Robben Island/Table Mountain Timing
Jan 21, 2016, 2:36 pm
#1
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Robben Island/Table Mountain Timing
Hello, I was reading a travel blog where folks said they can accomplish both of these in one day. How long does each activity take? I have limited time in CPT. Also, do I need to buy tickets in advance? Also, what is the best time to take the cablecar up for the nicest views?
Last edited by ASUDan130; Jan 21, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Jan 21, 2016, 4:49 pm
#2
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Both in the same day should be doable. Robben Island guided tour would be around 3 or 4 hours including ferry trips. How long you spend atop Table Mountain is entirely up to you.
I bought tickets for the cable car on arrival. Tickets for the island tour were pre-purchased, but I'm pretty sure you can buy on the spot (Victoria & Albert Waterfront) as well.
I suspect the biggest factor in the Table Mountain views will be the weather -- clouds/mist can easily obscure views in various directions.
I bought tickets for the cable car on arrival. Tickets for the island tour were pre-purchased, but I'm pretty sure you can buy on the spot (Victoria & Albert Waterfront) as well.
I suspect the biggest factor in the Table Mountain views will be the weather -- clouds/mist can easily obscure views in various directions.
Feb 22, 2016, 3:40 pm
#3
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Thanks! I want to do the 9 AM one but I have somewhere I need to be in downtown Cape Town at 1:30. Is that cutting it too close? looks feasible as it says it takes 3.5 hrs but never done the tour before but I wanted to see what everyone thought.
Feb 22, 2016, 5:58 pm
#4
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That seems risky. Yes, it would usually be back at the dock by 1330, but there's a non-trivial likelihood that it won't. And then you still have to get from there to wherever you need to be downtown.
Feb 22, 2016, 7:51 pm
#5
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Also a big factor for Robben Island. I have bought tickets 3 times for Robben Island tour and each time it was canceled due to weather. Just so you know the possibility. Fingers crossed for good weather.
Feb 23, 2016, 9:37 am
#8
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If you wake up one morning and the weather looks great, head straight up to the cable car and tick the mountain off your list.
It certainly is possible to do both in one day, but the cable car may be closed or the view obscured on any given day, so you can't count on it.
It certainly is possible to do both in one day, but the cable car may be closed or the view obscured on any given day, so you can't count on it.
Feb 23, 2016, 11:20 am
#9
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Feb 24, 2016, 1:16 pm
#10
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Thanks! I was actually told from several locals that Robben Island is really boring and a waste of time so not even sure if its worth going to be honest if there is nothing worth seeing. They said better to concentrate on Table mountain instead.
Feb 24, 2016, 2:12 pm
#11
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The cynic in me says they may be trying to talk you out of it because it vividly documents a shameful period in their history. That said, there's no question that it is less enjoyable than Table Mountain for obvious reasons, and if I had to choose between the two I would go with Table Mountain. But if you have time for both, I recommend both.
Feb 25, 2016, 10:08 pm
#12
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I would have recommended taking the Table Mountain cable car in the morning if it's clear (less chance of high winds) and if you need to be in the city bowl at 1:30pm, that would be my preference. Robben Island is usually booked up in advance so you should try to book tickets for that. If you find it's too tight for timing or the weather is against you, or you find you have any spare time, consider visiting the District 6 museum which discusses another aspect of apartheid. Enjoy Cape Town.
Feb 25, 2016, 11:23 pm
#13
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The downside of going up the mountain early is that it is far more crowded in the morning - waits of up to 2 hours currently. The cable car operator is encouraging visitors to consider late afternoon visits when there are far fewer people.
Feb 25, 2016, 11:43 pm
#14
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You could hike up to the top of the mountain and take the cable car down. Just be sure to go in a group. Never alone. If you leave early enough you'd make your PM appointment. This website has tips and links to maps, should a hike and cable car option appeal to you. http://www.tablemountain.net/blog/en...ies-for-hikers
Feb 26, 2016, 11:12 am
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Like others said, cable car operations can be fickle due to weather. So another vote -- specially if you have a short stay -- to rush over when you see it running. That said, it's absolutely mesmerizing at sunset.