Summer is around the corner which means more light hours in Cape Town and more time to hike. South African National Parks (SANParks) has clarified the opening and closing times of hiking areas and picnic sites at Table Mountain National Park so visitors are not caught off guard.
The pandemic has had an affect on the hours and in certain areas these hours will not be adjusted even though curfew hours have changed.
Currently, the gate at Cape Point opens at 7am and that will remain the same in summer too.
According to TMNP Park Manager, Frans van Rooyen, “TMNP is slowly recovering from the pandemic and we kindly request visitors to be patient with us especially with the gate opening times at Cape Point. This is not a permanent decision and things will get back to normal when it’s safe to do so. We urge Park users to respect the rules of the Park and we will keep everyone informed if there are new changes.”
Gate opening times are as follows:
- Cape Point:
- Open daily, 07h00 – 17h00
- The take-away Food Shop and the Funicular operates from Thursdays to Sundays.
- The Curio shop operates Fridays – Sundays
- All beaches at Cape Point do not have lifeguards on duty.
- Boulders:
- Open daily, 08h00 – 17h00
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Please check the tides prior to arrival as there is limited space available on the beach.
- Silvermine:
- Gate 1: Open daily, 07h00 – 18h00
- Gate 2: Open daily, 08h00 – 18h00
- Braaing is allowed at Silvermine since we’re out of fire season and no gas equipment is allowed.
- Please exercise caution when swimming in the dam as it is as own risk and no life guards are on duty.
- Newlands Picnic Site:
- From 1 November entry times at Newlands picnic site will be 08h00 – 16h00 from Monday to Sunday.
- Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and we encourage guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
- No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.
- Oudekraal Picnic Site:
- Opens only on weekends.
- From 1 November entry times at Oudekraal picnic site will be 08h00 am – 16h00 pm from Monday to Sunday.
- Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and we encourage guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
- No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.
- Tokai:
- Entry times at the pay point gate/picnic site will open from 07h00 to 18h00.
- Please ensure that if carrying out your activity in the park such as cycling, dog walking and horse riding that you have the requisite permit to do so. The Office in Tokai is open Monday to Friday 08h00 to 12h30 and 13h00 to 15h45 for your queries: (021 712 7471).
- Last-minute accommodation queries please book online at sanparks.org/bookings/ or call central reservations on 012 428 9111. Should you notice a fire anywhere on the mountain please call the TMNP emergency number at 086 110 6417 or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own.
When out walking, hiking and trail running:
- The Park recommends that you carry out your activity in groups of four (4) or more. Please ensure that you know the route you are taking. If this is the first visit please go with someone who does know the route or hire a guide.
- Please prepare for all-weather temperatures, pack a hat, a weatherproof jacket and lots of water.
- Please ensure you have a map with you.
- Please load our emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 107 or 021 480 7700 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home.
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