Table Mountain - Safety and Security

[TM SAG]

I'd like to start up a new topic regarding safety and security on Table Mountain specifically. Security aspects concern all anti-crime related activities, comments, ideas and suggestions. Safety relates to "mountain safety" and focuses on the kind of information all visitors should be aware of before they walk, hike or climb Table Mountain. We started the Table Mountain Safety Action Group (hence TM SAG) in February 2007 - and are working closely with TMNP management as well as SAPS on these issues. We desperately need more people to assist and become involved and are in the process of developing our 2008 Plan which should see a more formal approach and lots of opportunities for people who want to get involved. So, lets start talking (at least) and as we go I'll explain more about what we are already doing - and how you can help. My name is Andre and I live in Hout Bay (Cape Town).

[TM SAG]

Hello Again, we appreciate the fact that the forum is an international one for sure. One of our major objectives is to ensure foreign (and expat ) visitors are aware of and fully appreciate safety and security issues on the mountain - before they enter the park. People generally underestimate the mountain and end up getting hurt or worse. Once again this season we have been faced with unfortunate and horrific incidents which people seem to forget when they attempt Platteklip Gorge in high heels (I kid you not!) or they end up in Echo Valley suffering from heat exhaustion with no sun hat or water on them. Its not fun stretchering someone off the Mountain at 0200am in a raging South Easter - because they didn't plan their "afternoon walk" properly (she survived). So, if you do live overseas, help us by informing potential visitors that Table Mountain is a fantastic place but that it is a fully fledged "mountain" after all and as such must be respected because in the blink of an eye it can become a very, very wild place. (Andre - TMSAG)

[Linlou]

We are planning a trip from Canada to visti the Cape Town area. Is the park safe to visit???

[Bush Baptist]

Cape Town is quite safe provided you have your wits about you, and don't go to remote places alone, or the usual big city 'hot spots' that occur in any big city.

[TM SAG]

Hi Linlou from Canada

I've only just seen your query so you may already be in Cape Town (or have left). In case you are still on the way then here is our take as regards safety and security on Table Mountain. No-one can guarantee that you will be entirely safe on the mountain. Not just from a security (crime) perspective but also in terms of mountain safety (falling off a cliff or suffering from heat exhaustion). The main thing is to be prepared!! When you get here call me on 082 568 6562 and we will help you with (insider) tips on where to go and what to look out for. Table Mountain is a "mountain" and this is often ignored in the excitement of wanting to climb it. Its a little like Central Park in a way. Its located right in the middle of Cape Town - It is beautiful (no, awesome in places) but also dangerous in places. So, like anywhere in the world you just have to be aware and properly prepared to have a good time. Call us please.

[Liora]

Hi,

Hope you can help. I used to go on the contour path from Kloof Nek to Kirstenbosch on Sunday afternoons. Is this path still safe? It is just my husband and I walking.

What other routes would you regards as being safe?

I would appreciate your input. I can't seem to get an answer from anyone else.

Regards,
Liora

[Bush Baptist]

Weekends seem to be safer than midweeks.

Unfortunately these thugs can strike anytime anywhere. Someone needs to be prepared to take them on. Maybe a 'little old lady' in drag......

[Bentony]

Don't know if this is exactly the right place to post this but it does concern the safety and security of the Table Mountain National Park.'There have been a spate of attacks and robberies on householders and homes in Tokai and surrounding area bordering the SAN Park. The attackers gain access from the forest, often with a vehicle or on foot, and have no shame about arriving with crowbars, sledgehammers etc. There appears to be no access control or security whatsoever except that the forester refuses to allow any security companies to patrol the border and sandtrack.
A family member was attacked in her home last week by persons who drove up the sandtrack and accessed from there. It is obvious that her home had been watched from the tree line. Today walking in the forest she came across a man who suddenly vanished - he had gone up a tree, and when confronted claimed he was waiting for a friend - sure. Clearly he was watching the houses.
The point is that if SAN parks cannot secure their borders they must allow security companies access to do their work for them, but their ongoing refusal to allow access is placing the public at risk. Essentially I hooe they are ready to be held accountable by the public for allowing this public danger to exist whilst refuisng to allow anyone to solve the problem. It is time questions were publically asked about this as it is not acceptable for SAN parks to place its neighbours at risk.

[bert]

Security boost for tourists and hikers on Table Mountain

[the pooks]

Hi Alex
<snip>
Please folks be careful - be aware. Start developing what we call "recognition skills". You can spot these people if you know what to look for and if you keep an eye on people approaching you. No-one can "just appear" or "come from nowhere". Not possible. Be aware and have a plan.

Stay safe!!!!

Andre

Interesting, or rather, very relevant topic. I have two questions:

1. I know I should be aware. But what do I do when when I encounter suspicious people? What sort of plan can one have?

Two of us were attacked in the Drakensberg in 1987 - my friend was killed (it was well publicised at the time), so I am particularly jittery about walking in the mountains. At this stage I try and walk in large groups and have pepper spray in my bag (although not in my hand). Any other ideas about what one can do? Becoming an expert in martial arts or a master shot is not on my list of things I want to do.

In the Silvermine incident mentioned in this thread there were 4 people in the hiking party - normally considered enough to discourage muggers - the fact that they were mugged despite the size of the group is disconcerting.

2. According to posts on this forum and comments by fellow geocachers, there seems to be people inhabiting Woodstock cave. Why don't the authorities do anything about this?

Thanks for starting this very relevant topic.

Edited to add: I'm feeling bit bad about the potentially belligerent tone of my post (point #1). Your advice TM SAG is very sound and can't be faulted. I was just wondering what does one do when you are walking somewhere on the mountain and you see supicious persons? It seems as if there is nothing you can do except carry on walking and hope for the best. Perhaps phone? The only real deterrent must be to be in a large group, hopefully with some people who look as if they can fend for themselves. Pepper spray and dogs can also help. The gun option is not for me and probably not for many other nature lovers either. Just wondering if there are other things one can do to make the experience safer.

[bert]

Hummer vehicle

The vehicle will be used by iKapa Honorary Rangers as a highly visible patrol vehicle throughout the park including Signal Hill and Lions Head and Tafelberg Rd in the North. The vehicle will also be used in the south patrolling the road from Boulders through to Partridge point and into the Cape Point section of the park including Buffelsbay, Olifantsbos and Cape of Good Hope. Other areas to be covered will include Scarborough and Noordhoek beach car park.

[arghfiza]

Hi there!

I'm from Singapore and will be visiting Capetown in late January 09.

Would appreciate your advise. My sister and I are intending to do the Cape of Good Hope overnight hike on our own.

What is the safety record for the Cape of Good Hope trail like? A lot of the information in the previous posts relates to the Table Mountain hoerikwaggo trails itself I think..

Are there any affordable guides for the Cape of Good Hope trail? At nearly R2000 per person for some of the guided walking tour packages I've seen online, it's a bit expensive for me.

Or are there any arrangements for joining other walkers on the trail?

We're really looking forward to doing the trail - your advise would be much appreciated Thanks!

[Bush Baptist]

arghfiza, the info you seek is available on this website under PARKS a-z, and TM nat park.

[Tiki]

Is Table Mountain safe if you just do the touristy cable car up and down? We weren't planning to hike or go off by ourselves but we were hoping to get some kind of shuttle there and back from V&A Waterfront.

[Bush Baptist]

Quite safe Tiki,

The nonsense takes place in places where there are not a lot of people, or traffic.

If you want any more info, PM me and I would be glad to help.