South Africa recorded 991,696 international tourist arrivals in July 2026, marking a 12.5% increase compared to July 2025, according to Statistics South Africa. Total arrivals from January through July reached 6,576,169, up 12.4% year-on-year. Regional African markets saw a 14.3% rise, while overseas visitor numbers grew 5.7%, with overseas arrivals for January to July reaching 1.37 million, or 94.7% of 2019 levels, as analysed by SATSA.
TMACC Launches New Ticketing and Real-Time Information Channels
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has broadened visitor access by introducing WhatsApp ticketing through Webtickets, accessible on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets page and via QR codes at the Lower Station
Ticket Office and queue. WhatsApp tickets are valid for seven days and refundable on the platform within that period. However, concession fares are excluded from WhatsApp sales and remain available through existing channels.
TMACC’s website and mobile app provide visitors with live updates on operating status, weather, first and last cable car departure times, and queue estimates at both Lower and Upper Cable Stations. Such transparency addresses rapid mountain weather changes, which can cause the Cableway to suspend operations temporarily.
Expanded Accessibility Measures Benefit Visitors with Mobility Needs
In April 2026, TMACC and SanParks opened the Universal Access Walkway, enabling visitors using wheelchairs, prams, and mobility aids to
reach the summit edge. Additional facilities include dedicated disabled parking bays and priority ticket office access at the Lower Station. Wheelchairs are available on request, and mobility scooters can be used at the Upper Station following safety assessments.
The summit features wheelchair-accessible ramps at TEN67 Eatery and a lift servicing VIEWS by De Grendel wine bar and restaurant. TMACC offers a summit pathways map detailing routes suitable for visitors with mobility aids, reflecting their commitment to expanding accessibility while acknowledging natural environment constraints.
Concessions and Educational Programmes Support Diverse Visitor Groups
TMACC provides diverse concession fares: children aged 4-17 pay R230 online return or R270 at the Ticket
Office, while South African seniors aged 60 and above pay a flat R130 return fare. Students aged 18 and older can purchase a return ticket for R320 or a one-way ticket for R200 with valid ID. South African residents receive a free return ticket during their birthday month at the Ticket Office or Visitor Centre. The Local is Lekker promotion, valid until 31 October 2026, offers return tickets at R265 for adults and R135 for children.
The Class in the Clouds environmental education programme runs until 30 October 2026, excluding school and public holidays. It serves Grade 1 to 12
learners, enabling over 367,000 participants since 2001 to learn about Table Mountain’s natural and cultural heritage. Annually, more than 15,000 learners participate, with bookings accommodating up to 100 students per session.
Operational Details and Visitor Services
TMACC operates cable cars starting at 8:30 a.m., with the last ascent at 6 p.m. and the final descent at 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to use the free Park & Ride shuttle service running from Lower Tafelberg Road parking to the Lower Station, easing vehicle access amid high demand.
TMACC acknowledges that mountain weather can necessitate Cableway stoppages, making real-time updates essential for visitor planning. Wahida Parker, TMACC’s
managing director, emphasised that responsible operations require providing accurate conditions in advance to avoid uncertainty upon arrival.
TMACC Leadership Highlights Balanced Access for International and Local Visitors
Wahida Parker described Table Mountain as an attraction serving both international tourists and residents of Cape Town. She said: “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.” Parker added that TMACC’s approach focuses on the entire visitor journey, aiming to simplify planning, ticketing, operating condition awareness, summit access, and affordability.
Regarding accessibility, Parker stated that natural limitations exist but ongoing
improvements aim to enhance the experience for visitors with mobility needs. She also noted the tourism growth raises quality standards to meet expectations for both locals and international tourists, emphasising transparent information about mountain conditions and ticket options.
