Table Mountain is one of the best-known landmarks and one of the top attractions in the top-class holiday destination of the City of Cape Town. So popular, that it was even voted in as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature back in 2012! And there are few ways to truly appreciate it, one of them being the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway! Extremely popular, exhilarating, and promising memorable experiences, this high-class attraction has drawn a multitude of visitors from all over the world and continues to do so to this day.

However, as unbelievable as it may sound, there are still those who have never treated themselves to this, and to them: you’re all probably asking, what is it actually like?

To answer your question, we have a firsthand account of the cable car ride as well as how the entire ticket system works. Read on to find out what you can expect at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, including tips, highlights and more!

From the beginning

There are two options when it comes to getting tickets. You can either buy them online only via the Webtickets website or at the Ticket Office by the Lower Station. Additionally, they can be purchased at these recognised partners: Cape Town Tourism and Sightseeing South Africa .

Buying the tickets online is obviously the more convenient option, and essential if you want to avoid long queues, which is what you will face if you decide to buy them on the day of your visit (although, on busy days, even with your ticket, you will have a queue to join to get to the cable car). It isn’t possible to buy tickets for a specific date, since the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is weather dependent, as strong winds affect the stability of the cable car rides. Once you buy a ticket, it is valid for 7 days.

Below are the rates, including discount packages:

* Children under the age of 4 don’t need a ticket: for them it’s free!
† SA senior citizens and students (with a valid student card) can only obtain this discount in person at the ticket office. Senior citizens additionally get a meal special at the Table Mountain Cableway. Make sure to get your tickets shortly after they open or towards the late afternoon or evening (not too late, though, check the operational times below).

If you’re wondering how else you can save with the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, take a look at these:

Special offers

Besides the discounts for SA senior citizens and students, here are the other special offers:

Sunset Special

This offer is valid from 1 November to 18 December, and then from 4 January to February 28/29. Cape Town is famous for its sunsets, and one of the best vantage points for this is at the top of Table Mountain. From 1 November, visitors can purchase this ticket online, which is half price for adults and children (4-17 years), to be used only after 18:00. If you buy the tickets at the Ticket Office, you will need to purchase them after 18:00. Since the new rate begins later this year in October, it will come to approximately R 127.50 for adults and R 62.50 per child.

Birthday Special

This special applies only to South African citizens. On your birthday, you get a FREE TICKET! The conditions are that you have to be at least 18 years old and the ticket can only be collected at the Ticket Office upon presenting your green identification document (ID). Since you cannot get this ticket online, it’s advisable for you to go early, as soon as they are open (see the operational times below), or towards the later afternoon (between 14:00 and 15:00), to avoid the queues, as this is a popular attraction.

NB – This year, the cableway will be closed from 25 July to 7 August 2016, for annual maintenance, which is dependent on the weather. If your birthday falls in this period, you can collect your ticket 1 week before the closing (18-24 July) or 1 week after (8-14 August). The ticket will be valid for 7 days.

Cableway Kidz Season

This wonderful special allows two kids to ride for free with one adult who purchases a return ticket. That’s 3 tickets for the price of 1! The offer is currently running from 1 May to 30 September 2016.  As part of the offer, kids can take part in a treasure hunt (with the aid of a treasure map) as well as a voucher for treats, which they can get at the Shop at the Top and the Table Mountain Café. These tickets are available online and at the Ticket Office. These tickets are only valid for the date that you select.

Class in the Clouds

This package caters for primary school and high school learners. Learners will get to enjoy Table Mountain’s beauty and the views that it provides, as well as receive education on the fauna and flora that populate the mountain. The special costs R 45 per learner, with the offer running from 1 May to 31 October 2016. Bookings can only be done by calling +27(0)21 424 0015 or emailing cic@tablemountain.net.

Cable Card

This card gives you year-round access and is perfect for those that love taking the cableway. Upon purchasing the card, for one year,  you get free entrance to the cableway! Your card needs to be renewed once a year. Below are the costs of the various card packages.

Additional information

While you’re at the top, please take note that if you hear a hoot, it means that you need to return to the Upper Cableway station immediately, since this sound warns that strong winds are approaching the mountain.

Plus, while you enjoy the amazing scenery that only Table Mountain grants, you can enjoy a meal at the Table Mountain Café and shop for trinkets and souvenirs at the Shop at the Top. Plus, at the Upper and Lower stations, free Wi-Fi is available!

If you require any other information, you can use the following contact details, especially since the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will update their website towards the end of 2016.

Now that you know know what it’s like to take a ride up to the top of Table Mountain with the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, you’re better prepared to have the most enjoyable time. Get your tickets then for fantastic views from the top and the wonderful experience that comes with a cable car ride up to the top.