Cape Town’s most popular tourist attraction is also its most famous physical feature, the flat-topped mountain that stands sentinel over the city. Table Mountain has been proclaimed a nature reserve, protecting its diverse floral species, some unique to its slopes. The views from the top of the mountain are quite spectacular. A Swiss-built rotating cable car carries visitors smoothly up the mountain and back. The mountain-top is equipped with a restaurant and small gift shop, as well as numerous pathways and vantage points. It is possible to climb the mountain via different routes, but care should be taken by inexperienced hikers because Cape Town is prone to sudden weather changes. The walk up can take anything between one and four hours depending on the route and level of fitness. Route maps can be bought at the cable-car station.
Address: Tafelberg Road
Telephone: (021) 424 8181, or (021) 424 0015
Transport: Bus to Kloof Nek from Adderley Street and a 1.5km walk up the hill; minibus taxi from the Parade; Riki taxi; or as part of the Cape Explorer Topless bus tour
Opening Time: Cable car operates daily (weather permitting) every 10-15 minutes from 8.30am to 8pm (November); 8am to 10pm (December to January); 8.30am to 8.30pm (February); 8.30am to 7.30pm (March); 8.30am to 6.30pm (April); 8.30am to 6pm (May to September); 8.30am to 7pm (October). Closed for annual maintenance from 25 July to 7 August 2005
Admission: Cable car: R115 return, R60 one way (adults); R60 return, R30 one way (children 4-17). Other concessions available.