News

Cape Town: A number of footpaths that were brushcut open in error and then used by walkers in the Lower Tokai Park area of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) have been closed to allow for restoration of the endangered fynbos ecosystem of the area. The closure of these illegal paths will not affect hikers and walkers with dogs as all the official paths in the area remain open.

Certain paths that were closed in 2010 due to sensitivity of the fynbos ecosystem were reopened accidently. Once the error was discovered, the paths were closed again, and a restoration plan developed.  The closure of the illegal paths allows animals to shelter in undisturbed fynbos vegetation and a natural donga, while still providing access to people and dogs to enjoy the waterpools on the other side of the donga.

Park users are asked to respect the no-use zones, closed paths and wild areas. Signage at the entrance to the Lower Tokai area shows all the official paths that are open to park users. Any issues can be reported to the Tokai Senior Section Ranger on 021 741 2339.

Hikers, people walking with dogs and runners at Tokai Park are encouraged to record sightings of any animals or plants on iNaturalist as these sightings could provide SANParks and researchers with valuable information. Recent Citizen Science records from Lower Tokai Park can be viewed at https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=125251.

Map showing the people/dog free area in Lower Tokai in yellow, and the portion of the canal without paths in blue

Signage/Map showing Official Paths

Map showing path closures. In Yellow: Official Paths at Lower Tokai Park. None of these will be closed. In dotted Red:  Restored forestry tracks that were brushcut in error and are now closed again permanently for restoration.