Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Photo Caption: Cable car or hike? Which way is your favorite way up? ? by @picstagramms
Table Mountain is, without a doubt, one of the most visited places in Cape Town. This flat-topped mountain is elevated 1,085 meters above sea level and getting to the top was not always as effortless as it is today. Before the Cableway was established, the only way up Cape Town’s iconic mountain, was by foot and only those who were fit and adventurous dared to reach the top. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway became the solution to the arduous walk and climb up the mountain.
In 1926, a Norwegian engineer, Trygve Stromsoe, presented plans for a cableway. Upon the formation of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC), construction began. After two years of tireless and often dangerous work, the cableway opened on October 4, 1929.
Since its opening, the cableway has been the easiest and fastest way of going up and down Table Mountain. In 1997, the cableway had its third upgrade. Extensive renovations included the installation of new cars called rotairs. These cable cars can hold up to 65 people and revolve slowly to give the visitors a chance to see the breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of Cape Town. The cable cars travel at a maximum speed of 10m per second and the trip to and from the summit takes about 4 to 5 minutes.
Approximately 900,000 people a year use the Cableway. And in the span of 89 years, it has transported over 27 million people to the summit of Table Mountain. So, take time to experience this famous cable car ride and enjoy the wonders of Cape Town’s most prominent landmark.
Cape Town’s most iconic landmark is elevated 1,085 meters above sea level. Before the cable way, going to and from the mountain was very tedious. Only a few brave, strong and adventurous individuals climbed up the mountain to experience its natural wonders and witness the majestic views it offers.
In 1926 a Norwegian engineer named Trygve Stromsoe initiated the plans to build the cable way. A group of influential businessmen then formed The Table Mountain Aerial Cable Way Company (TMACC) to finance the construction. On October 4, 1929, after two years of construction, the cable way opened. It offers everyone the opportunity to go to the top of the mountain without tackling the long arduous walk to the summit.
Related: Table Mountain cable way yearly schedule
For 89 years, the cable way has transported over 27 million people to the summit of Table Mountain. There are approximately 909 000 visitors from all over the world that use the cable way annually. The trip to and from the summit takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The cable cars, called Rotairs, can carry up to 65 people per trip. The floor of the cable cars revolves slowly to give the passengers the opportunity to enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Cape Peninsula. The cable way offers scenic trips from 8 am to 7 pm, depending on the season. But the best time to ride the cable way, is during sunset when the setting sun casts its magical golden rays over the city.
A Cape Town sunset atop Table Mountain is a spectacular sight you shouldn’t miss!
