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Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

View of the mountain range from an opposing island

Last updated: 12 July, 2024

Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain is 1,085m (3,559ft) above sea level at its highest point, Maclear’s Beacon. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, its name also derives from the thin layer of wind-blown cloud that forms over the flat summit before dropping dramatically over the edge like a tablecloth.

It’s now part of the Table Mountain National Park, set up to protect the landmark but also the rare fynbos vegetation. The site is now a UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

Ride up in the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and wander the fynbos-fringed footpaths that criss-cross the serene and beautiful flat-topped sum

If you’re reasonably fit, and a little adventurous, you can hike up to the summit rather than take the cable car. There are a number of different trails that you can do independently or with a guide. You can also abseil down from the summit.

Logistics

Price from: £18

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The cable car operates every 10-15 minutes, but you can spend as long as you want at the top. Buy tickets online before you go to skip the queues at the on-site ticket office.

The Table Mountain Café at the upper cableway station offers a range of light meals, but isn’t particularly memorable. There are various snack and cold drink kiosks available.

When to do it

In summer, first car up is around 8am, last car down around 9pm. Check the website for weather updates and closures.

Avoid cloudy days due to poor visibility, and in the wind or rain, it’s exposed at the top (and rather miserable to be there). Early morning is usually crowd-free and ideal for quiet walks. Sunsets and full moon evenings are popular for sundowners and admiring the city lights sparkling below.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town

Cape Town

Viator

For travellers with limited time in Cape Town we have combined all the highlights into one day on a Scheduled Tour to Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins and the Cape of Good Hope. Travelling to Cape Town without visiting the Cape of Good Hope is like a travelling to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. On this tour: See the city centre on a brief drive-by city tour; Stop in the Bo-Kaap for a photo with the colourful houses; Visit Table Mountain via the Cable Car; Take a drive along Chapman's Peak; Visit the African penguins colony at Boulder's Beach; Take your photo at the Cape of Good Hope and visit Cape Point lighthouse; See the colourful beach huts at St. James Beach.

Price ZAR 1,450

Min age 2

Rating 4.73 / 5 [1698 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town

Cape Town

Viator

Join us on a fun-filled day and embark on a Table Mountain, Penguins and Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point private tour including the colourful houses in the Bo Kaap, a cable car ride up and down Table Mountain, a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak and a visit to Boulder's Penguins colony from Cape Town. Benefit from hotel pick up and drop off in a private vehicle with a private tour guide/driver and take the option to customize the tour to suit your preferences along this tour route. This is one of the best ways to see the top 5 attractions in Cape Town in one day.

Price ZAR 3,150

Min age 2

Rating 4.86 / 5 [333 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Robben Island, Table Mountain and Cape Town City Private Day Tour

Cape Town

Viator

Join us on one of the most popular heritage tours in South Africa and experience more about South African history by taking a boat trip to Robben Island museum and see the prison cell where former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated as a political prisoner. Then, take a tour of Cape Town city including Table Mountain Cableway and see Cape Town from a different dimension. Take a photo in the Bo Kaap and meet and greet the local Cape Malay community. This is truly one of the most amazing tours you will ever embark on.

Price ZAR 3,350

Min age 0

Rating 4.38 / 5 [63 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Robben Island & Table Mountain Pre Booked Tickets With Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off

Cape Town

Viator

Robben Island museum a top attraction tourist site in Cape Town and South Africa's symbol of oppression must be on your bucket list of tours to do when planning a holiday in South Africa. There are a few guided scheduled tours which depart from Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island at clock tower between 09H00, 11H00, 13h00 and 15h00. Due to the high demand of visitors, very often is difficult to secure the tickets ahead on time. Relax as we have your tickets for Robben Island & Table Mountain Pre Booked ahead of your travel dates. Skip the lines of buying tickets. Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off. Small-group tour. Discover Robben Island on a guided tour. Secure your Robben Island Tour Tickets, which sells out very fast online. Discover the new 7 wonders of Nature namely Table Mountain.

Price ZAR 3,600

Min age 1

Rating 4.45 / 5 [31 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Table Mountain Walking Tour with Picnic, Yoga & Hike, Yoga Expert and more

Cape Town

Viator

You can expect a fantastic table mountain tour on non-tourist route with sunset picnic and a yoga unit if desired. (when else do you have the chance) In addition, they receive a lot of information from a trained tour guide.

Price €135

Min age 9

Rating 4.96 / 5 [28 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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