Option 1 — Easiest
The Aerial Cableway
The five-minute ride lifts you 700 m to the summit in a car that rotates a full 360°. Book online to skip the queue and travel before 13:00 for the best rates and clearest air. Allow 2–3 hours up top.
Must-see · Natural landmark
Table Mountain
The flat-topped giant watching over Cape Town. Ride the rotating cable car or hike up for a 360° panorama over the city, the two oceans and the whole peninsula — the single most iconic view in South Africa.
Getting up
Cable car / hike
Cable car (return)
~€20
Time needed
2 – 4 h
Best time
Early morning
Overview
There is no better introduction to Cape Town than the view from the top of Table Mountain — the whole city, the bay and Robben Island laid out 1,000 metres below.
Part of Table Mountain National Park and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, the mountain forms the dramatic backdrop to the city. Its famous flat top — often draped in a “tablecloth” of cloud — stretches almost 3 km from Devil’s Peak to Lion’s Head.
Most visitors ride the Aerial Cableway, whose floor rotates 360° during the five-minute ascent. Walkers can instead tackle the steep Platteklip Gorge trail (2–3 hours) or one of the gentler routes. At the top, easy footpaths lead to viewpoints, a café and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the shy little dassie.
Plan your visit
How to reach the top
Two ways up — pick the one that suits your time, energy and the weather.
Option 2 — On foot
Hiking up Platteklip Gorge
The direct route to the top: a steep, relentless 2–3 hour climb up the gorge, rewarded by the same staggering view. Start early, carry plenty of water, and consider taking the cable car back down to save your knees.
Good to know
Tips for a great visit
1
Go early, go clear
The summit is busiest and cloudiest midday. A clear, calm morning gives the best light and the longest views — check the live webcam first.
2
Watch the wind
The cableway closes in strong wind, sometimes at short notice. Keep your plans flexible and have a backup day if you can.
3
Book online
Buy your ticket in advance to skip the ticket line and lock in the lower "before 13:00" rate.
4
Layer up
It's noticeably cooler and windier at the top than in the city. Bring a jacket, sturdy shoes, water and sunscreen.
5
Stay for sunset
Late-afternoon "sunset specials" let you watch the city light up — bring a warm layer for the ride down.
6
Combine with Kirstenbosch
Pair the mountain with the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on its eastern slopes for a full day on the massif.
In pictures
Table Mountain in pictures
Plan & book
Ways to experience it
Book your cable-car ticket or a guided experience through our trusted partners — the same price as booking direct.
Cable car ticket
Skip-the-line return tickets for the Aerial Cableway, with an open date option.
Book on GetYourGuide →Guided hike
Climb to the top with a local guide via Platteklip Gorge or the scenic India Venster route.
Find a guided hike →City tour + mountain
Hop-on hop-off and half-day city tours that include the cableway in one ticket.
See city tours →Stay nearby
Hotels and guesthouses in the City Bowl and Gardens, right below the mountain.
Find a stay →We may earn a commission when you book through our partner links — at no extra cost to you.
Find your bearings
Where it is
Combine it with
Back to Cape Town → Nearby highlights
Make it part of your trip
Discover all of Cape Town
Table Mountain is just the start. See what else the Mother City has in store.