won't be accepted, so make sure to book through the right site.
What are the table mountain opening hours?
Table Mountain itself is “open” 24/7, but the Table Mountain cable car opening times depend on the time of the year:
- May – August 2017: 8.30 a.m. (first car up), 5 p.m. (last car up), 6 p.m. (last car down)
- September – October 2017: 8.30 a.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
- November 2017, February – March 2018: 8.30 a.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.
- 1 – 15 December 2017 and 16 – 31 January 2018: 8 a.m., 7.30 p.m., 8.30 p.m.
- 16 December 2017 – 15 January 2018: 8 a.m.,8.30 p.m., 9.30 p.m.
- 16 – 31 January 2018: 8 a.m., 7.30 p.m., 8.30 p.m.
- April 2018: 8 a.m., 6.30 p.m., 7.30 p.m.
How to get to table mountain
There are different ways to get to Table Mountain:
- By hiking up from the parking lot to the summit of Table Mountain by foot
- By taking an Uber from the city center, like we did, or a taxi to the bottom of the cableway – Get €5 off your first ride by signing up for Uber via my link
- By driving to Table Mountain by car yourself – For GPS Table Mountain directions, enter “Tafelberg Road” as your destination
- By taking the City Sightseeing hop-on/hop off bus
- By taking a public MyCiti bus – Check here for the specific MyCity Table Mountain bus schedule.
When is the best time to visit table mountain?
We visited end of August (low season) and there were already quite a few people at Table Mountain so if you can, I'd recommend not going in high seasons, which is from November until February.
How long does it take to Climb Table Mountain?
One to four hours, depending on the shape you're in and assuming you take the shortest route.
Facts About Table Mountain
Table Mountain is part of the Table Mountain National Park which stretches from the north of Cape Town all the way down to Cape Point at the Cape Peninsula. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Here's some more information about Table Mountain and some frequent questions answered:
How high is Table Mountain?
The highest point of the Table Mountain lies 1,086 meters or 3,563 ft above sea level and is located at the eastern end of the plateau at the spot called Maclear's Beacon.
How was Table Mountain formed and why is Table Mountain flat?
Table Mountain wasn't always a mountain. Before the continent of Africa was formed, its now famous flat top was part of the ground level landscape where it was flattened during the ice age by the layers of ice.
As the continents split, the pressure built up pushed what is now Table Mountain upward, eventually creating the a little over a kilometer high mountain.
Does it ever snow on table mountain?
It does! In South African winter, snowfall does sometimes occur on Table Mountains. We're talking centimeters high, not meters.
Where to stay in Cape Town?
We spent three nights at an Airbnb in Green Point and two nights at boutique hotel Blackheath Lodge.
You can find information about prices and availability at Blackheath Lodge here.
Pin for later
We received complimentary table mountain cable tickets. The choice to go up and enjoy ourselves was entirely our own.
This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you book something through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Table Mountain in Cape Town? ›
Pre-buy your Table Mountain Cableway ticket from the driver before you reach the mountain (at stop 1 outside Two Oceans Aquarium, stop 5 at 81 Long Street or stop 8 on Victoria Road, Camps Bay) and skip the queue at the Cableway ticket office. Adult return: R290, children return: R140 (4–17 years).
Can you go on top of Table Mountain? ›There are two ways to summit Table Mountain – by cable car or on foot. You can also choose to hike to the top and descend by cable car. Each rotating cable car offers incredible views of the city, and takes only five minutes to reach the summit.
How much does it cost to go to Table Mountain? ›| Ticket Type | Time | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Morning: Adults | 8am – 1pm | R390 |
| Morning: Kids (4 – 17 years) | 8am – 1pm | R190 |
| Afternoon: Adults | 1pm – until close | R320 |
| Afternoon: Kids (4 – 17 years) | 1pm – until close | R160 |
Ticket prices for Table Mountain. Ticket prices range from R50 to R380 depending on the time of your visit, your age and whether or not you are booking a return or one way ticket. Click here to book your ticket now and enjoy Cape Town's rich cultural heritage.
How long does it take to walk down Table Mountain? ›A half-day hike on Table Mountain covers a distance of three kilometres on average and takes approximately three hours to complete. A full-day Table Mountain hike covers about five kilometres and takes around five hours to complete.
How long does it take to get on top of Table Mountain? ›The “official” route up
Hiking up Table Mountain takes between one and four hours depending on your physical condition and assuming you're taking the shortest route, which is the Platteklip Gorge route.
For fit hikers, it's possible to summit in 1 hour. Difficulty: Easy–moderate. Much of the “trail” is actually rocky, concrete stairs leading up to the summit — excellent if you're into getting some serious exercise.
When should I go to Table Mountain? ›The best time to visit Table Mountain is from October to March, the dry summer. The perfect daytime is in the morning before it gets busy and too hot. Either take the first cable car (8:00 am / 8:30) or start hiking early.
How much is the entrance fee at Cape Point? ›| Description | Adults | Kids* |
|---|---|---|
| South Africans (with ID)** | R90 | R45 |
| Standard Entry | R360 | R180 |
| SADC Nationals | R180 | R90 |
Hiking the Table Mountain National Park is mostly free with the exception of some areas where conservation fees are to be paid like the Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Point or Boulders.
Why is Table Mountain so famous? ›
Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world; TMNP is rich in floral biodiversity and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site; TMNP is home to an amazing 8 200 plant species – of which around 80% are fynbos.
How long does the cable car take up Table Mountain? ›The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a cable car transportation system offering visitors a five-minute ride to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
Can I hike Table Mountain alone? ›Even though the Kirstenbosch and Table Mountain National Park security are constantly on patrol, and have apprehended culprits, it is not advisable to walk alone or in small groups.
How much is it to go to Robben Island? ›The Robben Island entrance fee via a boat has been categorised into two. For adults, the normal ferry trip costs R360 while for children it costs R200. A special tour with 10 highlights and 5 stops is also available and it needs the adults to pay R1050 and children below 12 years of age to pay R600 for the tickets.
How long is Table Mountain hike Cape Town? ›The track hugs the mountain for about 6 km to Corridor Ravine, but you can turn around at any point. Approximate time: 1.5 – 3 hours one way, depending on fitness and how far you walk.
How long is hike up Table Mountain Cape Town? ›Our full-day hikes up Table Mountain take about five hours to complete and cover roughly five kilometres. These Table Mountain hikes show you a lot more of the mountain than half-day hikes and are often technically challenging.
Is it worth hiking Table Mountain? ›Easy out and back trail, good for families, kids, and pets, beautiful wild flowers, great view to Mountain High Resort ski areas, many nearby trails to explore, nice paved road, bugs, watch out for cyclists passing by while on narrow trails.
What is inside Table Mountain? ›The mountain has 8,200 plant species, of which around 80% are fynbos, meaning fine bush. It forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, and part of the lands formerly ranged by Khoe-speaking clans, such as the ! Uriǁʼaes (the "High Clan"). It is home to a large array of mostly endemic fauna and flora.
Is there a beach on top of Table Mountain? ›But did you know that there is a beach on top of the world renowned Table Mountain? It is called Skeleton Gorge Beach.
What is on top of Table Mountain? ›The cableway station at the top of the mountain has a curio shop, a shop where you can stock up on snacks, and a restaurant. If you take the cableway up the mountain, but still want to do a little walking, there are three easy walks on the plateau – the Dassie Walk, the Agama Walk, and the Klipspringer Walk.
What should I wear to Table Mountain? ›
Shorts are preferred in summer, but loose-fitting pants are also fine. It's always best to wear something light. Jeans are not recommended for hiking. Hiking shoes or boots are best, but if you are traveling you can get away with wearing trainers.
Is it cold at the top of Table Mountain? ›Table Mountain, in comparison, is the cotton candy of the ranges. A measly 10 degrees in winter is not the cold, which one would expect of a high top. Those temperatures are not something that you'd expect out of the movie Frozen, different people like to keep it fresh, but locals like it warm.
Can you walk down Table Mountain? ›There are very difficult, highly graded, routes up the mountain which I would definiterly NOT recommend for a first timer. The major routes are much easier. The best route up or down is the Platteklip Gorge route.
Is it safe to hike in Cape Town? ›Don't hike with less than three people – Most reports of crime on Cape Town's trails are towards one or two people.
Is there a road on Table Mountain? ›Tafelberg Road falls under the category of a suburban pass and snakes its way along the Table Mountain. To navigate, press the arrow keys. The road starts with a steep climb from the parking lot at the top of Kloof Nek. The road levels out at the lower cableway station.
Can kids hike up Table Mountain? ›According to users from AllTrails.com, the best kid-friendly trail to hike in Table Mountain National Park is Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest, which has a 4.5 star rating from 642 reviews. This trail is 2.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 935 ft.
Is there parking at Table Mountain? ›The most popular place to park when heading to Table Mountain is along Tafelberg Road which runs along the front face of Table Mountain. Not only does it give you breathtaking views of Cape Town City and Table Bay, but it also gives you lots of opportunities to park. Best of all, parking on Tafelberg Road is free.
Can you picnic on Table Mountain? ›Picnicking is allowed all year round. The picnic sites around the reservoir operate on a first come first serve basis and cannot be reserved. Cycling is only allowed during gate operating hours, and not at night. Day permits for cycling are available at the Gate 1 access point.
Where can I use my wildcard in Cape Town? ›- Addo Elephant National Park.
- Agulhas National Park.
- Augrabies Falls National Park.
- Bontebok National Park.
- Camdeboo National Park.
- Garden Route National Park.
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
- Karoo National Park.
The Boulders Beach entrance fee is R152 for adults and R76 for children for foreign individuals. For South African citizens, it is R39 and R20 respectively, and for SADC nationals, the price is R76 and R39.
How much does it cost to enter Cape of Good Hope? ›
Adults: R90. Children (2 – 11 years old): R45.
Is it easy to climb Table Mountain? ›All routes up Table Mountain are quite challenging due to the steep and long ascent to the top. Overall hiking trails up Table Mountain are more difficult than Lion's Head hike.
How long is the hike up Table Mountain South Africa? ›The distance is actually only 1.2 miles (2 km). But that doesn't do the hike justice, as it's straight up the mountain – you ascend 2,300 feet (over 700 meters). Also keep in mind that if you walk from the cable car station, you need to add some more time and distance to that – another 20 to 30 minutes of hiking.
Where does the Table Mountain hike start? ›However, it is not a route to be trifled with; the going can be tough. The walk starts on Tafelberg Road and ascends the main gorge that divides the front face (Africa face) of Table Mountain.
Is it worth visiting Table Mountain? ›There are dozens of relatively steep trails that will take you to the top of Table Mountain. Or you can take the cable car to the top, where you'll find three easy hiking trails to explore the top of the mountain. The Dassie Walk offers spectacular views to the north, south and west.
What animals are found on Table Mountain? ›The most common mammal on the mountains is the dassie or rock hyrax, and Table Mountain is also home to porcupines, mongooses, snakes, lizards, tortoises, and a rare endemic species of amphibian that is only found here: the Table Mountain ghost frog.
At which airport should tourist land if they want to visit Table Mountain? ›South Africa's Cape Town International Airport has been named the continent's leading airport at the recent edition of the World Travel Awards. And Table Mountain was named Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction.
Should I Book Table Mountain? ›Yes, and yes again, of course, booking in advance is virtually essential. Visitors booking ahead of time allow themselves the ease of mind while benefiting from the peace of nature. Table Mountain cable car queue times can extend; booking in advance affords less of a wait for the tickets line on the day.
What time does the last cable car come down from Table Mountain? ›FIND OUT THE RATES AND OPENING HOURS
From 16 December 2020 until 31 January 2021 it operates from 8am (first car up) to 9.30pm (last car down).
Cable cars also hold lots of water, enough for Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to provide strong support from high winds circulating the contraptions. No need to panic, the redesigned shape of the cable car ensures adequate protection during the South Easter – or your next Table Mountain trip.
Is Table Mountain safe for kids? ›
There are numerous ways to summit Table Mountain. We chose to hike up Platteklip Gorge, a steep two hour climb, up a gorge at the front of the mountain. It is a tough climb but rewarding for its spectacular views over Cape Town. It is do-able with kids as long as they are used to hiking.
Is it safe to hike in South Africa? ›Is it safe to go hiking in South Africa? South Africa is blessed with an abundance of beautiful mountains and hiking trails. It's rare for hikers to experience any incidence of crime on the majority of hikes around the country, including multi-day trips.
What time does Skeleton Gorge open? ›The park opens at 8 a.m. so that's the earliest time you can start this hike. If you climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, remember you'll finish the hike in a different location from where you started.
How long is the boat ride to Robben Island? ›The standard tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips, this is only true for the Krotoa as other boats take longer, between 30 min and 1 hour.
How much is the boat from Waterfront to Robben Island? ›The quickest way to get from Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to Robben Island is to ferry which costs R 210 - R 600 and takes 36 min.
Can you sleep over on Robben Island? ›The former prison for criminal and political prisoners, used during the colonial and apartheid regime in South Africa, is a heritage site and international tourist attraction. Previously no visitors have been allowed to overnight on the island.
How long is the Table Mountain cable car ride? ›The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a cable car transportation system offering visitors a five-minute ride to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
How much does it cost to go to Cape Point? ›| Description | Adults | Kids* |
|---|---|---|
| South Africans (with ID)** | R90 | R45 |
| Standard Entry | R360 | R180 |
| SADC Nationals | R180 | R90 |
The Robben Island entrance fee via a boat has been categorised into two. For adults, the normal ferry trip costs R360 while for children it costs R200. A special tour with 10 highlights and 5 stops is also available and it needs the adults to pay R1050 and children below 12 years of age to pay R600 for the tickets.
What is free on your birthday in Cape Town? ›- Table Mountain. One of the seven wonders of the world Table Mountain offers some of the most beautiful views of Cape Town that you will ever experience. ...
- Cape Town Big Wheel. ...
- Sky Hi Ride. ...
- Two Oceans Aquarium. ...
- Galileo.
What is the best time to visit Table Mountain? ›
The best time to visit Table Mountain is from October to March, the dry summer. The perfect daytime is in the morning before it gets busy and too hot. Either take the first cable car (8:00 am / 8:30) or start hiking early.
Should I Book Table Mountain? ›Yes, and yes again, of course, booking in advance is virtually essential. Visitors booking ahead of time allow themselves the ease of mind while benefiting from the peace of nature. Table Mountain cable car queue times can extend; booking in advance affords less of a wait for the tickets line on the day.
What is on top of Table Mountain? ›The cableway station at the top of the mountain has a curio shop, a shop where you can stock up on snacks, and a restaurant. If you take the cableway up the mountain, but still want to do a little walking, there are three easy walks on the plateau – the Dassie Walk, the Agama Walk, and the Klipspringer Walk.
Do you pay to enter Boulders Beach? ›The Boulders Beach entrance fee is R152 for adults and R76 for children for foreign individuals. For South African citizens, it is R39 and R20 respectively, and for SADC nationals, the price is R76 and R39.
How much does it cost to enter Cape of Good Hope? ›Adults: R90. Children (2 – 11 years old): R45.
Where the 2 oceans meet in Cape Town? ›Officially Cape Agulhas is the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, and not the "two oceans" as believed at the Cape Point, near Cape Town (for publicity reasons). Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa.
How long is the boat ride to Robben Island? ›The standard tour to Robben Island is about 4 hours long with two half hour ferry trips, this is only true for the Krotoa as other boats take longer, between 30 min and 1 hour.
How much is the boat from Waterfront to Robben Island? ›The quickest way to get from Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to Robben Island is to ferry which costs R 210 - R 600 and takes 36 min.
Can you sleep over on Robben Island? ›The former prison for criminal and political prisoners, used during the colonial and apartheid regime in South Africa, is a heritage site and international tourist attraction. Previously no visitors have been allowed to overnight on the island.
Do you get free entrance at Gold Reef City on your birthday? ›Entrance to the Theme Park is free on the day of your birthday on the presentation of your valid ID book, birth certificate, Passport, or Driver's Licence!
How long is the Cape wheel ride? ›
The Cape Wheel offers 30 fully enclosed air conditioned cabins that will take you 40 metres above the ground in safety and comfort on the 12 – 15 minute, 4 revolution ride.
What is there to do in Cape Town for free today? ›- Hike Up Lion's Head. Image Source. ...
- Visit The Aquarium. Image Source. ...
- Go Swinging At Sea Point Promenade. Image Source. ...
- Visit Green Point Urban Park. Image Source. ...
- Swing In Your Hammock At De Waal Park. Image Source. ...
- Cecilia Forest. ...
- Go Surfing At Muizenberg Beach. ...
- Visit the Centre For The Book.