Home Park Home

• About the Park
  • Park Planning
  • Profile
  • Organogram
  • Management Structure
  • Partners
  • Celebrating 10 Years
• Tourism
  • Accommodation
  • Availability
  • Activities
  • Conference Facilities
  • Shops and Restaurants
  • Essential Information
  • Hoerikwaggo Trails
  • How to get there
  • Main Attractions
  • Maps
  • Marketing
  • Reservations
  • Wild Card
  • Tariffs
• Biodiversity Management
  • Alien Clearing
  • Fauna
  • Fire Management
  • Flora
  • Geology
  • Marine Protected Area
  • Planning & Development
  • Research & Projects
  • World Heritage Site
• People & Conservation
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Environmental Experience
  • Volunteers & Friends
  • Park Forum Steering Committee
• Library and Archives
  • What's hot
  • Tenders
  • Park News
  • Documents
• Information for
  • People with disabilities
• Contact us
  • Contact details
  • Feedback

All-In-One

Table Mountain National Park

All-in-One

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.

***For more information on the Groote Schuur Estate Tender Advert, click here.***

For more detailed information about the TMNP please read our Profile.

Accommodation

• Olifantsbos Cottage

• Eland and Duiker Cottage

• Owl Cottage

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.

View brochure front back

Booking Details:

Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre on + 27 (0) 21 780 9204 between 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 15:00 on Friday’s. Alternatively email rownenag@sanparks.org or musam@sanparks.org or tessw@sanparks.org Telephonic reservations are recommended.

Please see our full tariff document for further information.

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

View brochure

Booking Details

Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre on + 27 (0) 21 780 9204 between 09:00 to 16:00, Monday to Thursday and 09:00 to 15:00 on Friday’s. Alternatively email gloriad@sanparks.org or tessw@sanparks.org. Telephonic reservations are recommended.

Please see our full tariff document for further information.

Payment Details:

By credit card, cash or cheque with 30% deposit required within 30 days of booking and the remainder 30 days before arrival. Full payment is required if you book within 30 days of arrival.

 

Information for Eland, Duiker and Olifantsbos Cottages

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 R70.00 will apply for this arrangement.
4. No guests will be allowed to drive through the park after dark unless escorted by SANParks staff.
5. If you invite guests (not of the original accommodation party as per the booking slip) for a day visit please inform them that they will be required to pay the normal entrance fee. No free entry will be granted to them. Day visitors need to exit the Park before sunset on day of visit.
6. Conservation Fee (gate fee) is not included in accommodation price and is payable daily.
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.

View brochure front back

Booking Details

TMNP Tokai Office on + 27 (0) 21 712 7471 alternatively email joek@sanparks.org

Please see our full tariff document for further information.

Check in: 12h00
Check out: 09h00

Payment Details:

By credit card, cash or cheque with 50% deposit required within 30 days of booking and the remainder 30 days before arrival. Full payment is required if you book within 30 days of arrival.

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.

• Hiking

• Overnight Trails

• Fishing/extractive diving

• Dog Walking

• Scuba Diving

• Mountain Biking

• Surfing/Wind Surfing

• Rock/Sport Climbing

• Picnic and Braai areas

• Hang/Paragliding

• Prohibited Activities

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:

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).

Climate

Winter:

From May to August, cold fronts sweep across the Atlantic and bombard the Peninsula with rain and the northwest gales - an apt reminder of why the early explorers referred to it as the Cape of Storms. The winters are cool with an average minimum temperature of about 7° C. Most of the rainfall occurs in winter, but due to the topography the rainfall varies quite dramatically. In the valleys and coastal plains it averages 500 mm per year, while in the mountainous areas it can average as much as 1500 mm a year.

Winter is a particularly beautiful time in the Cape as the vegetation regains its verdure and water pours from the mountain chain’s waterfalls, rivulets and ravines.

Summer:

From November to February the weather is warm and dry. During these months the Peninsula is exposed to the strong (sometimes gale-force), relentless Southeast wind known locally as the Cape Doctor because it blows away pollution and cleans the air. Summer temperatures are relatively comfortable with the average maximum around 26° C.

The days in between are hot and compliment the awesome beaches

Please note: The months we have listed here are merely guidelines. Always cater for all weather when visiting due to its unpredictability.

How to get there

• There are daily national and international flights into Cape Town International Airport.
• Car hire facilities are located at the airport and in the city of Cape Town and other nearby commercial centres.
• Tour operators and travel agents offer luxury coach tours.
• A railway service runs from Cape Town along the False Bay coastline to Simon's Town.

To get to the following destinations visitors should take the following routes:

Boulders Beach

Situated in Simon’s Town, which can be reached via the M4 (Main Road) from the city centre, although getting to Muizenberg via the M3 or the M5 are both quicker in road time. From Muizenberg, the M4 continues via Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town.

Cape Point

One can go via the M4, Simon’s Town and Miller’s Point, on the M64 and 65 via Ou Kaapse Weg, Sun Valley, Kommetjie and Scarborough.

The M6 via Chapman’s Peak is currently open but it is sometimes temporarily closed for repairs after heavy rains. There is signage on the road some distance before Chapman’s Peak, which tells you whether it is open or closed.

Kirstenbosch

De Waal Drive and then left onto Rhodes Drive in the Direction of Hout Bay

Oudekraal

Situated on the M6 between Camp’s Bay and Llandudno

Silvermine

Situated on the M64 (Ou Kaapse Weg)

Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head

Kloof Nek Road towards Camp’s Bay

Internal Road Network

Only a few areas of the TMNP allow private vehicle access – Cape of Good Hope section and Signal Hill. Vehicles are subject to strict speed limits and a required to keep to the designated roads. Other areas such as Silvermine, Newlands and Oudekraal offer secure parking within the gates.

Management map

Click on the map to view enlarged version.

 

Please note that Peter Slingsby publishes the only maps endorsed by the TMNP. To expand the following thumbnails, please click on them directly. To download the original maps, click on the map name.

Table Mountain National Park

Olifantsbos

Steenberg Ridge

Vlakkenberg

Western Table

Tariffs

• General Tariffs Information

• 2008/2009 Tariffs (word document or pdf document)

• Pensioners' Discount

• Daily Conservation Fee

• TMNP: Other Tariffs

• Conferences

• Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.

• Cost of a Wild Card

Tariffs for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE
10% discount on accommodation from Mondays to Thursdays in the period 1 October to 31 November 10% discount on accommodation from Mondays to Thursdays in the period 1 February to 30 April 20% discount on accommodation over weekends in the period 1 May to 30 September 30% discount on all accommodation from Monday's to Thursday's in the period 1 May to 30 September
Daily Conservation Fees for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID) R60 per adult, per day R10 per child, per day SADC Nationals (with passport) R60 per adult, per day R10 per child, per day Standard Conservation Fee R60 per adult, per day R10 per child, per day
Unit Type	No. of units	Rate	Base	Max. beds	Add. Adult	Add. Child
Olifantsbos Guest House GO6	1	R2 150	1 – 6	1 double bed, 8 single beds and 1 bunk bed	R216	R108
Duiker Family Cottage FF6	1	R675	1 – 4	1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed	R124	R62
Eland Family Cottage FF6B	1	R675	1 – 4	1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed	R124	R62

TOKAI FOREST
Reservations for the Wood Owl Cottage should be made directly with the Park on (021) 712 7471
Daily Conservation Fees for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID) R5 per person per day SADC Nationals (with passport) R5 per person per day Standard Conservation Fee R5 per person per day
Unit Type	No. of units	Rate	Base	Max. beds	Add. Adult	Add. Child
Wood Owl Cottage	1	R550	1 – 3	1 double bed and 4 single beds	R216	R108

HOERIKWAGGO TRAILS
For more infomation visit the Hoerikwaggo Trails website. For bookings: Tel: (021) 465 8515/9 Fax: (021) 465 8521
Trail	Pax	Duration	Tariffs
Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail	Min 2 Max 16	* 3 days and 2 nights (includes city leg) * 2 days and 2 nights (excludes city leg check-in 18h00) * Secure your own room when booking odd number of pax	R2 100 (Tour Operators discount is 21.05%) R 1 870 (Tour Operators discount is 21.05%) R700
Hoerikwaggo Silvermine Overnight Hiking Trail	Min 6 Max12	* Fully guided * Self-catered * Luggage transfer included in price * Normal rates apply to secure own tent * Accommodation only: 4x2 bed tents and 1x4 bed tent (base 1-8 and site guide)	R460 * 10% discount from Monday to Thursday * 10% discount from 1 May to 30 August R1 600 Additional Adult: R200 Additional Child: R100
Hoerikwaggo Cape of Good Hope Trail	Max 18	* Self-catered	R150 (1 September to 30 April ) R120 (1 May to 31 August)
Hoerikwaggo Orangekloof Overnight Hiking Trail	Min 6 Max12	* Fully guided * Self-catered * Luggage transfer included in price * Normal rates apply to secure own tent	R460 * 10% discount from Monday to Thursday * 10% discount from 1 May to 30 August

 

Tips and Hints

• Always bring both warm and cold weather clothes – the weather on the Peninsula is unpredictable.
• Never hike alone and always inform a friend of your intended route
• What visitors need to take (preparation for the trip)
  • Bring along binoculars, camera, walking shoes, sun block, a hat and wildlife reference books.
• Road maps of tourist routes.
• No immunizations are needed for travel to this park. The park is situated in a malaria-free area.

Vital Information

Day visitors:

As it is situated within the City of Cape Town with its area fragmented by urban development and privately owned land, this is primarily a day visit Park.

Emergencies:

In case of emergencies please call: 021 957 4700

Contact Information

For enquiries e-mail Table Mountain National Park or phone us on the following numbers:

Tel: 021 701 8692
Fax: 021 701 8773

Office Hours:

Head Office – Westlake: 08:00 - 17:00

Gate Times

Cape of Good Hope section (Cape Point):

Winter: April - September 07:00 - 17:00
Summer: October - March 06:00 - 18:00

Boulders

Winter: April - September 08:00 - 17:00
Summer: October - March 07:00 - 19:00

Silvermine

Winter: May - August 08:00 - 17:00
Summer: September - April 07:00 - 18:00

Oudekraal

Winter: April - September 08:00 - 18:00
Summer: October - March 08:00 - 18:00

Check in/out times:

For the three cottages in the Cape of Good Hope section, Elands, Duiker and Olifantsbos check in time is 14:00 and check out is 10:00.

Internal Road Network

Only a few areas of the TMNP allow private vehicle access – Cape of Good Hope section and Signal Hill. Vehicles are subject to strict speed limits and a required to keep to the designated roads. Other areas such as Silvermine, Newlands and Oudekraal offer secure parking within the gates.

Natural and Cultural History

Please visit www.tmnp.co.za for some fascinating insight into this unique park.

Scientific Services

Table Mountain National Park has excellent ties with the SANParks service, other conservation agencies as well as academic institutions like the University of Cape Town.
Facts and Figures:

• Visitor numbers around 4.2 million annually
• Land use type: Conservation
• Local Population: Only personnel live within Park borders. However, because the Park is situated within the City of Cape Town both rich and poor suburbs and townships surround it.

Personnel

There are about 133 permanent positions (operational and administrative) within the Park. The number of contracted staff varies according to the types of projects at any one time.

Concessions:

There are currently two concessionaires:

• CONCOR manage the commercial operations at Cape Point
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway operates the cable car on Table Mountain.

Environmental Issues

 

• Cecilia Plantation Fact Sheet

• Tokai and Cecilia Plantation Fact Sheet

 

Alien species

The biggest threat to the integrity of TMNP is the presence of alien fauna and flora introduced by colonial settlers.

Alien plants such as Port Jackson, rooikrans, black wood, stink bean, hakea, pines, and gums Eucalyptus species spread rapidly over the landscape displacing the unique indigenous vegetation, reducing the populations of indigenous plants and disrupting ecosystems, as well as reducing the habitat quality for other plants and animals.

Alien animals often out-compete indigenous fauna and also degrade the delicate fynbos and afro-montane forest.

Other environmental threats are:

Economic Facts and Figures

A recent study (2004) by UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) shows that over the last six financial years, TMNP has made a contribution of R377 million to SA’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of which around R132 million as gone into the Western Cape province. (All values given in 2004 prices)

This includes both project and operational spend as well as the accompanying “multiplier effects”. Multiplier effects refer to spend that results from wages paid and contracts awarded.

Although taking committed funding into account, total future expenditure has the potential to add a further R367 million to the GDP over the next five years. This figure will increase if and when further funding is secured.

Job Creation

Direct operational and project costs have created between 300 and 600 direct jobs over the same six-year period. Multiplier effects have resulted in indirect jobs being created. This means that, in order to meet the needs of the TMNP our suppliers and partners would have taken on extra staff. In turn these additional employees also have more money to spend.

Between 103 and 158 indirect jobs have been sustained over the last six years.

Tourism Value

The above figures do not account for the positive effect the Park has on Cape Town’s tourist economy. It is not possible to put a figure on how much is spent in Cape Town as a direct result of the presence in the Park but it is difficult to imagine that our City would be as popular without its spectacular scenery, unique biodiversity and numerous recreational opportunities.

Wesgro estimates that in 2002/2003 foreigners invested around R550 million in the Western Cape tourist economy, which in turn creates local employment and SMME opportunities.

Birding in Table Mountain National Park

Although bird numbers are not always impressive (compared to the bird rich eastern and northern parts of South Africa ), the Table Mountain National Park ’s cumulative bird list is a large one and there are several SA endemic species. The diversity of habitats present (ocean, shoreline, cliff-face, rocky highland, fynbos, forest and suburbia) contributes to the large species count, as does the geographical positioning at a continent’s corner, which means many vagrants swell the list, due to weather conditions blowing stray birds or miscalculated flight journeys on the part of individual birds.

In fynbos regions one should search for Grey-backed Cisticola, Karoo Prinia, Cape Sugarbird , Orange-breasted, Malachite and Southern (Lesser) Double Collared Sunbird. Cape Siskin, Cape Rock-thrush and Ground Woodpecker should be looked for in rocky areas at higher elevation. In damp areas at high elevation, Striped Flufftail are found, although this species is more likely to be heard than seen. Birds of Prey should also be looked for overhead in these higher altitude areas. Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle, Jackal and Steppe (summer) Buz za rd, Rock Kestrel , and the occasional Lanner and Peregrine Falcon should all be scanned for. White-necked Raven is common.

In forest patches Sombre Greenbul (Bulbul), Olive Thrush, Cape Batis , Dusky and Paradise Flycatcher, Black Saw-wing, African Olive-Pigeon (Rameron Pigeon) and Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove are usually to be found. African Wood-Owl too is often present but is more elusive as are Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk. In areas where exotic pines and oaks are present, pockets of the dwindling Chaffinch population may still be found. Dense thickets on forest fringes is the haunt of the Knysna Warbler, although this species is more likely to be heard than seen, particularly between September and November. Honey Buz za rd is another special to be searched for between from Newlands to Tokai, Constantia and Hout Bay .

One of the birding highlights of the peninsula is the African (Jackass) Penguin colony at Boulders Beach . Several hundred penguins are present all year round and the bird’s lack of fear and a well designed boardwalk means that visitors can obtain excellent sightings of this species at close quarters. During July 2000 a Greater Sheathbill found its way into the colony. It was thought to be a ship-assisted bird from the sub-Antarctic Islands .

If one has access to a telescope, pelagic seabird watching can prove rewarding at several points along the peninsula coastline. Cape Gannet, Blackbrowed Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, Whitechinned and Giant Petrels can be seen all year round when strong winds bring the birds closer to shore. Winter is the best time for seabirdwatching and Shy, and Yellownosed Albatross and Pintado Petrel compliment the previously mentioned species. Get on board an organised pelagic boat ride and you will see many more open-ocean species as well. Cory’s Shearwater is recorded in summer, particularly on the False Bay side of the peninsula.

Along the Peninsula coastline, African Black Oystercatcher may be found as well as four species of cormorant. Crowned, Bank, White-breasted and Cape Cormorant are all present, sometimes even seen side by side. Cape (Kelp) and Hartlaub’s Gull are abundant throughout, while Antarctic (winter), Swift (all year), Sandwich and Common (both summer) Tern may all be located.

(Compiled by Chris Patton)

Fauna

Ecosystems are not made up of plants alone and the animals that are indigenous to an area are integral to its health. As you hike keep your eyes peeled for the animals that call the Table Mountain National Park home. Many are so well adapted to the fynbos ecosystem that you need to be quick to spot them.

The animals listed below are but a few of the Park's residents and may not be as overtly exciting as the “Big Five” but those lucky enough to observe them will be amazed by the variety of life supported by the Table Mountain chain.

• Mammals

• Reptiles and Amphibians

• Birds

• Marine

• Insects

Mammals

Historical evidence (rock art and fossils) give evidence that the Cape Peninsula was once populated by a variety of larger mammals such as lion, leopard and hyena, however due to hunting and environmental degradation they are but a memory. TMNP management has started reintroduction of locally extinct species – but on the tamer side of things with the tiny klipspringer.

Buck

Buck species adapted to fynbos are generally tiny and hard to spot but well worth the patience. Look out for klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus), recently reintroduced to Table Mountain. These petite buck are likely to be seen standing proudly on rocky outcrops. Grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), Grey Rhebok (Pelea capreolus) and steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) can also be spotted towards evening and in the early mornings.

Larger Antelope species such as Eland (Taurotragus oryx), Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus), Bontebok (Damaliscus dorcas dorcas) and Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) can be found in the Cape of Good Hope section of the TMNP.

Other mammals include: caracal or rooikat (Felis caracal), Large-spotted genet (Genneta tigrina), Small-spotted genet (Genneta genetta), porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralus), Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis), Chacma Baboons (papio ursinus), Cape Clawless Otter (Aonyx capensis), Water mongoose (Atilax paludinosus); Cape Molerat (Georhycus capensis), Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus); Cape Dune Mole (Bathyergus suillus) Water mongoose (Ayonix capensis), Small Grey Mongoose (Galerella purverulenta) and the Cape Fox (Vulpes chama).

Reptiles and Amphibians

Table Mountain hosts an amazing variety of reptiles and amphibians that, if you take the time to observe, are as interesting as larger animals – if not more so.

Lizards and Snakes

The TMNP is home to around 22 snakes, 10 of which are non-venomous – although they can still deliver a nasty bite if provoked - and five of which are deadly namely the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, Rinkhals and Berg Adder. The good news is it they are mostly shy and will avoid human contact. The one you are most likely to encounter is the Puff Adder which moves at a leisurely pace and enjoys a nice warm path.

Of the species of lizard that inhabit the TMNP the most common are the Southern Rock Agama – males identifiable by a bright blue head during mating season; the Black Girdled Lizard – all black and definitely prehistoric in looks; the Cape Skink - . usually found relaxing on a good sunny rock.

Frogs and Toads

TMNP is a haven for a variety of amphibians most notably the endemic and endangered Table Mountain Ghost Frog (Heleophryne rosei) and the endemic Cape Chirping Frog (Arthroleptella lightfooti).

Also look out for the Cape River Frog (Afrana fuscigula), the diminutive Arum Lily Frog (Hyperolius horstocki) and the Leopard Toad (Bufo pantherinus).

Tortoises

The slowest of them all, but definitely worth watching are the tortoises. Look out for the Angulate Tortoise (Chersina angulata) and the Parrot-beaked Tortoise (Homopus areolatus).

Birds

Although bird numbers are not always impressive (compared to the bird rich eastern and northern parts of South Africa), the Table Mountain National Park's cumulative bird list is a large one and there are several endemic species.

The diversity of habitats present (ocean, shoreline, cliff-face, rocky highland, fynbos, forest and suburbia) contributes to the large species count, as does the geographical positioning at a continent's corner, which means many vagrants swell the list, due to weather conditions blowing stray birds or miscalculated flight journeys on the part of individual birds. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.

In fynbos regions one should search for Grey-backed Cisticola (Cisticola subruficapilla), Karoo Prinia (Prinia maculosa), Cape Sugarbird (Pomerops cafer), Orange-breasted (Nectarina violacea), Malachite (Nectarina famosa) and Lesser Double Collared (Nectarina chalybea) sunbirds. Cape Siskin (Pseudochloroptila totta), Cape Rock-thrush (Monticola rupestris) and Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus) should be looked for in rocky areas at higher elevation.

Birds of Prey should also be looked for overhead in higher altitude areas. Verreaux's (Black) Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), Jackal (Buteo rufofuscus) and Steppe (Buteo buteo vulpinus) buzzards, Rock Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus) should all be scanned for.

In forest patches look for Sombre Bulbul (Andropadus importanus), Olive Thrush (Turdis olivaceus), Cape Batis (Batis capensis), Dusky (Muscicapa adusta) and Paradise flycatchers (Terpsiphone viridis), African Olive/ Rameron Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) and Cinnamon Dove (Aplopelia larvata).

African Wood-Owl (Strix woodfordii) are often present in forest areas as are Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris) and African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro).
Dense thicket on forest fringes is the haunt of the Knysna Warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus).

Seabirds

One of the birding highlights of the peninsula is the Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colony at Boulders Beach. Other seabird's include: Cape Gannet (Morus capensis), Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris), Sooty Shearwater, White-chinned and Giant petrels can be seen all year round when strong winds bring the birds closer to shore.

In winter look out for the Shy (Diomedea cauta) and Yellow-nosed (Diomedea chlororhynchos) albatross and Pintado Petrel (Daption capense).

Along the Peninsula coastline, the endangered African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) can be found as well as four resident species of cormorant namely - Crowned (Phalacrocorax coronatus), Bank (Phalacrocorax neglectus), White-breasted (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis). Kelp (Larus dominicanus), Hartlaub's (Larus hartlaubii) and Black-headed (Larus ridibundus) gulls are abundant throughout.

Marine Life

The Cape Peninsula is the meeting place of the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas currents, the result being that the TMNP Marine Protected Area (MPA) literally teems with the life of two provinces brought together in this unique mixing pot.

The MPA was declared in order to protect this precious biodiversity from commercial and recreational exploitation.

Species that occur here range from microscopic planktons, crustaceans, abalone and rock lobster to giants such as the great white shark and the southern right whale. In between occur numerous types of fish such as hake, yellow tail and cape salmon – all three top-targeted commercial species. Others include red roman white steenbras and galjoen – popular for recreational anglers but under strictly regulated conditions due to their threatened status.

One of the reasons for the profusion of Great White Sharks in the False Bay is the abundant population of Cape Fur seals that have colonized Seal Island in the middle of the Bay. The Cape Fur Seal is also an efficient hunter in its own right.

Whale Watching

A major tourist attraction is whale spotting as the MPA is a popular breeding ground for species such as the Southern Right (Eubalaena australis) and Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales. From August to October these giants of the deep awe visitors on an annual basis with their amazingly graceful marine acrobatics. Good vantage points for whale spotting are Chapman's Peak Drive, Rooikrans, Boyes Drive and the Scarborough/ Kommetjie Pass.

Other popular marine mammals are the dolphins that inhabit the MPA, these graceful and curious animals can be found body surfing the various breaks around the peninsula. Commonly sighted species are the Bottlenose Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus delphis), the Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the Dusky Dolphin (Tursiops truncates).

Insects

There are a profusion of insects in the TMNP and they play an integral role in the fynbos ecosystem either by directly pollinating plants or as a vital source of nutrient for birds and animals that themselves act as distributors of seed.

Certain insects are especially adapted to service specific plants. Look out for butterflies such as the Mountain Pride Butterfly (Aeropetes tulbaghia) that is the exclusive pollinator of a variety of red plants such as the red disa, and the red crassula.

 

 

Flora

• Fynbos

• Renosterveld

• Afromontane Forest

• Wetlands

The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is rich in floral biodiversity and is part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site. The most common vegetation type in the TMNP is fynbos (meaning fine bush).

Fynbos consists of four major plant groups –

Fynbos is an ancient vegetation type and has developed over millions of years with restios dating as far back as 60 million years. It has a high level of endemism (when a specific plant occurs nowhere else on earth) often with a species being endemic to an area of a few kilometers. It is this high level of endemism combined with the high rate of development and environmental degradation that has resulted in the Cape Floristic Region being declared a biodiversity hot spot.

Fynbos is a fire dependent vegetation that needs to burn around every 15 years to stimulate new growth and ensure that plant and animal communities remain healthy. However, because of the proximity of houses to the TMNP, often fires that would be beneficial to the vegetation are extinguished because of the threat to human settlement. If fynbos does not burn in about 20 - 30 years it will be come moribund and vigorous plant species will out-compete others which could result in the extinction of some species.

On the other hand certain areas of the Park experience fire too frequently due to human intervention which can be destructive to the ecosystem because when young fynbos that is not yet seed-bearing burns, seed banks are depleted which can change the diversity of plant species in the area.

Visit our section on Fire Management to find out how the TMNP Firefighting Unit operates.

Renosterveld

Renosterveld (rhinoceros field) found on the slopes of Signal Hill and in patches on Devil’s Peak, is rich in geophytes and is also characterised by small shrubs such as erica's and grasses. The renosterveld has been hard hit by too-frequent fires - a result of human activity.

Afromontane Forest

While we have no real indication of the expanse of Afromontane Forest on the peninsula in pre-colonial times, today only small pockets remain in the TMNP as within 50 years of European settlement large swathes of Afromontane had been harvested.

Afromontane Forest usually occurs below 800m and requires good rainfall and nutrient rich soil and today is found primarily in kloofs on the slopes of Table Mountain but it does occur as far south as the Cape of Good Hope. It consists of medium-height (15m-20m), evergreen trees and unlike its neighbour fynbos, it is not very rich in diversity and consists of around 33 species of tree.

Due to the dense nature of the forest canopy only a few other plants, such as ferns, are found in the forest but there is a profusion of algae’s and mosses. The majority of animals in the forests are of the reptilian, invertebrate (insect) or avian persuasion although you can see rooikat and smaller antelope such as steenbok.

For good forest walks visit the activities section.

Wetlands

The few remaining wetlands on the Cape Peninsula are of huge ecological significance. The Noordhoek/ Kommetjie wetlands and the central area of Table Mountain are excellent representatives of wetland ecology. Their slightly acidic nature of the wetlands limits the number of plants that grow here although numbered among those that do are some of the Parks rarest floral jewels such as the Bokmakieriestert (Witsenia maura), Erica heleogena and three endemic leucodendrons all of which are numbered on the IUCN’s Red Data List.

Recommended Read:

For an enlightening read that will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the TMNP buy 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 fauna, flora and fire 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.

For more information on the flora of the TMNP visit: www.botsoc.co.za or www.sanbi.org.za.

People with disabilities

Wheelchair Access

There are several tourist destinations within the confines of the TMNP. The major visitor destinations are listed here. These have varying accessibility levels for the mobility impaired.

Table Mountain

Access to the mountain top is accessible through a lift and the revolving cable car system. Parking can be arranged for people with mobility impairment right at the entrance through prior arrangement or by communicating with one of the security guards. On the mountaintop the shop, restaurant and toilets all have ramped access. A series of pathways takes visitors around the mountaintop. Some of these are over cobblestone while others have a smoother surface.

Cape Point

There are parking bays for the mobility impaired at Cape Point. Access can be gained into the curio shop, the information centre and to the public toilets, which are on the western side of the car park. The ramp descending to these ablution facilities may be too steep for some. The restaurant at Cape Point has a staggered access ramp that permits wheelchairs to move down the steep slope.

There is another accessible toilet in the restaurant. The restaurant’s lower deck overlooking False Bay has a particularly steep ramp and assistance may be required. The Point’s highlight is the funicular that takes people up the steep slope to a lookout point. This allows easy access to a wheelchair user. It does not go all the way to the summit, and to reach this beacon, visitors are required to climb stairs. The toilets at the lookout point have no specific accessibility adaptations, but they are wide enough for a wheelchair to get to the toilet, although the door cannot be closed behind. The lower section of a second curio shop is down a small flight of stairs.

There are several other lookout points in this section of the reserve. Many of these are accessible by vehicle, but the area’s walks are not wheelchair compatible.

Boulders Beach and Penguin Colony

A well-designed wooden boardwalk allows people with mobility impairment the opportunity to get right down to the penguin colony beach (Foxy Beach). There is also ramped access into the new information centre built on the site of the old degaussing station. Ablutions for wheelchair users are also present here. A concrete pathway ("Willis Walk") provides a firm surface for movement between the Information Centre and Foxy Beach (where the bulk of the penguins reside) and the bathing beach. This pathway is quite steep in places. A crude concrete ramp can be used to access the beach itself, although many will require assistance, as it is very steep.

Silvermine

Silvermine launched a 650 m boardwalk around the reservoir to coincide with the park’s celebration on 4 September 2003. "This is one of the finest achievements of the Table Mountain National Park as it celebrates its fifth anniversary," said Maxwell Moss, wheelchair-bound member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs & Tourism, who officially opened the boardwalk.

(Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility)

Have a question? Why not ask at the forums?