2 Best Sights in Table Mountain and Lion's Head, Cape Town

The easiest way to reach the summit is by cable car, which affords fantastic views from start to finish; even its mechanics are thrilling to observe. Today’s high-tech rotating cars have a snazzy, round design and are capable of traveling at up to 10 meters (33 feet) per second and carrying up to 65 passengers (or 8,500 kg/18,740 pounds). The cars have been through multiple iterations—those installed for the cableway’s opening in 1929 carried only 25 people, and it was only in the 1960s that metal, rectangular capsules replaced the original wooden cars. Models of the different kinds of cars used are displayed near the lower cable station from where the two large, wheelchair-friendly revolving cars depart regularly; take an Uber or the MyCiTi bus to get to the station.

To avoid disappointment, check ahead for exact operating times, as they vary from month to month according to season, daylight hours, and weather. In the ever-expanding peak season (December–April), if you arrive at 10 am without tickets, you could wait for an hour, so book online beforehand; there is a queue-skipping ticket option for R995 round-trip, or R650 one way. Several tour operators also include a trip up the mountain in their schedules. Lines to purchase tickets for the cable car can be crazy in peak/high season, so book online to speed things up.

The cable car stops operating in strong wind conditions (common in summer), so be sure to factor in that possibility, especially if relying on it to get back down after a tiring hike up, and take note of the last one down's time (changes but can be as early as 4 pm).

The prominent peak to the right of Table Mountain is Lion's Head, a favorite hiking spot for locals. The hike takes about 1½ hours (each way), with 360-degree views of the city unfolding as you spiral up the "lion" as well as from the top. The trail is gorgeous and well-marked; unfortunately its charms have made it so popular that on good-weather days you will almost certainly find yourself in a hiker-jam. That said, it's a great hike, and though easier than climbing Table Mountain, the last quarter, when there are even chain-assisted sections of rock to haul yourself up, is pretty taxing. As always, don't hike alone, and keep alert, especially as sunset approaches. On full-moon nights, hundreds of people set off to summit the peak; the trail of headlamps alone will give you pause, though, since it is dangerously crowded. For those less inclined to sweat, Signal Hill is the smaller flat-topped hill extending from the northern lower slopes of Lion's Head, also sometimes called the "Lion's Rump." Once the location for signal flags communicating weather warnings to ships visiting the bay, Signal Hill is also the home of the Noon Gun, still operated by the South African Navy and South African Astronomical Observatory. Both Lion's Head and Signal Hill are accessed by Signal Hill Road, which ends at the Signal Hill parking lot and affords spectacular views of Sea Point and Table Bay.  Be careful especially after hours and/or if it's deserted. There have been incidents of violent crime.