SANParks announced a Table Mountain National Park closure on Monday, 11 May. Severe weather lashing Cape Town and surrounding areas has triggered the decision. The national park, one of Cape Town’s most visited natural destinations, draws thousands of hikers and tourists each year.
SANParks introduced the closures in the interest of public safety. The closures affect popular hiking trails, picnic sites and visitor facilities. The closures remain in place until further notice.
Why SANParks closed the park
“Members of the public are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel and hiking activities within affected sections of the park,” said SANParks acting head of communications and spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa.
Park management teams are tackling multiple weather-related incidents across the affected areas. These include fallen trees and branches, flooding, water damage and hazardous trail conditions.
Which areas does the Table Mountain National Park closure affect?
The following sites are currently closed:
- Forest Link Walkway at Boulders Penguin Colony
- Oudekraal Picnic Site
- Lion’s Head summit
- Signal Hill precinct
- Deer Park trails
- Newlands Picnic Site
- Cecilia Forest trails
- Constantia Nek trails
- Tokai Picnic Site
- Upper and lower Tokai trails
- Silvermine Gates and Picnic Site
SANParks has also suspended funicular and shuttle services at the Cape of Good Hope.
Stay safe in and around the park
Mbelengwa cautioned visitors to stay away from rivers, streams and mountain paths. Fallen trees and unstable ground make coastal and low-lying areas equally dangerous.
Anyone who planned to visit an affected area should postpone their trip until SANParks lifts the closure.
SANParks urges all visitors and residents to follow safety signage, barricades and instructions from park officials and emergency personnel
Other Cape parks remain open
The Table Mountain National Park closure does not extend to other parks in the region. Agulhas, Bontebok, Tankwa Karoo and West Coast national parks remain open. All four are, however, on high alert.
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