Many ways to the mountain
The City Sightseeing bus will take you to the Lower Cable Station. Photo courtesy CSS 1
Cape Town has several modes of public transport that can get you to and from Table Mountain’s Lower Cable Station for a morning or afternoon on the summit. Travelling times and the impact on your wallet vary, depending on which option you go for – but overall, public transport is arguably the best way of getting to the mountain. Not only will you not have to look for parking, but you’ll also be easing the pressure on our roads and our non-renewable resources like oil – meaning you are doing something for the environment!
The Camps Bay bus will drop you off on Kloof Nek Road, leaving you with an uphill walk of about 1.5km to the Lower Cable Station – a bit of a hike but well worth the exercise. The Camps Bay bus departs from Adderley Street outside the Golden Acre in the CBD.
It’s very affordable to get around Cape Town in a minibus taxi, with fares averaging at about R5 per trip. Catch one that can drop you on Kloof Nek Road – these depart from outside the Post Office on Plein Street on the Grand Parade. Check with the driver to confirm that you are on the right route and ask about the fare upfront, before you get in. Cape Town’s taxi drivers are always willing to help, and will advise you on where to go should you not be on the right route.
Metered taxis are available for hire across the city and cost a minimum of R10 per kilometre; a minimum fare of R20 usually applies. Metered taxis have dedicated waiting points at Kloof Nek and on Tafelberg Road near the Lower Cable Station, but you can also order one via telephone to pick you up from wherever you are. It is advisable to ask the driver to estimate the fare for where you want to go before you get into the taxi.
Rikkis taxis are popular with students, backpackers and other people travelling on a budget. Rikkis operate a share-a-cab service with a set fare of R33 per person to the Lower Cable Station from the city centre, Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point. You share the ride and share the price. Rikkis does operate with a variety of packages so if this one doesn’t suit you, call them on 0861 745 547 for a bespoke solution.
You can easily spot the distinctive red, open top, “hop-on, hop-off” City Sightseeing buses all over Cape Town. You can purchase a one-day ticket for the Red City Tour, which will take you to Table Mountain Cableway, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and around the city centre. There are a total of 17 stops on this tour. Adults pay R110 per ticket if purchased online (www.citysightseeing.co.za) or R120 if bought on the bus (these tickets are valid only on the day of purchase). Youngsters between the ages of five and 15 pay R60. Kids younger than five travel free, with a maximum of two children under five accompanying a paying adult.
Remember that you can book return tickets online and avoid the Ticket Office queue – more time to spend at the summit!
Comments