How to Spend the Day on Table Mountain

Cape Town Tourism
October 23, 2024
Nature Activities
4 min Read

Adding a trip to Table Mountain is mandatory when visiting Cape Town. Flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Table Mountain forms the northern end of the Cape Fold Mountain range.

Hoerikwaggo, which translates to “Mountain in the Sea,” is the original name given to the mountain by the indigenous Khoisan people of the Cape. It was also named “Taboa do Cabo” (Table of the Cape) by António de Saldanha after he climbed up Platteklip Gorge in 1503.

We have compiled a guide on how to spend a day on Table Mountain, including tips on getting there, food and beverage options, and fun activities.

Getting There

Drive and Park

If you are driving, there are parking spaces available on Tafelberg Road. Parking is limited and tends to fill up on sunny days. Also note that it can be a mission leaving these designated bays during high season so we suggest planning accordingly.

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMACC) has launched its Park and Ride shuttle service for guests, making travel to and from the destination more convenient. The shuttle picks up visitors from the Lower Station Parking Lot and operates from 7am to 7pm for Cableway visitors, accommodating 22 passengers at a time.

Uber and City Sightseeing Bus

You can skip the hassle of finding parking by taking an Uber to and from the Cableway base station. Another convenient and tourist-friendly option is the City Sightseeing Red Bus. This hop-on, hop-off service takes you directly to the cableway base station, with pickups at designated times.

How to Get Up the Mountain

Taking the Cable Car

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a popular option for many visitors, especially those who prefer not to break a sweat to reach the top. The rotating gondolas provide 360-degree views and allow everyone the opportunity to capture some postcard-perfect images. Weather conditions can affect the Cableway’s operations, so it’s best to check in advance.

Hiking

For the fit and adventurous, you can enjoy a scenic hike up or down the mountain. Popular routes include Platteklip Gorge, Nursery Ravine, and Skeleton Gorge. These hikes are not for the faint-hearted and can be strenuous and steep. We recommend doing your research on your specific route, travelling in groups, and being mindful of hiking times and weather conditions.

What to Do on Table Mountain

Free Walking Tour

Once at the top, you can join a free guided walking tour between 9 am and 3 pm daily. The 30-minute walk departs from the Twelve Apostles Terrace, located below the café, every hour. The walks are conducted by TMACC staff, who delve into the story of Table Mountain and the Cableway. There are also self-guided walks ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, including the Dassie Walk (15 minutes), Agama Walk (30 minutes), and Klipspringer Walk (45 minutes). These walks are beginner-friendly.

Go Abseiling

Thrill-seekers can experience the excitement of abseiling down Table Mountain! Suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned adventurers, this abseiling experience promises an exhilarating adventure. Along with stunning views of Robben Island, Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay, you might even catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife that calls Table Mountain home. For more information, visit: www.capetownabseil.co.za/.

Here is a list of other activities you can do here: www.capetown.travel/5-things-to-do-at-the-top-of-table-mountain/.

Finding the Table Mountain Dams

One of the lesser-known gems on Table Mountain is its five dams. You can access the route via the Constantia Nek parking area (you can park there or opposite La Parada). Follow the Jeep Track and continue upwards. Along the route, you can take the path with stairs or continue along the same route (the latter option takes longer).

Once at the top, you will reach the first dam, De Villiers, with the other four located along the way. A return trip can take between four to six hours.

Halal Dining Options on Table Mountain

For those in search of halal-friendly dining options, all restaurants provide halal choices; however, some establishments do serve alcohol.

Restaurant options include TEN67 Eatery and VIEWS by De Grendel.

What to Pack

Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable, so always carry a jacket, a fully charged phone (especially when hiking), a bottle of water, sunscreen, snacks, and a hat or sunglasses for extra sun protection.

Free Birthday Ticket

South African travellers can collect and redeem their free Cableway birthday ticket on any day during their birthday month. You will need to present a valid South African identity document, driving license, or birth certificate at the Ticket Office or Visitor Information Centre to redeem your free ticket. For more information, visit www.tablemountain.net.