The Table Mountain Cableway will be closed for scheduled annual maintenance from Monday, 23 July until Sunday, 5 August 2018, ensuring the safety of the millions of visitors that flock to the attraction each year.
To maintain the highest standards set for cable cars by the Swiss Governing Body for Cableways we will be closing to the public in order to clean the ropes, run slack rope tests and measurement, do break and load testing, and cabin alignment checks.
The Cableway will also service the main gearbox, generators and backup generators, and do general electronic component changes and control checks. Visitors can also expect to see upgrades to the flooring and seating in the Table Mountain Café.
South Africans, 18 years and older, who celebrate their birthday within the closure period are entitled to redeem their complimentary Cableway ticket one week prior (16 – 22 July) or one week after (6 – 12 August) the maintenance period.
The 3-for-1 Kidz Season special will also be available before and after the maintenance period, seven days a week until 24 September 2018.
But just because the cableway is closing, it doesn’t mean you can’t get the most of the Mother City. This is how we recommend you keep busy while the Cableway undergoes its annual maintenance:
The Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point
The Flying Dutchman Funicular at Cape Point is an immensely popular ride in Cape Town. The cable-drawn funicular offers a scenic ride that circumvents the steep uphill trek to the famous old lighthouse, sitting on the cliffs high above the swirling Atlantic Ocean.
While the old lighthouse is no longer functioning, it offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and peninsula. You can purchase one-way or return tickets for the funicular at the funicular stations within Cape Point.
The Boomslang at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
The Boomslang treetop canopy walkway at Kirstenbosch is an exciting experience perfect for the whole family, in the middle of the tranquil botanical gardens. The beautifully designed walkway mimics a boomslang snake in both look and feel, and offers incredible views over the immediate gardens and out over the southern suburbs.
There is no additional entrance fee to access the walkway, and entry is included in the price of your Kirstenbosch ticket.
The Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront
Take a spin on the famous Cape Wheel at the V&A Waterfront. This beautiful observation wheel is located in the heart of the Waterfront, and it offers stunning views over the immediate precinct, the Cape Town CBD, and Table Mountain.
The views and atmosphere will change with the time of day, so make sure you visit during daytime and again when the sun has set. It is open until 7pm on Tuesday to Thursday, 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 8pm on Sunday.
Robben Island Ferry
Take a trip to Robben Island aboard the popular Robben Island ferry. While the true impact of a trip to Robben Island lies in a humbling tour of the Apartheid-era prison, the trip out to the island and back offers spectacular views, and a whole new perspective on the City, V&A Waterfront, and Table Mountain.
A trip to Robben Island includes a tour of the island and a return ride on the ferry, which departs from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
Do the Visitors Route at Groot Constantia
Enjoy the Visitor Route Experience where one ticket at R95 per person, gives you entrance into the Manor House Museum, original Cloete Cellar, a Cellar Tour, Wine Tasting and Spiegelau Crystal Wine Glass. The Groot Constantia Visitors Route Experience is one of the best ways to explore the estate.
Explore the vineyards and production cellar with their new FREE VoiceMap audio tours and FREE WiFi.
What are your favourite things to do in Cape Town?
Let us know on our Cape Town Big 6 Facebook or Twitter page. Better yet, snap an Instagram shot of your favourite outdoor moment and tag @CapeTownBig6 #CTBig6
One Destination, 6 Unbelievable Experiences
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.
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