Whether it’s your first time in Cape Town or you’re one of the locals, nothing makes your day like stepping out of the hustle and bustle and seeing the world from the top.
And when we say ‘the top’, we mean the very top of the city: Table Mountain! It will lift your spirits and make you go, ‘Ahhhhh, it’s so good to be alive!’
Whether you’re trying to spot wildlife or just immerse yourself in the abundance of wildflowers, the great thing is that you can make it a full day out or just a quick visit.
From January to March, the warmer weather affords a breathtaking view of the whole peninsula. You might even catch the tablecloth (the local name for the rolling clouds that occasionally cover the mountain when the South Easter wind blows).
Mornings and evenings tend to be the most pleasant times for going up Table Mountain. During the hot summer months, we recommend arriving early to beat the heat and the crowds. Alternatively, later in the afternoon, you can catch a beautiful sunset.
The cable car runs from 8am (first cable car up) to 7:30pm (last cable car down) from February until April, allowing ample time for other activities in and around the Mother City and offering the perfect, serene finale to a great day out.
Some things to remember when planning a trip up:
- Sun protection: This is important, even if you venture up in the early morning or later in the day. The African sun bakes all day.
- Layers: Cape Town is known for having all four seasons in one day, so even if there’s perfect weather when you set out, plan and pack for all possibilities, weather-wise.
- Sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots: Sandals are comfy on flat ground, but you will need something a bit sturdier if you plan on adventuring along the hiking routes that crisscross the mountain.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Water for a day or a few hours on the mountain is key. Luckily, you can also buy water and other beverages from one of the Cableway’s food and beverage outlets (TEN67 Eatery, KLOUD Bar and VIEWS by De Gendel Wine Bar at the Top Station and TAP Bar at the Lower Station).
If you’re feeling fit or just plain eager to experience all that the mountain has to offer, you can hike up Platteklip Gorge and then take the cable car down. It’s a unique way to get up close and personal with Table Mountain and allows you to experience the mountain’s intimate details, from wildlife and rock formations to waterfalls and wildflowers.
No summer is complete without a trip up Table Mountain. See you there!
Always check tablemountain.net to make sure the Cableway is operating.
Also read:
Book your cable car trip up Table Mountain before annual shutdown
Picture: Supplied