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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.: +27(0) 21 701 8692,
  • Boulders Penguin Colony, Tel: +27(0) 21 786 2392 and
  • Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, Tel: +27(0) 21 780 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.

For WILD Card and permit information call TMNP Westlake office: +27(0) 21 701 8692.

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 Constantiaberg 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. Have a look at our useful TMNP Safety Tips.

Overnight Trails

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

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 areas with five or "no take" zones within the MPA where no fishing or extractive activities are allowed, and in the sixth restricted area the Karbonkelberg , only snoek are allowed to be caught deeper than the 35m contour.

For more information on these regulations, please read the Marine Recreational Activity brochure and visit their Marine section or do a search for "Fishing Regulations".

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, Noordhoek Beach and lower section of the Tokai Plantation.

Dog training at TMNP is prohibited.

Please download the Dog Walking Environmental Management Plan for details on the designated areas.

An annual Dog Walking Wild Card Permit is required.

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 restricted areas ( "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 and Smitswinkel in False Bay.

Please note that Marine and Coastal Management (MCM) has implemented a permit system for scuba diving within all MPA’s.

Since February 2008 there has been a restriction on diving within TMNP MPA - the areas affected are on our map and the regulations.

Books of Interest:

  • Two Oceans: A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa by Professor George Branch

Mountain Biking

The steep slopes that characterise 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 Plantation and Silvermine (accessible from gate one).

Please download the Mountain Biking Environmental Management Plan for details on the designated areas.

  • An annual Mountain Biking Wild Card Permit is required. Alternatively, day passes are available for Tokai and Silvermine.

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.

Rock/Sport Climbing

The rocky ledges and huge boulders of the mountain attract climbers from all over the world. However climbing is a high impact sport and designated climbing areas are outlined in the Environmental Management Plan. Be sure to read TMNP Safety Tips.

Please also be aware that Table Mountain offers challenges to climbers 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.

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.

Dogs and music are prohibited in all picnic/braai areas.

Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif: 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: +27(0) 21 780 9204, Monday to Sunday

Glen & Deer Park Picnic sites: These beautiful picnic sites are in the heart of the city. You will experience the picturesque views of Cape Town. You can access Deer Park from Deer Park Drive and the Glen from Kloof Road.

Please call: +27(0) 21 689 4441, Monday to Friday – 8:00 to 15:30 for more information including opening and closing times as well.

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: +27(0) 21 438 9555, Monday to Sunday

Oudekraal also offers corporate function facilities.

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: +27(0) 21 422 1601 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: +27(0) 21 780 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: +27(0) 21 780 9002, Monday to Sunday

Silvermine also offers corporate function facilities.

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: +27(0) 21 712 7471, Monday to Friday

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 numerous designated launch areas including Lion's Head and Silvermine.

Please download the Hang/Paragliding Environmental Management Plan for more details.

  • An annual Hang/Paragliding Wild Card Permit is required.

Horse Riding

Horse riding is permitted in certain areas of the park. This activity has a 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 include Tokai, Noordhoek Beach and Black Hill.

Please download the Horse Riding Environmental Management Plan for more details

  • An annual Horse Riding Wild Card Permit is required.

Prohibited Activities

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

  • No quad-biking anywhere
  • No two-wheel motorcycles allowed.
  • No personal water craft (jet skis) within the TMNP MPA – with the exception of an exemption issued to members of Tow Surf South Africa. The exemption allows for the use of jet skis to tow-surf on the exceptionally large waves found within the MPA during the winter months. The strict conditions are stipulated in their exemption.
  • 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.
  • No kite-surfing on inland park waters.
  • Permits are required for events and commercial activities.

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), Buffelsfontein Visitor’s Centre in the Cape of Good Hope (unmanned) and Cape Point (manned).



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