Table Mountain National Park, SANParks

Table Mountain National Park, SANParks

Description

Table Mountain National Park

Welcome to Table Mountain National Park, South African jewel, international tourism icon and Natural World Heritage Site.

Situated at the south-western tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) encompasses the incredibly scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula.

The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope.

The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

A unique feature of the TMNP is that it is primarily an open access Park with only three points where conservation fees are payable, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders and Silvermine, the rest of the Park is open access and free for all to enjoy.

Accommodation

Olifantsbos Cottage

Possibly the most special accommodation available in Cape Town, this unique getaway is located deep in the southern part of the Cape of Good Hope and offers guests complete seclusion right on the beach.

The main cottage sports three double rooms – one master, two with 2x ¾ beds, a fully kitted, gas-fuelled kitchen, a bathroom with a gas-fuelled geyser and an open plan lounge and dining area complete with a cozy fireplace.

For warm summer evenings there is generous patio and braai area with a boardwalk leading to the beach.

For larger groups there is an annex that sleeps an additional six people – one two sleeper one four sleeper. The annex has its own bathroom.

Linen is provided.

As the light are solar powered and water is sourced from tanks guests are asked to conserve energy and water.

Eland and Duiker Cottages

Ideal for family holidays the Eland and Duiker Cottages are situated in the Cape of Good Hope section of the Park. Both are electrified, offer fully equipped kitchens and linen is provided.

Eland Cottage sleeps six people with one master bedroom and two bedrooms each furnished with two ¾ beds. There is an open plan kitchen/ lounge area and an enclosed patio with a jet master fireplace.

Duiker Cottage sleeps six people with one master bedroom and two bedrooms each furnished with two ¾ beds. There is an open plan kitchen/ lounge area with a jet-master fire place in the lounge. Duiker has its own boma and braai area

Information for Eland and Duiker Family Cottages and Olifantsbos Guest House

1. Check-in time for accommodation is from 14:00 to 16:30 and accommodation must please be vacated by 10:00. Keys to be handed in at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre no later than 10:30.
2. Keys to be collected at the Buffelsfontein Visitor’s Centre before 16:30 on day of arrival.
3. All members of the party need to arrive at the same time. If you are unable to check-in before 16:30 a special arrangement must be made directly with Reception staff at the following number (021) 780 9204 in order for us to arrange a SANParks staff member (that will be specified on the special permit) to book you in as well as to escort you to your accommodation from the Main Gate. A charge of R150 will apply per vehicle for this arrangement.
4. No guests will be allowed to drive through the park after dark unless escorted by SANParks staff.
5. Only the reserved number of guests will be allowed access to the accommodation unit. Additional guests will only be provided access upon prior arrangement and approval by management.
6. Conservation Fee (entrance fee) is not included in accommodation price and is payable daily, alternatively see more information on the WILD Card.
7. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
8. 30 days from reservation 30% deposit. In full 30 days before arrival. Full payment less 30 days. Direct deposit

Wood Owl Cottage

This beautifully restored foresters cottage is situated in the heart of the Tokai Pine Plantation on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. Its central location offers guests the best of both worlds – easy access to the City and the seclusion of the Park and nearby hiking/ mountain bike trails.

It fully equipped and offers three double, en suite bedrooms with an open plan kitchen living area with a fireplace. There is also a separate TV room. For warmer evenings there is a patio and braai area. In addition the cottage has a telephone and is cleaned daily.

Please note:

• Only the reserved number of guests will be allowed access to the accommodation unit. Additional guests will only be provided access upon prior arrangement and approval by management.

What to bring

Although the Table Mountain National Park is primarily a day-visit park there are several items that no-one should be without whether for a casual stroll or a more serious hike:

It is highly 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 and will enrich any visitor’s enjoyment and appreciation of the Park.

It is available from TMNP outlets at Westlake, Tel. 021 701 8692, Boulders Penguin Colony, Tel. 021 786 2329 and Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, Tel. 021 780 9204.

Also essential are:

• A good map – Peter Slingsby’s maps are endorsed by the Park. Visit The Maps for more information.
• Sun hat and sun block
• Sufficient water
• Energy snacks
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Wet weather gear/ wind breakers
• Punch emergency number into your mobile: 021 957 4700 or 021 480 7700

Visitor Safety

Table Mountain National Park is a Park within a City and its urban context presents Park staff with some unique management challenges. Two of these are these are mountain safety and security issues.

Many people think that because Table Mountain is in the middle of a City that it is simply an easy walk to the top – a serious misconception. The reality is that it is a serious mountain standing 1000 meters above sea level and offers challenging, sometimes dangerous, hikes and is characterised by inconsistent weather. These factors result in people getting lost and injured.

Also as the TMNP is primarily an open access Park from time to time there is criminal activity in some of the urban edge areas of the Park.

In answer to both these challenges the TMNP recruited and deployed Visitor Safety Officers (VSO’s) to patrol popular use zones in the Park. The VSO’s give advice to hikers as well as act as a deterrent to criminals.

For some hints and tips for a hassle free visit to the TMNP please download the Visitor Safety Brochure.

Gate Times

Climate

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has what is known as a Mediterranean climate in that it typically has hot, dry summers and a short, wet winter which while cool are relatively mild with an all time low of only -1 degrees C. However in recent years climate change has resulted in dryer shorter winters.

Strong winds feature prominently with a strong south Easter dominating summer months – this wind has earned itself the nickname of the Cape Doctor as it blows pollutions from the city. In winter the winds generally switch to north east bringing a series of cold fronts over the peninsula. But don’t be fooled the winter months bring some spectacularly clear, warm days that are in fact the best days for hiking.

However, the mountainous topography of the Park creates micro-climates which means that different weather can be experienced by area within quite short distances. For example it can be a beautiful day in Cape Town but a short hike into the mountain chain can find misty, rainy weather.

For this reason it is rvisable to ensure that you are equipped for all eventualities when using the Park.

Fuel Stations: Petrol/ Diesel

Vehicle fuel is available in the surrounding areas.

People with Disabilities

Information about the facilities offered by Table Mountain National Park in the interests of universal access can be found here.

Attractions

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:

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.

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Hoerikwaggo™ Trails

The original inhabitants of the Cape – the Khoekhoen and San tribes - called Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo – "sea mountain" or "mountain in the sea"

Hoerikwaggo™ is a trade mark of SANParks

Discuss the Trails

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Feature: Hoerikwaggo

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Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and discover the beauty of an ancient mountain chain...

Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoi’san word for mountain in the sea, the Khoi’san’s name for Table Mountain.

The Hoerikwaggo Trails

The Hoerikwaggo Trail is a spectacular five-night, six-day 100km trail from Cape Town to Cape Point, rivaling the legendary Inca Trail in Machu Picchu. Hikers can book three, day two-day, or one-night hikes as sections of the overall trail. The full 97km trail, with five overnight stops, will be ready by June 2010.

The construction of the Hoerikwaggo™ Trail by four hundred previously unemployed path-builders over four years, saw the TMNP proclaimed by lamp-post billboards as a “Mountain of Jobs”. Some of the best of these path-builders are now your mountain guides and interpret the natural and cultural wonders of the Trail, others have become porters, tourism staff and rangers.

Acclaimed for opening up access to what was once private or restricted land, the Hoerikwaggo™ Trail is a progress indicator of land consolidation of the 10 years young national park. The change of land ownership from private to public, allows you to walk freely in the footsteps of our ancestors who once walked these “mountains in the sea”.

History

Hoerikwaggo is the indigenous Khoekhoen word for Table Mountain, meaning “mountains in the sea”. The dramatic mountains indeed rise out of the sea on three sides, and on the fourth side the mountains tower majestically over the growing urban sprawl of metropolitan Cape Town.

The Cape Peninsula is rich in the first peoples’ history of the past 100 000 years when the nomadic Khoekhoen and San hunted and gathered on these mountains and beaches, then herded in a subsistence lifestyle that touched the earth lightly. The mountains oversaw the arrival of the Nguni people 3 000 years ago, and then the Europeans 300 years ago. Today Table Mountain protects the resulting mixture of cosmopolitan citizens in a custodian role known as “Umlindiwengizimu” – the watcher of the south – placed by Qamata – our creator – looking after all of Africa.

The Trail

The proposed five-night, six-day Hoerikwaggo Trail will allow access to hiking from Cape Point to Table Mountain, through the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The construction of this trail by hundreds of previously unemployed path-builders, and the change of land ownership from private to public, allows you to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors who traversed these “mountains in the sea”.

Three of the five overnight tented camps are open for hikers:

• Orange Kloof above Hout Bay,
• Silvermine below Noordhoek Peak, and
• Slangkop Point, near the Kommetjie Lighthouse.

Tented Camps

The beautiful, rustic but luxurious camps, cater for both local and international visitors, and are built from timber felled and milled in the TMNP. Following the principle of touching the earth lightly, only previously damaged sites were selected, and the design ensures minimum environmental impact. Hot water, open fires, and fully equipped kitchens.

The remaining two overnight camps will be at the old forestry station above Smitswinkel Bay near the entrance to the Park’s Cape Point section and at the SA Navy’s former Signal School above Simons Town. The rustic but luxurious camps cater for both local and international visitors.

What you need

All the trails are portaged guided and self-catering. Food and overnight gear will be ferried from your departure point to your tented camp. You need good walking boots, daypack with lunch, snacks and two litres of water and weatherproof gear for sun, wind and rain.

The Slangkop section

Starts from the Big Tree along Red Hill road, close to Signal School above Simons Town and traverses the Peninsula from east to west, ending at the Kommetjie Lighthouse 12 km away. Guests overnight in the Slangkop tented camp, 100m from the sea at Kommetjie.

Day 1: Easy - 12km - Redhill to Kommetjie: The hike meanders between the summit of Red Hill, past Ocean View and down over Slangkop to Kommetjie. Along the way are breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Cape Point.

Day 2: Tough - 21km - Kommetjie to Silvermine: This is the longest day of the whole Hoerikwaggo Trail. From Slangkop tented camp along Noordhoek and Long Beach beach. Look out for Oyster Catchers, Cape Clawless otters and, sometimes, whales and dolphins. Climb the tough Chapman’s Peak then Noordhoek Peak with magnificent views of the sea and the mountain range.

Meeting Points: Hikers meet the Hoerikwaggo guides at the big tree along Red Hill Road and the trail ends at the end of day two at the Silvermine dam car park.

Vehicles: Hikers may arrange with the booking officer to park their vehicle/s at the Silvermine mountain bike parking area. Hikers must make their own arrangement to collect their vehicles at the end of the trail.

Alternative: If you simply want the experience of spending a night in a tented camp next to the sea, then book the accommodation and use it as a base from where you can enjoy all the Silvermine outdoor activities. A guide is mandatory.

The Silvermine section

This spectacular one-night, two-day hike traverses Long Beach past the coastal wetlands, climbs over Chapman’s and Noordhoek peaks to overnight at the Silvermine tented camp in the upland mountain wetlands near the Silvermine Dam. The next day takes you to Constantia Nek.

Day 1: Tough - 21km: Starts at the Slangkop tented camp near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie along Noordhoek and Long Beach beach. Look out for Oyster Catchers, Cape Clawless otters and, sometimes, whales and dolphins. Climb the tough Chapman’s Peak then Noordhoek Peak with magnificent views of the sea and the mountain range.

Day 2: Tough - 15km: Walk down Blackburn ravine and traverse northwards above Hout Bay then climb indigenous fynbos mountain side over Vlakkenberg to Constantia Nek where your two-day getaway comes to an end.

Meeting points: Hikers meet the Hoerikwaggo guides at the Slangkop Lighthouse parking area and the trail ends at Constantia Nek.

Vehicles: Hikers may park their vehicles at Orange Kloof by making prior arrangements with the booking officer. Hikers must make their own arrangements to be dropped off at Slangkop Lighthouse. At the end of the trail hikers will walk to Orange Kloof to collect their vehicles.

Minimum 6; maximum 12 hikers.

Alternative: If you wish to simply experience spending a night on the mountain, book the accommodation and use it as a base from where you can enjoy all the Silvermine outdoor activities. A guide is mandatory.

Other TMNP Hiking Trails

The Orange Kloof section

Forest and mountain experience: Overnight in a tented camp in the ancient Afromontane forest of Orange Kloof. Enjoy the pristine Orange Kloof forest before hiking out the Kloof up Disa Gorge and onto Table Mountain.

Day 1: Tough - 15,5km: Starting at the Silvermine Dam the trail descends Blackburn ravine then winds north through unspoilt fynbos with stunning views of the Cape Peninsula, and traverses Constantiaberg and climbs Vlakkenberg to Constantia Nek. Overnight camp in the Orange Kloof forest.

Day 2: Medium - 9,5km: Ascend the back table via Disa Gorge and walk through the Valley of the Red Gods to the upper cableway station. Hikers are ferried down by cable car and the trail ends at the lower cable station.

Meeting Points: Hikers meet the HKT guides at the entrance gate parking area to the Silvermine dam and the trail ends at the lower Cableway station, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town.

Vehicles: Hikers may make prior arrangements with the booking officer to park their vehicles at the Platteklip Wash House in Cape Town. No vehicles are allowed to be left at the starting point so hikers must make their own arrangements to be dropped off.

Alternative: If you don’t want to hike the trail, book the tented camp as overnight accommodation. A guide is mandatory.

Main Attractions

The Cape of Good Hope

So named by Portugal's King John II this area has captured the imagination of European sailors such as Dias who first named it the Cape of Storms in 1488 and later in 1580 Sir Francis Drake who called it the "The Fairest Cape in all the World"

Rich in cultural and natural heritage this is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa and includes the famous Cape Point. Due to the variety of wildlife that occurs here it is the only section of the TMNP that is fenced and visitors should look out for Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok and Zebra.

Be sure to visit the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre that showcases all the plants and animals to look out for in a particular season and is full of informative signage.

This is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers hiking, surfing, angling, picnicking, beaching and cycling opportunities against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains and coastline of the most south western point in Africa.

Several of the activities are regulated and require permits. Please visit activities for more information.

One of the major tourist attractions in the TMNP is of course Cape Point which offers visitors a excellent viewing opportunities from the two lighthouses that adorn the point – one still functional, informative interpretive signage that traces the cultural and natural history of the Point. The lighthouse is accessible by foot or you can catch the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top.

For those who wish to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping our concessionaire Cape Point Partnership runs the stunning Two Oceans Restaurant and the Tigers Eye Curio Shop.

Contact Details:

TMNP: Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 780 9204, 09:30 – 17:30, Monday- Sunday
Restaurant, Shops and funicular: +27(0) 21 780 9001 / 021 780 9200

Please note that this is one of TMNP's pay points where a daily conservation fee is payable.

Download the brochure front back.

The Cape of Good Hope entry and exit times

Boulders Penguin Colony

Just around the corner from the seaside village of Simons Town turn left off main road to Boulders Visitor Centre to visit the famous colony of African Penguins, so called for their hilarious braying call. This is a truly special experience and Table Mountain National Park staff is knowledgeable and offer guided tours. After you have fallen in love with the penguins head to the secluded Boulders Beach and take a swim in the comparatively warm waters of the False Bay.

This beach is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents, wind and large waves - but please always take care. Also, don't touch or feed the penguins. They might look cute and cuddly but their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose. Boulders Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 786 2329.

Please note that this is one of TMNP's pay points where a daily conservation fee is payable. Please visit tariffs to see the current fee.

Boulders entry and exit times

Download the brochure front back.

Table Mountain

Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town. Famous for the tablecloth of clouds that pours endlessly down its slopes when the south-easter blows, this is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a range of routes that vary from strolls to rigorous hikes.

You decide whether you want to reach the summit and revel in spectacular views of the city or simply stroll along in the cool shade of indigenous forest – which ever you choose you won't be disappointed. The ancient Afromontane forest has a fairy charm as vines and canopies create a magical atmosphere.

However please remember that even though it is in an urban setting it is still a wild mountain that offers challenging climbs and sheer cliffs so be aware of where you intend to walk and always ensure that you stick to the path and are kitted out for cold weather, always carry water and let someone know where you are going to hike. If you want the views without breaking a sweat catch a state-of-the-art revolving cable car to the top. For more information call the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC): +27(0) 21 424 8181

To spend a night on Table Mountain book now for the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail!

• Table Mountain Cableway Tariffs and Operating Times

Download the brochure front back.

Silvermine

Located in the central section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Silvermine offers some of the best hikes in the Park with beautiful fynbos landscapes. There are two sections with formal parking:

Gate One: Turn right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town. This area offers mountain biking tracks and a selection of hikes ranging from easy to challenging. Hikers can walk to the top of the Constantaiburg Mountain for perfect views of Hout Bay or simply stroll around the reservoir's wheelchair friendly boardwalk. There are also picturesque braai/ picnic sites available.

Gate Two: A few hundred metres past Gate One, turn left into the car park. From here you can hike over to Kalk Bay or simply do a circuit route. This section of the Park includes Afromontane Forests, waterfalls and very interesting geology.

Silvermine entry and exit times

Download the brochure front back.

Signal Hill and Lion's Head

If you face Table Mountain and look right you will see Lion's Head and Signal Hill two popular destinations in their own right. Signal Hill is the Northern most tip of the terrestrial area of the TMNP and offers excellent views of the City and harbour. It is from here that the noon day gun marks 12:00 in Cape Town.

Lion's Head is a short but popular hike that offers 360 degree views of the Atlantic seaboard, the City and Table Mountain. It has become a Cape Town tradition to hike to the top on full moon. But, while this is a memorable experience, it should only be done in groups, and led by someone with experience.

Beaches

TMNP has a beach for all preferences. If you like to mingle with bronzed beach goers and enjoy a bit of a beach culture, try Llandudno on the Atlantic seaboard. However, if you are more of a laidback beach user head south and try out Noordhoek, Kommetjie or Scarborough - all of which are spacious enough to accommodate crowds and are also good for watching the sun set.

The Cape of Good Hope section offers more wild and secluded beaches with the benefit of beaches on both the Atlantic and False Bay sides.

Be aware that strong rip tides characterise some of our beaches and for the most part life guards are only on duty during high season on the most popular beaches. Swimmers should ensure that they are familiar with the area and should exercise caution at all times.

Do not drink alcohol and swim.

For more information on available beaches please call our marine team: +27(0) 21 786 5656.

Forest Walks

A walk in an Afromontane forest is always uplifting. These deep green ecosystems are millions of years old and are home to a variety of smaller animals, birds and invertebrates.

The most popular of these walks are:

• Newlands Forest – accessible from the M3 near Rhodes Memorial.
• Orange Kloof in Hout Bay – this is one of the most special places in the Park with forest trails leading to the top of Table Mountain. Please note that entry to this area is by permit only. Please call +27(0) 21 689 4441 for information.
• Echo Valley and Spes Bona on the Muizenberg mountains also sport pockets of Afromontane. Boardwalks have been constructed here to protect the root systems, humus layers and to promote sapling growth.
• The entry and exit times for:
  • Tokai Forest
  • Newlands Forest
  • Ouderkraal
  • Perdekloof

Facilities

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).

Shops and Restaurants

Cape Point
One of the major tourist attractions in the TMNP is Cape Point which offers visitors a excellent viewing opportunities from the two lighthouses that adorn the point – one still functional, informative interpretive signage that traces the cultural and natural history of the Point.

Here our partner in tourism, Cape Point Partnership, runs the Flying Dutchman Funicular, the stunning Two Oceans Restaurant and the Tigers Eye Curio Shop.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 780 9200 or +27 (0) 21 780 9010

At TMNP’s Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre you can buy souvenirs, refreshments and snacks.
Tel. +27 (0) 21 780 9204, 08:30 – 17:00

Boulders Penguin Colony
The Boulders Visitor Centre has some great souveniors and memorabilia on sale.
Tel. +27 (0) 21 786 2329

Table Mountain
The Table Mountain Aerial Cable way Company (TMACC) owns and runs the cable cars on Table Mountain. At the upper cableway station TMACC also operates a restaurant and curio shop.
Tel. +27 (0) 21 424 8181

Rhodes Memorial
The Rhodes Memorial Restaurant, situated just above Rhodes Memorial, offers breakfasts, teas, lunches and great views.
Tel. +27 (0) 21 689 9151

Tokai
Listers Tea Room is situated in the Tokai Arboretum.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 715 4512

Directions