Table Mountain

Cape Town’s Iconic Flat-Topped Wonder

Table Mountain rises above Cape Town with a flat summit that stretches across the skyline. Its rocky face offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and city streets below. Hikers climb its slopes to see wildflowers in spring or spot baboons along forested trails. The mountain’s cliffs drop sharply toward the sea, creating dramatic scenery visible from beaches like Camps Bay. At night, the silhouette stands out against city lights, marking Cape Town’s natural landmark without needing embellishment. Its presence shapes local weather and daily life for residents below.

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Cliff in Cape Town

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 6.0

General Safety:	6
Accessibility:	6

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5/5

English is widely spoken and understood by locals, particularly in tourist areas and services related to Table Mountain, ensuring smooth communication for visitors.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Table Mountain Summary

World-class for mountain scenery and panoramic views. Hike scenic trails, ride the cable car to the summit, enjoy photography viewpoints and explore unique plant life across the plateau.

Public website:	www.tablemountain.net

South Africa – Quick facts

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Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type M Type M: Read about power adapters
Currency:	South African Rand (ZAR) £1 ≈ ZAR 22.10
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in South Africa, and credit cards are commonly used in most establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in South Africa, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Small tips for taxis and hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, including parks and beaches. However, it is generally prohibited in public spaces like streets.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Designated smoking zones are available in certain locations.

Freedom Day (27 April)	Celebrates South Africa's first democratic elections
Christmas (25 December)	A major festive holiday in the country

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 10111 (Police), 10177 (Ambulance), 112 (from mobile phones)
Taxi apps:	Bolt, Uber
Other:	South Africa is famous for its wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. It offers a wide range of travel experiences from safaris to coastal adventures.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

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Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

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Additional notes:
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for Table Mountain, South Africa

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High season:	Jan. - March, Nov. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	April, Sep. - Oct.

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Climate details

Cable car often closes in strong southeasterly wind, most frequent November to March; annual maintenance closure usually July or August

Cloud can cover the summit within minutes, so hike early and avoid trails in poor visibility

Don't miss

🚡 Take the rotating cable car for 360° views of Cape Town
🥾 Hike to Maclear's Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain
🌿 Explore Table Mountain’s unique flora on free guided walks

You've been here?

Table Mountain is a flat-topped sandstone mountain that forms a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town. It is part of the Table Mountain National Park, a protected natural area renowned for its unique biodiversity and stunning scenery. The mountain’s plateau extends about 3 kilometers from side to side and is famous for its frequent "tablecloth" of orographic clouds draping over the summit.

The mountain features multiple hiking trails, the most popular being the Platteklip Gorge route, which is steep and challenging but rewards climbers with panoramic views. More adventurous hikers can explore routes like Skeleton Gorge and India Venster. For those who prefer a less strenuous ascent, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers a spectacular 360-degree rotating ride to the summit.

Atop the mountain, visitors find beautiful walking paths, diverse flora including endemic fynbos species and several viewpoints ideal for watching Cape Town’s sunset. The area also offers thrilling activities like abseiling down the cliffs. However, caution is advised as weather conditions can change suddenly and some hiking routes are physically demanding.

Visitor tips include bringing warm clothing for the cooler summit temperatures, arriving early to avoid crowds and checking cable car operating hours and weather forecasts. Despite occasional weather disruptions or crowded trails, Table Mountain remains an unforgettable experience and a highlight of any visit to South Africa.

Why travel to Table Mountain?

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
2 Table Mountain (Maclear's beacon)
3 Twelve Apostles
4 Platteklip Gorge

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Signal Hill
2 Lion's Head

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Knowledge before you go

Check cable car status online. Closes in high winds.
Book aerial cableway tickets early during peak season to avoid long queues at the lower station.
Bring sun protection and water; plateau trails are exposed with stunning 360-degree views over Cape Town.
Hike Platteklip Gorge for direct steep ascent, rewarding with panoramic vistas but requires good fitness level.

How to travel to Table Mountain

Table Mountain is located in Cape Town, South Africa, easily accessible from Cape Town International Airport. Visitors usually rent a car, take a taxi or use rideshare services to reach the base of the mountain and the cableway station. From Cape Town city center, it is a short drive of roughly 20 minutes. There are also shuttle services and public transport options available.

Access summary

From Cape Town Airport (CPT): Taxi or shuttle to cableway, about 30–40 minutes.
From central Cape Town: Taxi, rideshare or tour bus, roughly 15–25 minutes.
Most visitors ascend via Table Mountain Aerial Cableway; ride takes about 5 minutes.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Table Mountain

Cape Town offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels. Staying near the city center or in neighborhoods like Gardens or Sea Point provides easy access to Table Mountain and other Cape Town attractions.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Cape Town Lodge Hotel

8.7

Pepperclub Hotel

8.9

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel

9.4

Habitat Aparthotel by Totalstay

9.0

ONOMO Hotel Cape Town - Inn On The Square

The Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts

8.8

Kloof Street Hotel

9.1

POD Camps Bay by The Oyster Collection

9.6

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Packing recommendations for Table Mountain

Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

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Costs compared to home

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-43 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 43% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

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-2 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ZAR) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Table Mountain’s cliff area remains generally safe for visitors, but caution is essential. Stick to marked paths, avoid sudden drops and heed local guides’ advice. Crime rates are low in the park, yet keep valuables secure and stay alert during peak tourist hours.

Accessibility

Table Mountain’s cliff offers limited accessibility: cable car and well‑maintained paths serve most visitors, but steep sections and uneven rock make it challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Ensure a guide or adaptive equipment if exploring the summit’s rugged trails.