News

Table Mountain National Park is an urban park, surrounded by a City with more than 5 million residents. At least 75% of the Park is open access with multiple access points across 25 500 hectares. Crime is a challenge in the City of Cape Town and across South Africa and may spill over into the natural and remote areas on the Peninsula.

To this end, Table Mountain National Park has appointed a dedicated Visitor Safety Team whose role it is to keep crime to a minimum in the Park. The team has produced many successes since its inception. In addition the Park also boasts a ranger corps who have as one of their roles law enforcement in the Park. These teams are supported by a dog unit consisting of twelve level 4 security trained canines.

The Park is also a member of the Table Mountain Safety forum. The other members to this forum are SAPS, the Department of Community Safety, the Metro Police, Law Enforcement and Civil Society. Working jointly between the above departments we seek to keep crime to a minimum and address safety concerns across the Park.

Given the extent and remoteness of the Park, it is a challenge to have a presence everywhere at all times. Thus entry remains at own risk at all times.

Safety tips:

• Never hike, run, cycle etc alone – four or more is an ideal size for a party.
• Plan your route from start to end and Choose the route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group. This will prevent potential injury.
• Inform someone exactly which route you are taking as well as your expected time of return) and stick to this route and plan.
• Always go prepared for bad weather, i.e. take proper weatherproof clothing even on a sunny day (wind and rain proof); torches – with spare batteries and globes; good footwear – strong boots or shoes with non-slip soles; food; water; a flask of tea or some other beverage; a rucksack to carry it all in – so as to leave your arms and hands free.
• Undertake your activity with somebody who knows the way and carry a guidebook, map or route description. A registered guide is recommended.
• Keep to the designated routes on well-used paths. Heed signs advising of danger and do not take short cuts or unknown routes.
• Leave valuable like cash and cameras behind.

Our team is deeply concerned about any incidents and we request that hikers please save our emergency number on their phones – 086 110 6417 or 107/021 480 7700, where we can be contacted immediately via radio. Please also report criminal incidents to the nearest police station and open up a case to generate an active docket for every incident that occurs.

Issued By

South African National Park Regional Communications – Cape Region

Enquiries

Merle Collins
Regional Communications Manager – Cape Region, SANParks
Cell: 072 627 3910; Email: [email protected]