Below is a list of useful Tips for visiting Table Mountain, from when to go, what to take and how to get there.
Table Mountain is open daily (weather permitting)
Check the weather and if the cableway is running: Live Updates
- 1 February to 30 April & 1 November to 30 November; 8 am to 8 pm (last cable car up at 7 pm)
- 1 May to 31 August; 8.30 am to 6 pm (last cable car up at 5 pm)
- 1 September to 31 October; 8.30 am to 7.00 pm (last cable car up at 6.00 pm)
- 1 December to 31 January; 8.00 am to 9.00 pm (last cable car up at 8.00 pm)
Getting there
If you are not driving yourself, there are several cost-effective ways to get to the Lower cable station on Tafelberg Road. Uber is popular and efficient in Cape Town. My Citi bus runs from Camps Bay, stopping at the top of Kloof Nek Road (route numbers 106 and 107), (Civic Centre / Camps Bay). The bus depot /terminus is at the Civic Centre on Hertzog Boulevard.
The hop-on Hop-off bus service runs every 20 minutes and stops at other major tourist attractions in Cape Town. Tickets for the cableway can be bought from the hop-on hop-off bus offices or directly from the bus drivers. Make use of the free TMACC shuttle that runs every 20 minutes between the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area and the Lower Station See details here.. See the map and directions to Tafelberg Road.
Return trip on the Table Mountain cableway is included in your City Pass ticket
Best ticket tips
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Buy tickets online – R450 online vs R490 at the ticket office, and skip the queue.
- Consider a City Pass ticket, it’s very good value
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Fast-track return tickets (R1 100) allow direct access to the cable car, ideal for busy summer days.
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Visit after 3 pm for quieter times and a chance to catch the sunset.
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Spring (Sept–Nov) is a great time to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds.
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Free parking at Lower Tafelberg Road comes with a shuttle to the Lower Station.
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Travel sustainably – use public transport, ride-sharing, or e-hailing to avoid congestion.
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If hiking, wear suitable clothing, start early in cooler temperatures, and bring plenty of water.
Tours
Daily free guided tours (30–45 minutes) reveal Table Mountain’s history and biodiversity. Learn surprising facts, like dassies being the elephant’s closest living relative, and that one of the summit’s five reservoirs is nicknamed “the hidden beach” for its pale sand and calm water. See “5 dams on Table Mountain”
Tours run on the hour from 9 am to 3 pm daily (weather permitting), departing from the Twelve Apostles Terrace below the Shop at the Top. Guides highlight fascinating plants, such as the blister bush — a toxic species you can admire but should never touch — and explain that the Table Mountain Nature Reserve is home to over 4 500 plant species, more than most countries.
For a slower, self-guided experience, download the VoiceMap app. These cover everything from the Cableway’s history to the plateau’s hidden ecology, perfect for solo exploring or while waiting in line.
Lower Cableway Station Audio Guide: In-Queue Entertainment(VoiceMap)
Upper Cableway Station Audio Guide: Tabletop Walking Tour (Voice Map self-guided tour)
Staying over
- You may want to consider sleeping on the mountain. The Overseers’ cottage is a self-catering space for 16 people.
Hiking up
See the most popular hikes here
Specials for locals
Birthday Special
Visit during your birthday month and enjoy a free return ticket. Just show your South African ID or driver’s license at the Cableway Ticket Office.
Pensioner Special
South Africans over 60 can ride for R130 return daily (valid until 30 June 2026). Plus, TEN67 offers daily meal specials for pensioners.
Student Special
Local and international students pay R300 return (valid until 30 June 2026) when presenting a valid student card at the ticket office.
Eating and drinking
TEN67 Eatery serves meals and snacks. This child-friendly restaurant features South African-inspired food and a selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and pizza slices
. The Tap Bar is at the base of Table Mountain near the Lower Cableway Station, but there are still great views of the Cape Town City Bowl from here.
VIEWS by De Grendel Wines is a wine lounge with panoramic views over Cape Town
Kloud bar is at the Twelve Apostles Terrace, stop for some quick refreshment or a cold beer. The bar serves a variety of spirits and liquers
There is a dedicated wifi lounge available for use by visitors. Pop into the Shop at the top
Table Mountain as a function venue
Table Mountain offers more than sightseeing. It also serves as a striking venue for weddings, cocktail parties, corporate functions, and private events, with both indoor and outdoor options.
The Twelve Apostles Terrace is an open-air venue with sweeping mountain views and space for up to 200 guests. It is wheelchair-friendly and works well for breakfast or cocktail functions.
For smaller gatherings, TEN67’s balcony overlooks the Twelve Apostles mountain range and accommodates up to 40 guests in an open-air setting.
If you prefer a modern indoor venue, VIEWS by De Grendel hosts up to 80 guests, with space for an additional 25 when the balcony is opened.
Located at the Lower Station, VISTA features stacking glass doors that can open to city views or close to create a more intimate atmosphere. It suits events of up to 40 guests.
At the foot of the mountain, TAP’s shaded viewing deck is ideal for sundowner events. It offers uninterrupted views of the city and Lion’s Head and can host up to 50 standing guests.
To enquire about bookings, email functions@tablemountain.net.
You may also be interested in the history and geology of the mountain
