At the beginning of the 20th century the top of Table Mountain had not yet been conquered by mechanical means. But an ingenious plan by a Norwegian engineer caught the imagination of some eminent businessmen and construction began in 1926. The City Council gave a 99 year lease for the top cable station at a rental of £1 per annum. It opened in 1929 and suddenly Table Mountain was no longer impregnable – anyone could get to the top!

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Including all 20 million people who have used the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway since it opened. But it also means everything else, like ten to fifteen thousand drinks cans per day during summer holiday season.

Going Like a Boeing

In an effort to reduce precious water loss on the top of Table Mountain, the Aerial Cableway Company installed Boeing 747 toilets in the public bathrooms, using 70% less water. This and other savings, have managed to bring water usage down from 7 litres per person at the top of the mountain in 1988, to 1.4 litres per person in 2005.

Take a Hike

Stretton Barry, House Manager at Cape Grace goes hiking somewhere on the mountain slopes pretty much every day. “I love being on the mountains and am happy to share my experience.” It’s his passion and if you want to some local insider knowledge for hiking up Table Mountain, you can get hold of him at Cape Grace on +27 (0)21 410 7100 or via email: Stretton@capegrace.com.

Half-Price Sunset Tickets

From 1 Nov 2010 to 28 Feb 2011 cableway return tickets are half-price from 6pm onwards, but must be bought from the Lower Cable Station ticket office from 6pm. There are also Ride ’n Dine offers at the Summit Lounge and Table Mountain Café available online.

Have You Voted?

Cast your vote online for Table Mountain to become one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature or SMS the word “TABLE” to 34874 (SMS costs R2). We can make this happen!