Table Mountain Cape Town: Hike & Cable Car Down
Two Ways to the Top of Table Mountain, One Cable Car Down
You choose between a technical scramble (India Venster, 3.5 hours) or a stepped staircase (Platteklip Gorge, 2.5 hours) to reach the summit of Table Mountain, then descend by rotating cable car. National park entry and guide are included. Bring water and proper hiking shoes, and expect sustained steep terrain that demands moderate fitness.
Options for this experience
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Step-by-step itinerary
Hike Table Mountain and descend
- Choose hiking route: India Venster or Platteklip Gorge
- Hike steep uphill rocky terrain to summit
- Enjoy views from Table Mountain top
- Take cable car down if open
- Hike down Platteklip Gorge if cable car closed
What’s included
- Your day includes a guide, national park entry fees, and the cable car descent from the summit. You choose your route at booking: either India Venster (technical, 3.5 hours) or Platteklip Gorge (direct, 2.5 hours). Cable car tickets are not included separately.
- they are part of the package. Private transport by vehicle can be added for an extra fee. You are responsible for bringing water (at least 1.5 liters), wearing proper hiking shoes, and dressing for mountain weather.
Times
- Every day 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30
Before you book
Operated by The Cape Town Local
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The experience
Table Mountain rises 1,086 meters above Cape Town, and you pick how to get there. India Venster is the route for people who want scrambling, uneven rock, and fewer hikers ahead of you. It takes around 3.5 hours and feels less like a staircase and more like a climb. Platteklip Gorge is the other choice: hundreds of big rock steps stacked all the way up, more direct, more crowded, done in about 2.5 hours. Both are steep. Both are rocky. Both require a few hours of uphill work on terrain that does not forgive a wrong step.
The hike itself ends at the summit, where the cable car takes over. You ride down in a rotating cabin: the whole thing turns as it descends, so you see the city from every angle without moving. If weather or maintenance closes the cable car, you walk back down the direct route instead. National park fees are included in the price, so there is no separate ticket to buy at the gate. The guide meets you at the start, confirms which route you chose at booking, and sets the pace. No previous hiking experience is required, but moderate fitness is not optional. This is steep, rocky, sustained uphill work for hours, and the altitude adds to it.
Bring 1.5 liters of water, wear proper hiking shoes, and dress for weather that can change fast on the mountain. The hike runs in most conditions, but if the day turns bad enough to cancel, you get an alternative date or a full refund. Children can come if an adult is with them (minimum age is 8), and the mountain does not care if you are nervous about heights. You will feel them on the way up.
Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to summit Table Mountain without arranging your own route, timing, or park entry. The guide handles the logistics and pacing, and the cable car means you do not have to descend what you just climbed.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the difference between India Venster and Platteklip Gorge?
India Venster is more technical and rugged with rock scrambling, takes about 3.5 hours, and is less crowded. Platteklip Gorge is more direct with hundreds of rock steps, takes about 2.5 hours, and sees more hikers.
How long does the whole hike take?
India Venster takes around 3.5 hours to the top. Platteklip Gorge takes around 2.5 hours. The cable car descent adds another 10–15 minutes.
Is the cable car included?
Yes, the cable car down is included. If it closes due to weather or maintenance, you hike back down the direct route instead.
What fitness level do I need?
At least moderate fitness is required. The hike involves several hours of steep, rocky uphill hiking, and altitude can affect anyone.
Are national park fees included?
Yes, national park fees are included in the price.
What should I bring?
Bring at least 1.5 liters of water, wear proper hiking or walking shoes, and dress for changing weather. The mountain can be cold and windy at the top.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The hike operates in most weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you receive an alternative date or a full refund.
Can children do this hike?
Yes, children aged 8 and older can hike if accompanied by an adult.
Do I need hiking experience?
No previous hiking experience is required, but you do need moderate fitness and comfort with steep, rocky terrain and heights.
Is private transport available?
Yes, private vehicle transport is available at an additional cost and allows for a flexible start time with an exclusive guide.
Table Mountain Cape Town: Hike & Cable Car Down
3h 30m · EN
from US$ 62 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.