Table Mountain Cableway

Since 1929, it has been possible to take the cable car to the plateau of Table Mountain; before that, the mountain could only be explored on foot. The current model of the cableway was introduced in 1997 and has a special feature: The cabins rotate 360° during the ascent, offering a breathtaking view of the city, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding landscape. Thus, the journey is a highlight of the Table Mountain National Park. Each gondola can carry 65 people and a cabin attendant. This means that the cableway can transport over 800 people up the mountain per hour. This is an impressive achievement when you consider that the cabins are only suspended from two suspension ropes and that there are no supports of any kind along the 1,200m (3,937ft) route.

A breathtaking 360° view awaits you, and not just on the ascent and descent. Once arrived at the Upper Cable Station, you can explore the plateau on three routes independently and let your gaze wander over the surrounding landscape. The shortest way is the Dassie Walk, which offers spectacular views to the north, west, and south in just 15 minutes. The name of the path is derived from the most commonly encountered mammals on Table Mountain, the dassies. These guinea pig-sized animals, also known as rock hyraxes, are related to the elephant. The most popular route is the Agama Walk, which offers a 360˚ circuit and thus a view of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. The hike takes about 30 minutes. The Klipspringer Walk runs along the edge of the plateau and connects all the viewpoints of the mountain. The hike takes about 45 minutes.

The Table Mountain National Park is a treasure trove for endemic species: The Cape Flora is the smallest of the world's six continental floral kingdoms and yet the most species-rich. It is home to over 9,000 plant species, around 70% of which only occur here. The Fynbos Vegetation, which dominates the Cape Flora, is at its most beautiful in the summer. The mountains of the Western Cape are then covered in a blaze of flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. The small, often delicate plants provide nectar and other food sources for numerous nectar birds and honey-eaters. South Africa's national flower, the King Protea, can also be found here. In the animal kingdom, you will mainly encounter antelopes, monkeys and various species of lizards and snakes.