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Table Mountain National Park

Activities

Because the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) includes mountains, beaches, forests and oceans there is a variety of popular recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. However, because the Park receives in excess of 4.2 million visits per year, regulations and permits apply to certain of these activities in order to minimize the impacts on the environment. Users of the Park are asked to respect the environment at all times to assist us in protecting our unique natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.

It is recommended that you purchase Mountains in the Sea – an Interpretive Guide to Table Mountain National Park by award winning environmental journalist John Yeld. The book comprehensively covers all aspects of the Park from biodiversity issues to popular hikes and history. It is available from TMNP outlets at:

  • Westlake, Tel. 021 701 8692,
  • Boulders Penguin Colony, Tel. 021 786 2392 and
  • Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, Tel. 021 780 9204.

Important Notice:

  • Due to technical (data line inadequacies) and logistical/design (availability of parking and office/admin space) constraints coupled with the large numbers of visitors at the COGH entrance to the Table Mountain National Park we have never been able to sell WILD Cards at this entrance point.
  • The old practice of paying the normal conservation fee at the COGH entrance and then obtaining a credit/refund on purchasing a WILD Card at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre within the Park has been stopped as our auditors have indicated that this practice is not in compliance with the Public Finances management Act.

Please select an activity below for more information.

Please note that whatever you preferred activity is it is recommended that you join a relevant club and always use a map.

Peter Slingsby publishes the only maps endorsed by the TMNP

It is mandatory to abide by the Environmental Management Plan if applicable.

Hiking

Table Mountain National Park is a walking Park with exciting trails for all levels of walkers from the super-fit to the casual stroller. There are many routes to choose from along the Table Mountain Chain offering spectacular views of the City of Cape Town, rugged mountains and deep blue seas. Most of the popular hikes up Table Mountain such as Platteklip Gorge (north face), Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge (the latter two being accessible from Kirstenbosch) are fairly strenuous, while Silvermine, the Cape of Good Hope and the Constantaiburg offer easier options.

For a guide to the most popular hiking routes get yourself a copy of Mountains in the Sea – an Interpretive Guide to Table Mountain National Park by John Yeld. See details above.

Which ever route you choose there are a few universal rules that apply to all:

  • Always take a map – Peter Slingsby's maps, endorsed by the TMNP, are comprehensive and excellent. They are available from most major bookshops. Guide books by Mike Lundy are also a good choice.
  • Never walk alone – join a hiking club or take a group of friends – the mountain has many moods and it is easy to get lost or sustain and injury.
  • Always leave enough time for your walk to enable you to be down before dark.
  • Ensure that the route you have chosen matches your abilities.
  • Stick to the paths and pay attention to all signage.
  • As the weather on the peninsula can change three times in a day always ensure you have warm/wet weather gear, a sun hat, water, sun block and an energy snack.
  • Wear good hiking shoes.
  • Punch 021 480 7700 into your mobile.
  • Always let someone know where you are going and how long you intend to be.
  • If you get lost, seek shelter close by and stay where you are. If you have followed the tip above someone will find you.
  • Please don't litter.
  • Please don't feed animals or pick flowers.
  • Fires are only permitted in designated braai areas.

Overnight Trails

The Table Mountain National Park also has overnight trails namely the Hoerikwaggo Trails and the Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail.

Dog Walking

TMNP is one of the few National Parks in South Africa where you are permitted to walk a dog. However dog walking is restricted to limited areas in order to minimize the impacts of dogs on the biodiversity of the mountain – these include running off the paths and chasing indigenous animals.

Dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times and it is illegal for dogs to be on the mountain unaccompanied. Popular areas for dog walking are Silvermine, the lower slopes of Table Mountain accessible from Constantia Nek and Tokai Pine Plantation.

Please download the Dog Walking Environmental Management Plan for details on the designated areas. Dog Walking also carries an annual permit fee of R50 which is attached to the purchase of a WILD Card.

For WILD Card and permit information call TMNP Westlake office: 021 701 8692

Mountain Biking

The steep slopes that characterize much of the TMNP make it ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts. However, because this activity is very high impact and negatively affects the biodiversity of the Park and often clashes with the more sedate activities such as hiking and dog walking, there are designated areas where mountain biking is allowed. Popular areas are certain parts of Tokai Pine Plantation and Silvermine (accessible from gate 1)

Please download the Mountain Biking Environmental Management Plan for details on the designated areas. Mountain Biking also carries an annual permit fee of R300 which is attached to the purchase of a WILD Card. Day passes are available for Tokai.

For WILD Card and permit information call TMNP Westlake office: 021 701 8692

Rock/Sport Climbing

The rocky ledges and huge boulders of the mountain chain beckon climbers and there are world class routes such as Africa Face (just below the Cable Station) that attract climbers from all over the world. However climbing is a high impact sport and designated climbing areas are outlines in the Environmental Management Plan.

Please also be aware that Table Mountain is a wild mountain and it is highly recommended that you join a climbing club to benefit from local knowledge.

Please download the Rock/Sport Climbing Environmental Management Plan for details on the designated areas. Climbing also carries an annual permit fee of R130 which is attached to the purchase of a WILD Card.

For WILD Card and permit information call TMNP Westlake office: 021 701 8692

Hang/Paragliding

Even though these activities take place primarily in the air they still cause significant environmental impacts at launch sites as well as disturb raptors that may be nesting or breeding on cliff faces.

There are two designated launch areas in the Park at Lion's Head and Silvermine.

Please download the Hang/Paragliding Environmental Management Plan for more details. These activities also carry an annual permit fee of R130 which is attached to the purchase of a WILD Card.

For WILD Card and permit information call TMNP Westlake office: 021 701 8692

Fishing/Extractive Diving

The Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a popular fishing area for shore and boat-based fisher people as well as extractive divers. However due to heavy recreational and commercial pressure on the rich biodiversity of the MPA, fishing and extractive diving are subject to strict regulations and permits. Certain activities such as recreational perlemoen diving are prohibited.

There are six restricted or "no take" zones within the MPA where no fishing or extractive activities are

For more information on these regulations please visit: www.environment.gov.za and visit their Marine section or do a search for "Fishing Regulations".

Scuba Diving

Scuba divers are spoilt for choice in the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. Particularly rewarding are the numerous wrecks that scatter the coastline as well as the six "no take" zones that have been established as breeding and nursery areas for marine species. Popular dive sites include Maori wreck off the Sentinel in Hout Bay, Oudekraal on the Atlantic Seaboard and Miller's Point in the False Bay.

Please note that Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) is busy implementing a permit system however, until permit system is in place, an individual exemption can be acquired from MCM; please call Risha Persad 021 402 3537 of MCM for more information.

Surfing/Windsurfing/Kite boarding

A plethora of reefs, rocky points, beaches and open ocean Atlantic swell provide numerous breaks that work in different conditions which means that there is usually a wave to be found somewhere on the peninsula. The World famous Red Bull Big Wave Africa is held at Dungeons just of Hout Bay and attracts top big wave surfers from all over the world.

Tow in surfing is only permitted in two areas – Dungeons and Sunset's (off Kommetjie) and only if wave swell is five meters or more. Jet Ski's are banned in the rest of the MPA.

Due to the high and frequent winds that characterise the Cape Peninsula there are many opportunities for windsurfing and kite boarding especially in the summer months. However more popular areas for these activities are further up the west coast near Blaauberg Strand.

Picnics and Braai's

Table Mountain National Park offers numerous picnic/braai areas although braaing should be undertaken with care and is often banned due to high winds.

Buffels Bay: Situated right on the beach in the Cape of Good Hope this is a very picturesque venue for a picnic or braai with safe bathing for kids in the tidal pool. However, troops of Chacma Baboons are regular visitors and are attracted by food and can be aggressive. Please try to avoid the baboons and do not feed them.

Please call: 021 780 9204, Monday to Sunday

Oudekraal Picnic/Braai Site: Situated between Camps' Bay and Llunduddno, This lovely secluded beach is perfect for a family lunch. The sea is calm and ideal fro swimming. Alcohol is prohibited.

Please call: 021 438 9555, Monday to Sunday

Oudekraal also offers corporate function facilities. For more information please call Peninsula Permits: 021 715 0011

Newland's Picnic/Braai Site: Conveniently situated off the M3 near Rondebosch, this picnic area is situated under the shade of pine trees and is popular on weekends. Several hikes are also accessible from the picnic area. Alcohol is prohibited.

Please call: 021 689 4441 during office hours. Newlands Picnic Site is closed during the week off-season.

Perdekloof Picnic/Braai Site: Just 45 minutes outside of Cape Town on the way to the Cape of Good Hope, Perdekloof also offers good shade combined with a sense of "getting away from it all".

Please call: 021 780 9100 during office hours.

Silvermine Picnic/Braai Site: Definitely among the most spectacular lunch venues in the Park the Silvermine picnic site is situated on the banks of the reservoir with spectacular views of the fynbos clad mountains. A universal boardwalk provides wheelchair access to a picturesque trail around the reservoir that takes about 25 minutes.

Please call: 021 780 9002, Monday to Sunday

Silvermine also offers corporate function facilities. For more information please call Peninsula Permits: 021 715 0011

Tokai Picnic/Braai Area: Situated on the edge of the Tokai Plantation this is a centrally located, spacious site shaded by pines. There is ample space for large families and is convenient to many enjoyable trails through the plantation.

Please call: 021 7127471, Monday to Friday

Prohibited Activities

There are various activities that are not allowed in the TMNP for various environmental reasons:

  • No quad biking anywhere
  • No dune boarding anywhere
  • No jet skis – with the exception of tow-in/safety reasons at Dungeon's and Sunset's under conditions stipulated in the permit.

Facilities

An aerial cableway provides access to the top of Table Mountain, while a funicular carries visitors to Cape Point. Restaurants and curio shops operate at Rhodes Memorial, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point and on Table Mountain. Information centres are located at the Table Mountain cableway station (manned), Silvermine (unmanned), Boulders (unmanned), Tokai (unmanned), Smith's Farm at the Cape of Good Hope (unmanned) and Cape Point (manned).



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