One of the coolest and newest activities in the adventure sports capital of South Africa. Starting at the peak of Table Mountain, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, you slowly abseil down its steep and jagged cliffs, which can almost reach an 80 degrees incline. As you descend down the mountain, be prepared for the most breathtaking view of Camps Bay you’ll find in Cape Town.
Verdict: This is the best way to experience Table Mountain, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Do it.
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For those unfamiliar with abseiling, the activity involves the use of ropes and harnesses to descend a steep or dangerous cliff or slope. Which means that you are using a rope to descend the steep cliffs of Table Mountain!
After signing up at the nearby counter, I slowly walked to the abseil starting point. The starting point stands right next to one of the many crowded Table Mountain viewpoints. I get my three seconds of fame when the staff starts equipping me with my harness. Tourists around me start mumbling and looking at me in curiosity as if I were to do something stupid shortly. They continue to watch as I slowly make my way to the edge of the cliff.
At the edge, there are two staff members operating the ropes, meaning that two people can abseil at the same time (ideal for couples). Before you descend, the staff will help stir up your anxiety as well as helping you take a couple of photographs. If you have a very kind friend that is not abseiling, you should also kindly ask that friend to take some photographs from the viewing platform perpendicular to the cliff. Obviously, if you have a drone, that’s even better.
For a beginner like me, the descent can feel quite unnatural initially. But you get used to it soon enough. The cliff, as I mentioned earlier, can be 80 degrees steep. At times, I felt like I was lowering myself on the rope with my feet barely providing any support.
The descent goes on for around 100 meters or so, and lasts around 15 or so minutes in total. Towards the end of the descent, you get a special treat … a breathtaking and unimpeded view of Camps Bay. As you hang on to your rope, it feels as if time suddenly freezes.
The slight downside to this experience is that you’ll need to hike around 20 to 30 minutes back to the peak of Table Mountain from the end point of the abseil. While the staff will say that this is an easy hike, this isn’t the case. The sign expressly says “this is not an easy route” and you’ll need to climb around a couple of boulders. But all in all, this is something worthwhile. After all, how many people can brag that they’ve hiked and abseiled (parts of) Table Mountain.
Additional information
| When to do it? | In December or the “summer” months of South Africa, when Cape Town is dry and sunny. For the best experience, check the weather report in advance and make sure that Table Mountain won’t be covered by clouds on the day. There are timeslots running daily every half hour from 9am to 3:30pm. |
| How to book? | You can either pre-book the activity at Abseil Africa’s website online or book it on the spot at the peak of Table Mountain. While pre-booking is advised, there are usually some spots available during the day. |
| How much does it cost? | The abseil experience costs around ZAR895. A return aerial cableway ticket (which needs to be purchased separately) is around ZAR250-300. |
| How to get there? | The abseiling company, which is called Abseil Africa, is located at the top of the Table Mountain. You’ll see it right next to the cableway station. |
| How long does it take? | Depending on waiting time, the activity typically should last around 1 to 1.5 hours. |
| Is it safe? | It felt safe. As I understand it from the Abseil Africa staff, there have been no injuries nor fatalities in the past (since the date of posting). But don’t quote me on this. |
| What to wear? | Anything comfortable and hiking shoes, as you’ll need to hike back up on a rocky terrain. |