South Africa recorded 991,696 international tourist arrivals in July 2026, a 12.5% increase from July 2025, totaling 6,576,169 arrivals from January to July 2026, up 12.4% year-on-year, according to Statistics South Africa. The African regional market grew by 14.3% while overseas arrivals rose 5.7%, reflecting sustained inbound tourism growth in the country.
TMACC Enhances Visitor Access and Experience
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has responded to growing visitor demand by expanding access to Table Mountain in Cape Town. The expansion improves the entire visitor journey, focusing on information availability, ticketing options, mobility access, and affordability. Wahida Parker, TMACC managing director, emphasized that Table Mountain
serves both international tourists and local Capetonians and that access improvements aim to ease planning, ticket purchasing, and summit reach for different visitor groups.
New Ticketing Options Including WhatsApp
TMACC introduced WhatsApp ticket purchases via Webtickets, allowing visitors to buy standard return and one-way Cableway tickets through their phones. Available through a “Buy via WhatsApp” option on the Webtickets website or by scanning QR codes at the Lower Station Ticket Office and queue, these tickets are valid for seven days and refundable within that period. Concession fares remain available through existing sales channels but are not sold via WhatsApp.
Improved Accessibility and Mobility Services
In April 2026, TMACC and SanParks
opened the Universal Access Walkway, a dedicated route designed for wheelchair users, prams, and visitors with mobility aids to reach the edge of the summit plateau. Dedicated disabled parking bays have been introduced at the Lower Station, alongside priority ticket office access and lifts serving the Cableway. Wheelchairs are available on request, and mobility scooters can be used at the Upper Station subject to safety assessments. Summit facilities now include ramps at key eateries and a lift servicing a wine bar and restaurant. TMACC provides access maps detailing summit paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Ticket Pricing and Concessions
Ticket pricing supports diverse
visitors with concessions for children, seniors, students, and locals. Children aged 4 to 17 pay R230 online or R270 at the Ticket Office for return tickets valid from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. Children under four travel free. South African seniors aged 60 and above pay R130 for return tickets year-round with valid ID. Students aged 18 and older, local or international, pay R320 return or R200 one-way tickets with student identification. A “Local is Lekker” special offers return tickets at R265 for adults and R135 for children until 31 October 2026 with valid South African ID. South
Africans can redeem a free return ticket during their birthday month at designated points. Frequent visitors may use the Virtual Cable Card allowing year-round access for adults, children, and pensioners.
Educational Initiatives and Operating Details
The Class in the Clouds environmental education programme continues to offer Grade 1 to 12 learners immersive learning about Table Mountain’s ecology and geography. Since 2001, over 367,000 learners have participated, with the 2026 programme running weekdays until 30 October excluding holidays. Up to 100 learners per session participate annually, with 15,000 learners engaged each year.
TMACC provides live real-time updates on operating status, weather conditions, and expected wait times
via its website and mobile app. The Cableway operates with the first car ascending at 8:30am, the last car up at 6pm, and the final descent at 7pm. TMACC emphasizes responsible operations due to quickly changing mountain weather, which can cause intermittent service stops.
Transportation Support and Official Statements
Visitors benefit from a free Park & Ride shuttle running from Lower Tafelberg Road parking to the Lower Cable Station, facilitating access to Table Mountain. Wahida Parker stated, “Table Mountain serves two audiences at once. It is often the first experience an international visitor has of Cape Town, and it is a mountain that Capetonians treat
as their own.” She highlighted the importance of transparency about physical access limitations while improving accessible experience aspects.
TMACC remains focused on improving visitor services to meet growing tourism demands, noting the importance of regional and domestic visitors alongside international tourists. The South African Reserve Bank reported roughly 5.6 million arrivals for the first half of 2026, driven by SADC markets. SATSA’s analysis showed overseas arrivals of 1.37 million January through July 2026, reaching 94.7% of 2019 levels. Parker added, “Tourism growth brings opportunity, but it also raises the standard we need to meet. Both the local visitor and the
international guest should be able to check conditions before they leave and know what the mountain can and cannot offer on the day.”
