Sunset from the top of Table Mountain following an exciting canine adventure by Cable Car

Cape Town's Table Mountain cable cars taking RISKKO to enjoy the sunset view — Cape Town’s Table Mountain cable cars taking RISKKO to enjoy the sunset view

This week, as a special treat, I had promised RISKKO a trip to the top of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. While we were there we took the opportunity to take some sunset shots and capture the scenery just as the sun was going down.

Before I share with you the details let me quash the ugly rumour we only went up in the Cable Car in the evening because after 18:00 hours it was half-price (the Yorkshire equivalent of an extravagant sight-seeing trip). However I cannot deny being a bit disappointed when the lady at the cash desk explained that the half-price offer no longer applied – at the same time as asking me if I would like to replace my guidebook with one which was written less than 10 years ago (did I sense a little sarcasm)?.

Unfortunately RISKKO’s pocket-money didn’t quite stretch to the full price so we had to borrow some money from RISKKO’s personal Cape Town chauffeur, John, to prevent the trip being a non-starter. If you happen to be interested in the same trip it would be worth making sure you have at least 205 rand per adult.

We did manage to go up on the 18:30 cable car arriving just in time for some sunset photos before we had to catch the last car back down (at 19:30). Fortunately we didn’t miss the ride back down, although I had brought RISKKO’s pyjamas just in case.

Table Mountain cable cars getting rather close as they overtake on a sunny Cape Town day

RISKKO gets his tummy tickled in the Cable Car and nearly has a little accident out of the window.

The cable cars can carry 65 people each and can accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. Each car is able to rotate as it goes up and down so everyone gets a chance to enjoy a panoramic view.

The views when you get to the top are staggering and despite having less than one hour we were able to take the pictures you can see below. Why don’t I let the pictures speak for themselves?

Will they get this big cable car into that little hole at the top of Table Mountain

Once he gets to the top of Table Mountain RISKKO takes a rest and enjoys the view

The views from the top of Table Mountain are exhilarating

Some mountain top views from Table Mountain.

Have you ever noticed how, whenever you get a fantastic scenery shot, somebody's pesky dog gets in the way? — Have you ever noticed how, whenever you get a fantastic scenery shot, somebody’s pesky dog gets in the way?

Inspiring mountain views across Table Mountain without an over excited canine getting into the shot

Now for the first Table Mountain Sunset picture (with RISKKO of course)

Almost managed to get the celebrity canine out of this one

Perhaps we will put this one on the cover of RISKKO's first travel guide — Perhaps we will put this one on the cover of RISKKO’s first travel guide

As the sun sets over Table Mountain the mysterious stone-frogs come out to play

As the sun sets the colours and shadows show-off the splendor of the beautiful landscape

African 'moonscape' scenery but with some fantastic vegetation - need to come again in spring! — African ‘moonscape’ scenery but with some fantastic vegetation – need to come again in spring!

As the sun goes down deep red colours illuminate the vegetation giving it a warm glow

After sunset it is time to take the last cable car down Table Mountain before the mountain ghosts arrive

Below us the city and harbour lights begin to glow ready for the night ahead. Sleep well Cable Mountain!

If you do get a chance to visit Cape Town this little excursion is a ‘must do’ and as you can see you do not need to have a whole day in which to do it (although next time we will give ourselves a little more than one hour of daylight).

Chris Duggleby.