The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) is expanding the accessibility of its mountain attraction for a wider range of visitors by introducing new ticket purchasing options, improved operational information, and mobility enhancements as part of its Tourism Month focus.
These changes include the ability to purchase tickets via WhatsApp, providing real-time updates on weather and cable car operations, creating a Universal Access Walkway, and offering discounts for children, students, and seniors.
These improvements come against the backdrop of continued growth in international tourism in South Africa. According to Statistics South Africa, 991,696 international tourist arrivals were recorded in July 2026, which is 12.5% higher than in July 2025. In the first seven months of 2026, the total number of international arrivals reached 6.58 million, an increase of 12.4% year-on-year.
Despite the rise in international tourism, TMACC emphasizes the need to ensure Table Mountain's accessibility for both local and regional visitors. TMACC Director, Vahida Parker, notes that the mountain serves two audiences simultaneously: it is often a foreign tourist's first impression of Cape Town, but it is also a beloved spot for Cape Town residents.
According to her, accessibility encompasses considering the entire visitor journey: simplifying visit planning, ticket purchasing, understanding operating conditions, the ability to reach most of the summit, and making the experience accessible and acceptable for different groups where possible.
TMACC has integrated WhatsApp as an additional channel for purchasing standard return and one-way tickets through Webtickets. Visitors can select the 'Buy via WhatsApp' option on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket page on Webtickets, or scan a QR code at the Ticket Office or while waiting at the Lower Station. Tickets purchased via WhatsApp are valid for seven days, matching the validity period of online or ticket office purchased tickets. Unused tickets can be fully refunded through the platform within this period.
It is important to note that special fares and offers for concessionary categories are not available via WhatsApp and must be purchased through existing relevant channels.
TMACC also highlights the importance of providing visitors with the latest information before visiting the mountain. The cableway's website and mobile application provide real-time data on its operational status, temperature, visibility, and wind conditions. Furthermore, visitors can check the times for the first and last trips, as well as the approximate waiting time at both the Lower and Upper stations of the cableway.
Parker explains that mountain weather can change rapidly, and responsible operation sometimes requires halting cable car service. Providing accurate real-time information allows people to plan their visit instead of arriving without knowing what to expect.
Another part of TMACC's efforts to improve Table Mountain's accessibility is the Universal Access Walkway. This walkway was opened in April 2026 in partnership with SANParks and provides wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and other mobility aid users with a dedicated route to the edge of the summit plateau.
Additional amenities include designated parking spaces at the Lower Station for visitors with disabled parking permits, priority access to the Ticket Office and cable car elevators. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and mobility scooters can be used at the Upper Station after a safety assessment and staff guidance. At the summit, ramps provide access to the TEN67 café, and a special elevator services the wine shop and the VIEWS by De Grendel restaurant.
TMACC also provides a route map indicating which trails on the summit are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Parker acknowledges that Table Mountain is a natural environment, and there are physical limitations to what can be made accessible, yet she stresses the importance of transparency regarding these limitations while continuously improving those aspects of the experience within their capabilities.
The concept of accessibility at TMACC also extends to the cost of visiting Table Mountain, offering various fares and promotions for different age groups. Children aged four to 17 are entitled to a child fare. From July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, the online return ticket costs R230, while the ticket office price is R270. Children under four travel free.
South African seniors aged 60 and over pay R130 for a seven-day return ticket, provided they present a valid South African ID. Students aged 18 and over, including local and international, can purchase a return ticket for R320 or a one-way ticket for R200 with a valid student card; student tickets are available at the Lower Station Ticket Office.
South African residents can also receive a free return cable car ticket during their birthday month by presenting a valid South African ID at the Ticket Office or Visitor Information Centre. The 'Local is Lekker' promotion runs until October 31, 2026: South African adults can buy a return ticket for R265, and children for R135, upon presentation of a valid South African ID.
Frequent visitors can utilize the Cableway Virtual Card, available to adults, children aged four to 17, and South African pensioners aged 60 and over. Access to the mountain goes beyond tourism, as TMACC uses the cableway as a platform for environmental education. The 'Class in the Clouds' program allows students from grades 1 to 12 to study Table Mountain, learning about its flora, fauna, history, and geography. This program has been running since 2001 and has already reached over 367,000 students. In 2026, the program will run until October 30, operating Monday to Friday, excluding school and public holidays. More than 15,000 students participate annually, with bookings accommodating 10 to 100 participants per time slot.
TMACC notes that local and regional visitors remain an important part of the cableway's audience, especially outside the peak season of international tourism. The company also promotes its free Park & Ride shuttle service running between Tafelberg Lower Road and the Lower Station.
Parker concludes that while tourism growth creates opportunities, it also raises the standards the company must meet. These standards apply to both the local resident ascending at sunset and the tourist who planned the trip a year in advance. Both should be able to check conditions before leaving, choose the appropriate ticket option, and know what the mountain can offer on a specific day.
