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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 15 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

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 aerial cable car to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city, and wander the fynbos-fringed footpaths that criss-cross the serene and beautiful flat-topped summit.

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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

South Africa

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

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Price from: £18
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
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.

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

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

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

Cape Town

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 th...

€94 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [22 ratings]

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

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

Cape Town

For travellers with limited time in Cape Town we have combined all the highlights into one day on a Scheduled Tour to Table Mountain, Boulde...

Z1,050 | Rating 4.77 / 5 [587 ratings]

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

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

Cape Town

Join us on a fun-filled day and embark on a Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point private tour including the colorful houses in the Bo Kaap, cable ca...

Z2,250 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [112 ratings]

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Robben Island Tour & Table Mountain guided Tour

Robben Island Tour & Table Mountain guided Tour

Cape Town

A must visit when touring Cape Town. From panoramic views and activities to where Mandela was imprisoned. Robben Island tour & Table Mountai...

Z2,500 | Rating 4.73 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Vineyard Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.6 miles]

A great value boutique hotel set amid expansive gardens in one of the city’s leafy suburbs, in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Official star rating:

Kensington Place

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.3 miles]

Stylish boutique gem at the base of Table Mountain; Cape Town’s coolest bolthole. 

Official star rating:

Ocean View House

Cape Town , Western Cape, South Africa[4.5 miles]

A luxurious boutique hotel close to glamorous Camps Bay beach, boasting contemporary sea-view suites.

Official star rating:

The Marly Boutique Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.7 miles]

A glamorous boutique hotel perched right above the palm-lined Camps Bay beachfront.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1.4 miles]

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

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Hike up Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.2 miles]

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours

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Hike up the Lion’s Head

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.9 miles]

A stunning 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of white, colonial building at dusk
Experience

South African Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.3 miles]

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Exterior view of the restaurant during the daytime
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Neighbourhood Goods Market

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.3 miles]

This Cape Town institution, set up in an Old Biscuit Factory in 2006, features food stalls from around the world, plus local artisans selling designer clothing, accessories and quality handicrafts. Live music adds to the atmospheric buzz and energy.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Entrance to an aquarium on a sunny day
Experience

Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.5 miles]

In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.

Best for ages: 4+ | £10

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Mountains, hotels and deep blue water with waves at beach promenade
Experience

Walk or cycle the Sea Point Promenade

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[7.6 miles]

Join locals on ‘The Prom’ for a leisurely 5km seaside ramble, cycle or skate as you enjoy the city’s best sunset views. There are pavement cafes if you need a break, and play parks for kids.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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Round-ups that include this experience