Table Mountain is the first thing most visitors want to do in Cape Town, and the first question they ask is: should I take the cable car or hike to the top? I have done both hundreds of times, and the right answer depends entirely on you.
The Cable Car
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has been running since 1929 (the current cable cars are from 1997). Each car carries up to 65 passengers and rotates 360 degrees during the 5-minute ascent, giving everyone a panoramic view.
The good:
- Takes 5 minutes from bottom to top
- Suitable for all fitness levels and ages
- The rotating floor means everyone gets the view
- Less weather-dependent than you might think (it runs in moderate wind)
The less good:
- Queues can be long in peak season (December to January). I have seen 2-hour waits.
- Closes in strong wind, which happens regularly from November to March
- Return ticket costs approximately R440 for international adults (2025 prices)
My tip: Book online in advance to skip the ticket queue. Even better, go first thing in the morning when the cable car opens at 8am. The light is beautiful and the crowds are minimal.
The Hike
There are several hiking routes up Table Mountain. The most popular is Platteklip Gorge, a direct route straight up the front face.
Platteklip Gorge:
- Distance: about 3 km
- Elevation gain: roughly 700 metres
- Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on fitness
- Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. It is steep but not technical.
Other routes I recommend:
- Skeleton Gorge (from Kirstenbosch): more scenic, through indigenous forest, takes 2.5 to 3 hours. My personal favourite.
- India Venster: a scramble with some rock hopping and incredible views. About 2 hours.
The good:
- Free (no ticket needed)
- A genuine sense of achievement
- You see wildlife, fynbos, and rock formations up close
- Quiet and peaceful, especially on weekday mornings
The less good:
- Physically demanding. You need reasonable fitness.
- Takes 1.5 to 3 hours to summit
- Not advisable in wet weather (rocks become slippery)
- You need proper shoes, water, sun protection, and a warm layer for the top
My Recommendation
For most first-time visitors, I recommend cable car up, cable car down. It is efficient, spectacular, and lets you save your energy for exploring the summit, which has over 2 km of pathways and viewpoints.
If you are reasonably fit and enjoy hiking, do hike up via Platteklip Gorge, cable car down. This gives you the achievement of the climb and the thrill of the descent by cable car. It is the best of both worlds.
For serious hikers, Skeleton Gorge up and Platteklip Gorge down is a phenomenal full loop. Allow 5 to 6 hours for the complete circuit including time at the summit.
Weather Matters More Than Anything
Table Mountain creates its own weather. The famous “tablecloth” cloud can roll in quickly, and when it does, visibility drops to near zero and temperatures fall sharply. Always check the forecast before heading up. If the mountain is clear in the morning but cloud is predicted for the afternoon, go early.
The cable car closes when wind speeds exceed a certain threshold. If you have limited days in Cape Town, make Table Mountain your first priority and be flexible with the rest of your itinerary. There is nothing worse than leaving Cape Town without having stood on the summit.
What You Will See at the Top
From Table Mountain’s summit, over 1,000 metres above sea level, the views are extraordinary in every direction. To the north, the city bowl and Robben Island. To the west, the Atlantic seaboard, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. To the south, the Cape Peninsula stretching all the way to Cape Point. To the east, the Cape Flats and, on a clear day, the Hottentots Holland Mountains 50 km away.
The summit is also home to unique fynbos vegetation found nowhere else on earth, and you will likely spot dassies (rock hyraxes) sunning themselves on the rocks. These small, furry animals look like large guinea pigs but are actually the closest living relative of the elephant.
Take your time up there. It is one of the most remarkable viewpoints on the planet.