CAPE TOWN – South African National Parks (SANParks) says Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is fully prepared to manage increased visitor numbers over the festive season. They have strengthened safety measures and enhanced environmental protection teams. This preparation is key for ensuring Table Mountain National Park festive season safety for all.
Between April and October, TMNP recorded 1,7 million entries. This reflects an almost 20% rise compared with the same period last year. SANParks expects numbers to continue increasing in December and January as flights and cruise arrivals grow.
Popular attractions and activities remain open
Visitors can access the park’s top attractions, including the Boulders penguin colony, Cape Point lighthouse, Signal Hill, Table Mountain, Silvermine dam, and Oudekraal. The park also offers 850 km of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails. These activities are all part of the Table Mountain National Park experience during the festive season. Safety remains a priority during this time.
Rangers and special operations units on duty
SANParks currently deploys 157 rangers, supported by the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit. This unit received 24 additional elite rangers, six new operational vehicles, and drone technology for safety patrols and firefighting support earlier this year. This significant boost is critical to maintaining safety in Table Mountain National Park over the festive season.
Specialist teams focus on visitor protection and preventing environmental crimes. The TMNP canine unit will receive extra contracted dogs and handlers during the festive season while undergoing a review.
Volunteer and enforcement collaboration
A senior manager for visitor safety and resource protection is expected to start before mid-December. They will coordinate safety and guide volunteer activities. Volunteers already assist with joint campaigns targeting illegal overnighting and unsafe fire use. Their efforts support the overall strategy for ensuring safety in Table Mountain National Park during the festive season.
TMNP continues to operate in partnership with SAPS, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, neighbourhood watches, City Improvement Districts and volunteer safety groups. They work together through the Table Mountain Safety Forum.
Safety trends and visitor guidance
Statistics from the TMNP Operations Room show a decrease in reported incidents. Robberies dropped from 15 in March to single-digit figures between June and November. Following the SEAM Unit expansion, 17 robbery cases were recorded between June and November, down from 37 in 2024. Attempted robberies also declined from 12 to 8 cases during the same period. Key arrests occurred in April, May, September and November. Ensuring Table Mountain National Park festive season safety is reflected in these improving safety trends.
Visitors are urged to plan routes in advance, hike in groups, share itineraries, carry sufficient water, use tracking apps, and ensure mobile phones are fully charged.
