THis is really a fabulous thing to do. The cable car closes often enough for poor weather, so if you're in Cape Town for a few days, and it's clear, go for it. The only other big attraction that's also weather-dependant is Robben Island, so if you hav ea decent patch of weather, get one of these in. You can always browse the restaurants, Cape POint, Kirstenbosch, Winelands, Boulders, Malls, District 6 later, when it's raining :)

But I digress - Table Mountain is a fabulous way of getting your bearings, and it's lovely if you can go up soon after a long flight, as the cool sea air is refreshing after a lot of hot dry aeroplane air. The cable cars are great - circular and roomy, and they rotate slowly as they rise, so it doesn't matter too much which side you're on. Just be sure to stand near one of the glass walls, so you don't get herded in to the middle, far away from a window, as people crowd in at the end. The trip is short, and not in the least scary.

On top is a decent enough self-service restaurant, and lots of space to wander about, loking down on the city and on RObben Island. It's got a real mountain feel, but lots of sea air, and is a wonderful antidote to the sometimes plastic rush of other city attractions. Bring a light rain jacket though. The cloud can often drape itselve prettily over the top, which is a tad damp if you happen to be on the top when it happens :)

We went up to Table Mountain at about 8am, it was fairly quiet, a very clear day day and the views were beautiful. We sat outside and had bacon and eggs for breakfast! It does get quite busy so the earlier you go the better.

I went to Cape Town last year end of July - we were only there for 5 days but missed going on the cable car up table mountain because it was closed for maintenance. It is closed for one week every year at the beginning of the winter season so check the dates if this is something you really want to do!

Visited Cape Town on route to Australia December 2003 and was amazed at such a beautiful city.
Went up to the top of this awesome mountain on the cable car, (yes there is another way, on foot!!!)
The view from the top is breath taking, especially as we were lucky enought to go on a clear day.
You can walk around the top of it reasonably easily, from the top you can see Robbens Island (where Nelson Mandella was imprisoned), and the gorgeous city below.
On the top of the mountain is a small rodent called the Dassie, found only on this mountain, it is a relative of an elephant but believe me much, much smalller.
It is very windy on top so take a cardigan or sweater to wear, even in the summer and do not forget sun block (very important).
We were lucky it was fine the day we visited the mountain, but the next day the 'tablecloth' (a blanket of cloud) was draped over it and visibility would have been much poorer, also if the cloud is too thick or the wind too strong they close the mountain.
This experience was well worth doing, and was very cheap, I can fully recommend it.