Built in 1929, the first cable cars began transporting visitors to the top of the mountain. In 1997, a renovation of the cars included the installation of a rotating floor. On a cloudless day, the views from the cable car, across the entire peninsula, provide photo opportunities for visitors. The weather plays a major part in the operation of the cable car. On very cloudy and rainy days, the cars do not always operate.
Table Mountain received a nomination as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. On July 21, 2009, the location was named one of the official finalists. Table Mountain now competes with 28 other wonders for a place as one the Seven Wonders of Nature. These results will be announced in 2011; the public can vote for this attraction through Table Mountain's official website.
Locals know the Western Cape area is infamous for unpredictable weather: the weather can change from cloudless and sunny to cloudy and raining in the blink of an eye. The clouds normally roll in over the mountain without any warning. Within minutes the top of the mountain will be covered in clouds. Tourists are then advised to immediately go the cable car station because the mountain can be dangerous during bad weather.
On sunny and cloudless days, visitors to the top of the mountain can enjoy expansive views of the area below. Visitors can take in these views by walking around the cable car station. The self-service restaurant on top serves a variety of foods and some local wines. The Cable Way cocktail bar gets crowded with tourists around sunset so they can view the event from the top of the mountain.
Before the cableway was built, visitors hiked to the top of the mountain. Today some people still prefer to hike to the top and take the cable car down. There are a few well marked hiking routes. The Skeleton Gorge route starts in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Recommended for experienced hikers in good health, this trail can take up to five hours. Hikers need to know the weather forecast before starting out in case the cable cars are closed and cannot take them back down the mountain.
