Handy hints for visiting Table Mountain this festive …

Our blog | 22 December 2025

Handy hints for visiting Table Mountain this festive season

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To help ease your visit to Table Mountain this festive season, the most exciting times of the year, we have put together a few simple tips to make your experience smooth, memorable, and stress-free:

Plan for a smoother visit

Summer is our busiest season. To avoid peak crowds, we recommend arriving early for the first cable car up or visiting later in the afternoon when it’s often quieter.

Download the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. It provides real-time updates on weather conditions, operating status, and waiting times, helping you plan your visit with confidence.

Park and Ride – Free Shuttle

Parking along Tafelberg Road is very limited during peak periods. To ease congestion, park at the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area and use our free Cableway shuttle service. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes between Lower Tafelberg parking area and Lower Station.

If you’re using an e-hailing service or taxi, request to be dropped off at the Lower Tafelberg Road bus stop and take the Cableway shuttle from there.

Buy tickets online and SAVE

Buying your tickets online saves both time and money. Online tickets are valid for seven days, giving you flexibility to reschedule if the weather changes.

Added benefit for ticket holders when the Cableway reaches capacity:

On very busy days, when the Cableway reaches capacity, only ticket holders will be allowed access and onsite ticket sales will be suspended. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Short on time? Choose Fast Track

If you are on a tight schedule, our Fast Track ticket lets you skip the queue and access the cable cars faster — perfect for fitting Table Mountain into a busy holiday plan.

Dress for all seasons (and stay hydrated)

Cape Town’s weather can change quickly, especially on top of the mountain. While it may be warm in the city, the summit can be cold and windy. Pack layers, wear suitable hiking or trail shoes, and remember to drink plenty of water.

Hike one way, ride the other

There’s no better way to end a busy year than taking on one of Table Mountain’s hiking trails. Hike up Platteklip Gorge and enjoy a relaxing cable car ride down or take the cable car up and walk down at your own pace.

Frequent visitors can also make use of our Cable Card, which offers one return trip per day for a year — ideal for combining hiking with Cableway convenience.

Explore the summit trails

Once you reach the top, the adventure continues. The summit has easy walking paths where you can explore unique plant life, impressive rock formations, and stunning viewpoints.

Sunrise and sunset magic

There’s something special about being on Table Mountain at the start or end of the day. Early risers can catch the first cable car up at 08h00 and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll.

For sunsets, plan to take the last cable car up at 20h00, available until the end of January 2026. The final cable car down is at 21h00.

Fun for the Whole Family

Table Mountain is a place for all ages. Bring the kids along and let them experience the thrill of the 360-degree rotating cable car while learning about our incredible biodiversity.

We also offer free guided walks, seven days a week (weather permitting), on the hour from 09h00 to 15h00.

Help Us Protect Our Natural Treasure

We are proud to be part of a New 7 Wonder of Nature, and we ask our visitors to help keep it clean. Please use the bins provided and leave the mountain as beautiful as you found it.

Refuel, Relax and Shop Local

After taking in the views, relax at one of our food outlets, offering a range of meals, snacks, and refreshments.

Before heading down, stop by the Shop at the Top to browse 97% locally sourced keepsakes. Don’t forget to take a photo at the New 7 Wonder of Nature frame, perfectly positioned for breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

We cannot wait to welcome you to Table Mountain this festive season!