Your essential guide to visiting Table Mountain this holiday season

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) is gearing up for one of its busiest periods of the year, as local and international visitors flock to Cape Town for the festive season. Based on tourist arrival stats released by the Department of Tourism in November, this will be a particularly busy season for all tourism operators.

“December in Cape Town is truly spectacular, and Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of Nature is deservedly at the top of every visitor’s itinerary,” says Wahida Parker, managing director of TMACC.

The Mother City is a hive of activity each December, with holidaymakers from near and far arriving to enjoy the sun, the sea, the outdoors and the warm hospitality that only Cape Town delivers. It does mean, however, that roads are generally much busier than usual, and tourist sites are packed to capacity with visitors.

“We want people to have a wonderful experience filled with positive memories. My team and I hope the following tips we share here will help everyone have a visit they will smile about for years to come,” says Parker.

Plan your visit

The Cableway is extremely popular during the summer season, with thousands of eager visitors arriving every day. Keep this in mind and consider arriving very early for the first cable car up, or toward the afternoon when it could be quieter. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway app, available for download from the App store or Google Play, provides real time updates on weather and operating status and waiting time.

Park ‘n Ride

Public parking along Tafelberg Road is very limited. Make use of the free Cableway shuttle that runs every 20 minutes between the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area and the Lower Station. If you are using an e-hailing service, help reduce congestion by being dropped off at the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area and hopping onto the free shuttle.

Online tickets

Buy your tickets online and save. Online tickets remain valid for seven days, so you can easily reschedule your visit if needed.

Fast Track

When time is limited, our Fast Track ticket allows you to skip the queue and access the cable cars faster, ensuring you get to the top (and back down) without cutting into your travel plans.

Capacity management

On days when the Cableway is at capacity, only ticket holders will be given access to the attraction, as onsite ticket sales will be suspended. Visitors are therefore strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance.

Dress warm and hydrate

The weather in Cape Town is unpredictable and fast-changing, especially on the mountain. It may be warm in the City Bowl while it’s cold and windy at the summit, so pack layers to prepare for any conditions. And don’t forget to drink enough water to stay properly hydrated. Parker also recommends suitable hiking or trail shoes, as slip slops and sandals can lead to accidental slips and falls on rocky terrain.

Parker also offers easy ways to make the visit even more memorable, especially if you are bringing your loved ones with you:

Hike up and take the cable car down, or vice versa

There’s no nicer way to end a long and busy year than conquering an iconic trail leading up to Table Mountain. Test your endurance on the Platteklip Gorge hiking route, then reward yourself with a leisurely cable car ride down. If you prefer to skip the uphill climb, enjoy the scenic ride up first and take a leisurely walk down at your own pace. Frequent visitors can also make use of the Table Mountain Cableway’s Virtual Cable Card, which offers one return trip per day for a year – perfect for those who love to combine hiking with Cableway convenience.

Stroll the summit trails

Once at the top, don’t just stop at the panoramic views! Table Mountain’s summit is crisscrossed with easy walking paths. Take your time exploring the diverse flora and unique rock formations that make this natural wonder so special. Plus, there are plenty of picture-perfect spots for those Instagram-worthy shots, especially tagging the Maclear’s Beacon peak.

Sunrise and sunset magic

Capture the magic of a new dawn or bid farewell to the day with Table Mountain as your stage. Early risers can catch the first cable car up at 08h00 and enjoy a peaceful summit stroll with a side of golden hues. For those chasing sunsets, plan your visit in time for the last cable car ride up at 20h00, until the end of January 2026 (last cable car ride down is at 21h00).

Bring the fam!

Table Mountain isn’t just for grown-ups. It’s an adventure for the whole family. Plan a day out and let the kids experience the thrill of a cable car ride while learning about the mountain’s incredible biodiversity. Free guided walks are on offer 7 days a week, weather permitting, on the hour, from 09h00 to 15h00.

Give back to our New7Wonder of Nature

Now is the perfect time to show some love to our natural treasure. The Cableway encourages visitors to help keep the mountain pristine by placing their litter in the appropriate bin. Not only will you leave the mountain better than you found it, but you’ll also feel great knowing you’ve done your part.

Enjoy a snack above the city

After taking in the views, unwind at one of our food outlets at the summit, which offer a selection of meals, snacks and refreshments. The perfect spot to recharge, cool off or simply savour a moment above the city.

Discover keepsakes

Don’t forget to stop by the Shop at the Top and support local. Browse the range of locally sourced treasures – perfect keepsakes to commemorate your experience.

Capture the moment at the N7W Frame

Make your visit truly unforgettable with a photo at the iconic New 7 Wonder of Nature frame, located next to the Shop at the Top. It’s perfectly positioned for breathtaking shots of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for sharing your Table Mountain adventure with friends and family.

“Table Mountain is more than just a backdrop to our city – it’s part of who we are. It is where people come to relax, spend time with their loved ones and favourite friends, and where they enjoy a view like no other. This spectacular picture-postcard-perfect view, in fact, helped us secure another trophy this year when the Twelve Apostles Terrace event venue was awarded Africa’s Best MICE Event Venue 2025 at the 6th annual World MICE Awards.

“This year, we’re encouraging everyone to make the mountain a bigger part of their lives, through adventure, conservation and simply taking in the incredible views,” concludes Parker.