Abseiling down Table Mountain – one of the most majestic natural wonders of the world
There is no denying that the beautiful views from the top of Table Mountain are simply breathtaking. But now, after my experience abseiling down Table Mountain, I can tell you: the uninterrupted views while abseiling down one of the most majestic natural wonders of the world are not to be missed. You’ll see Lions Head, Robben Island, and The Twelve Apostles while having the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean at your feet. This magnificent experience is a must for real adventurers and thrill-seekers.
Abseil Africa’s experienced team is based in Cape Town
Abseil Africa has been operating for several years and has an impeccable safety record. Because this is a controlled descent off Table Mountain, you don’t need any experience! The qualified and seasoned guides are friendly and do a great job of making you feel safe and putting your mind at ease at every step. The guides show you the ropes (pun intended), do a safety demonstration at the start, and from your first interaction with the team, you feel like: “These guys know what they’re doing.” They also provide you with the necessary gear, so there is no need to bring anything other than your adventurous self, wearing comfortable clothes, shoes with grip, sunscreen, and a bottle of water for the hike back up the mountain.
Abseil Africa run two lines down Table Mountain daily, meaning two people can go down simultaneously. There’s an operator at the top of each line to help you get started and give instructions. Another operator waits for you at the bottom of the abseil to unhook you from the harnesses. This operator will also show you where to start the hike back up the mountain.
Unless you are afraid of heights, there’s no real reason to be scared, so if you consider booking this outing, do not let fear override your opportunity to enjoy this experience and have fun while hanging down the mountain. You are in good hands!
Booking your thrilling abseil experience down Table Mountain
Abseil Africa operates seven days a week from around 9h00 in the morning until about 2h00 in the afternoon. You can book your tickets online on the Abseil Africa website. Naturally, this experience does depend on the weather conditions at the top of Table Mountain, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before you book.
The team’s communication is excellent. Leo from Abseil Africa confirmed our booking with me the night before and messaged me again in the morning, confirming perfect weather conditions on the mountain and that his team was ready to meet us at the top.
Getting there and making your way up Table Mountain
There are several ways to get to Table Mountain in Cape Town (other than driving there yourself). You can gather more information on the various transporting options on the Table Mountain website.
From there, you can also decide whether you want to hike up the mountain or if you want to quickly and conveniently get up Table Mountain with the Cableway. The abseil ticket doesn’t include Cableway costs, so if you choose to head up via the Cableway, you’ll need to buy Cableway tickets separately. You can find out more about Cableway tickets on the Table Mountain website.
Photos, videos, and personal belongings while abseiling down Table Mountain
Naturally, you would want to capture this special occasion forever in photos and videos. Your guests can view your abseil experience from the top and take amazing videos and pictures, but you are more than welcome to bring your action camera. Some helmets have action camera fittings, or a chest strap can be used to secure your camera.
You can also hand your camera phone to the Abseil Africa team members to take a couple of pictures closer to the action while you abseil down Table Mountain. Abseil Africa also takes pictures with their cameras, which get posted on their social media pages, and you can tag yourself in the photographs afterwards.
The abseil team can look after your handbag/backpack while you slide down the mountain (as you can not carry it while doing the abseil). You can then collect your items again when you reach the top of the mountain after your hike.
Some notes:
- Bring water. You’ll want some water for the +- 30-minute hike back up the mountain. You can bring water from home or buy bottled water at the top.
- Wear sunscreen. The harsh, unforgiving South African sun is not your friend. Even on overcast days, the sun can be surprisingly intense. Protect yourself with high-factor sunscreen.
- Bring a jacket. On cooler days, it can get cold at the top of the mountain, so don’t forget to bring something warm.
- Comfortable clothes. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with a grip.
- You need to be a little fit. The abseil includes a +-30 minute hike back up the mountain. Ensure you are fit enough to hike back to the top.
- Cableway ticket not included. The abseil ticket doesn’t include a Cableway ticket. To head up the mountain via the Cableway, you must book and pay for those tickets separately.
- Allow extra time. Table Mountain in Cape Town is a popular tourist attraction. You might queue long to buy tickets or wait for the cable car. Consider this when making your way to your abseil timeslot, so you don’t arrive late and miss this opportunity of a lifetime.