Table Mountain is Cape Town's most famous landmark and forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.
Summer sunset special
Until February the 29th, all ticket prices for a ride on the cable car are half-price after 18:00!!
These tickets can only be bought from the ticket office at the Lower Cable Station from 18h00.
The tickets cost R97.50 per adult and R47.50 per child.
The mountain is named for its flat top which is often covered by cloud, forming the "table cloth". It is flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head and Signal Hill to the north.
Devil's Peak is left and Lion's Head on the right of the mountain.
What makes the mountain so impressive, is that it rises virtually straight out of the ocean to a height of 1 087m (at Maclear's Beacon - the highest point).
Durf Leeukop aan met volmaan
Table Mountain fauna and flora facts
The main vegetation, is the unique and rich Cape fynbos.
An estimated 1,470 species of plants are found and amongst them are many kinds of world-famous proteas.
The Table Mountain ghost frog (Heleophryne rosei) is a critically endangered species endemic to the eastern and southern slopes.
Dassies’ soles are kept moist by special glands. They are able to climb smooth cliffs using their feet as suction pads.
The five most venomous snakes found on the mountain are the Cape cobra, puff adder, boomslang, rinkhals and berg adder.
The male agama lizard is a particularly interesting sight during mating season, when its head turns bright blue.
In June 2004, the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is the smallest and richest on Earth, and is home to an amazing 8200 plant species, was recognised as a Natural World Heritage Site.
11 November 2011 - Table Mountain was chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in a campaign, created by Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation.
The New7Wonders winners were:
1. Table Mountain, South Africa
2. Puerto Princesa Underground River
3. Komodo Island, Indonesia
4. Jeju Island
5. Iguazu Falls in Brazil / Argentina
6. Halong Bay
7. Amazon
Aerial Cable Car - then and now
The two ways to reach the summit, is to either walk, or to use the aerial cable way.
Cable car facts
The "Rotair" cars carry 65 passengers, and run on a double cable, making them stable in high wind, and giving a fast journey of 4-5 minutes to the summit.
The floors of the cars rotate through 360 degrees during the ascent or descent,giving passengers a panoramic view of the city.
The cable cars take visitors 704m, from the lower station at 363m above sea level, to the upper station, at 1067m above sea level.
The special cabling used for the Cableway is Swiss-made, high-tech, full-lock coil, designed to keep moisture out while retaining internal lubrication.
The two cable cars, counterbalance each other – as one goes up, the other comes down. They cannot operate independently of each other.
The cable car’s base is filled with water, and serves as a ballast in windy conditions.
Construction of the Cableway was first started in 1926, with it officially opening in 1929. The first cable car – with a tin roof and wooden sides – was officially opened to the public on October 4, 1929. It carried 20 passengers.
A trip to the top of the mountain is a must when visiting Cape Town to take in the spectacular views of Cape Town and surrounds.
Cape Town Harbour
Lion's Head as seen from Table Mountain
Insider's Tips
tip 1: Always pack something warm, as it might be much colder at the top of the mountain than at the bottom.
tip 2: Visit the Aerial Cableway website to confirm whether they are open, as trips are weather dependant. NB!! - When you hear the hooter, return to the top station immediately as unfavourable weather conditions are approaching - the Upper Cable Station will be closing.
tip 3: Visit between 14h00 and 16h00 when there is typically a lull in visitors – you’ll spend very little time in the queue and have more than adequate time at the top.
Useful Information:
Aerial Cableway
Telehone: 021 424 8181
Website: www.tablemountain.net
Hours:
16 January - 31 January 08h00 - 20h00
1 February - 28 February 08h00 - 19h30
1 March - 31 March 08h00 - 18h30
1 April - 30 April 08h00 - 17h30
1 May - 15 September 08h30 - 17h00
16 September - 31 October 08h00 - 18h00
1 November - 30 November 08h00 - 19h00
1 December - 15 December 08h00 - 20h30
16 December - 15 January 08h00 - 21h00
What to do
Table Mountain Cafe Dine at Table mountain Cafe.The menu include pizzas, gourmet burgers and a section with traditional South African food.Light meals are also available from the deli.
Shop at the Top The Shop at the top offers a wide selection of items ranging from handmade jewelry and local crafts to chocolates and teaspoons. Practical items such as sun block, beanies and batteries are also available.
Guided walks Free short guided walks depart daily at 10:00 and 12:00 from the Upper Cable Station
Cape Town Time
