South Africa recorded 991,696 international tourist arrivals in July 2026, reflecting a 12.5% increase compared to July 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. The cumulative international arrivals from January to July 2026 reached 6,576,169, up 12.4% year on year. Growth was led by African markets with a 14.3% increase, while overseas arrivals rose 5.7% in the same period.
TMACC Introduces New Ticketing Channels and Live Updates
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has expanded visitor access to Table Mountain to accommodate this rise in tourism. TMACC launched WhatsApp ticketing via Webtickets for standard return and one-way tickets, accessible by selecting “Buy via WhatsApp” on the ticketing page
or scanning QR codes at the Lower Station Ticket Office and queue areas. WhatsApp tickets are valid for seven days and can be refunded through the platform if unused within that timeframe. Concession and special-offer fares remain unavailable for WhatsApp purchase.
TMACC’s website and mobile app provide real-time information on operating status, weather conditions such as wind, temperature, and visibility, as well as waiting times at the Lower and Upper Cable Stations. This is intended to help visitors plan visits amid potential cableway stoppages caused by quickly changing mountain weather.
Accessibility Improvements Including Universal Access Walkway
The Universal Access Walkway, opened in April 2026 in partnership
with SanParks, extends accessible routes toward the summit plateau for wheelchairs, prams, and other mobility aids. TMACC has also implemented dedicated parking bays for visitors with disabled permits at the Lower Station, priority queue access, and lifts facilitating Cableway boarding.
Wheelchairs are available on request at the Cableway, while mobility scooters can be used at the Upper Station following a safety assessment. Summit facilities include ramps at TEN67 Eatery and a lift servicing the VIEWS by De Grendel wine bar and restaurant. TMACC offers route maps indicating summit areas suitable for mobility aid users to support planning.
Ticket Pricing and Concessions for Diverse Visitor Groups
From July 1,
2026, to June 30, 2027, child tickets for ages 4 to 17 cost R230 return online or R270 at the Ticket Office; children under 4 travel free. South African seniors aged 60 and older pay R130 for return tickets available any day with valid ID. Students aged 18 and above pay R320 return or R200 one way with valid student ID, available at the Lower Station Ticket Office.
South African residents can claim a free return Cableway ticket during their birthday month by presenting ID at the Ticket Office or Visitor Information Centre. The Local is Lekker promotion runs until
October 31, 2026, offering adult return tickets at R265 and child tickets at R135 for South African ID holders. Frequent visitors can purchase a Virtual Cable Card for year-round access, with available options for adults, children, and pensioners.
Education Programme and Visitor Services
TMACC’s Class in the Clouds environmental education programme provides Grade 1 to Grade 12 learners with opportunities to explore Table Mountain’s natural environment at a concession rate. Since 2001, the programme has engaged over 367,000 learners. The 2026 programme operates Monday to Friday, excluding school and public holidays, until October 30, accommodating 10 to 100 learners per time slot.
Visitors can use
a free Park & Ride shuttle service from the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area to the Lower Station. The Cableway operates with the first car ascending at 8:30 AM, the last car up at 6 PM, and the final descent at 7 PM.
TMACC Emphasizes Inclusive Visitor Experience Amid Market Growth
TMACC managing director Wahida Parker said Table Mountain is both an iconic entry point for international visitors and a cherished landmark for Capetonians. She described access as encompassing the entire visitor journey – from planning and ticket purchasing to understanding operating conditions and navigating the summit. Parker noted mountain weather’s unpredictability necessitates operational pauses and that real-time
information helps visitors avoid surprises.
She acknowledged physical limitations in making the natural environment fully accessible but stressed TMACC’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement of accessible facilities and services. Parker highlighted the dual importance of domestic and regional visitors to Table Mountain’s year-round audience, given that South Africa’s tourist arrival growth remains largely driven by SADC markets, as reported by the South African Reserve Bank.
