Exactly 95 years after the first visitors ascended Table Mountain in a wooden cable car, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) remains a bustling hub of activity, delighting millions of tourists each year.
‘We celebrate our 95th anniversary today, and we cannot wait to share this moment with everyone who has supported us throughout the years,’ says Selma Hercules, Executive Director of TMACC.
A Journey Through History
The Cableway’s storied history began long before its official opening on 4 October 1929. Initial plans to create easier access to the summit of Table Mountain date back to the 1870s when the construction of a funicular railway was proposed. However, the project was delayed by the onset of World War I.
It wasn’t until 1926, when Norwegian engineer Trygve Stromsoe proposed building a cableway, that the idea gained traction. His vision ultimately became the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, a global icon that has drawn millions of visitors from across the world.
Over the years, the Cableway has undergone three major upgrades and regular maintenance to keep up with the growing number of tourists eager to experience one of Cape Town’s most striking attractions. Today, it transports approximately one million visitors annually.
From everyday tourists to world-renowned personalities, the Cableway has hosted its fair share of famous passengers. Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Daniel Radcliffe, and Kelly Rowland are just a few of the celebrities who have taken in the panoramic views from the summit of Table Mountain. Notably, Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to conquer Mount Everest, also rode the cable car up Table Mountain after his historic achievement, remarking, ‘There is probably no more spectacular place in the world than Cape Town and Table Mountain at the tip of Africa.’
Celebrating 95 Years of Excellence
To mark the 95th anniversary, TMACC has planned a series of celebrations and special offers for visitors. ‘If it’s your birthday this month, whether you’re turning 95 or not, you’ll receive a free return cable car ride,’ says Hercules. This offer is available to all South Africans during their birthday month, with an ID required for verification.
In addition, South African citizens can take advantage of the 95th Anniversary Special throughout October. For just R195, visitors can purchase a discounted cable car ticket online, but it must be bought ahead of time as tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the visit.
TMACC is also using this milestone as an opportunity to give back. On 8 November, the company will host a charity golf day at Atlantic Beach Golf Estate to raise funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Services and Wilderness Search and Rescue, two organizations that are crucial in protecting the mountain. Capetonians are invited to support the cause by participating in the event or sponsoring one of the golf holes.
A Bright Future Ahead
As TMACC reflects on 95 years of success, the company expresses heartfelt gratitude to the millions of visitors, staff, and partners who have contributed to its legacy. “We could never have become such a successful tourism operator without our frontline staff, our support teams, our industry peers and partners, and our fans from near and far,” says Hercules.
‘Thank you for 95 incredible years. We look forward to many, many more,’ she adds.
With exciting anniversary activities, special offers, and ongoing efforts to preserve the mountain, TMACC is set to continue creating unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world.
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