Activity Permits

The management of TMNP has been designated to SANParks in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. SANParks has both national and international mandates to manage the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) as a National Park and World Heritage Site with respect to conserving this precious and threatened eco-system and globally recognised biodiversity hotspot. The task falls to management to accommodate users while protecting the natural environment so that it can be managed in a sustainable manner taking into account the enjoyment of future generations and not only current users. Park management strives to ensure that areas that lend themselves to recreational usage are used in a way that impacts the environment and other users as little as possible.

When Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) was established, there was a need to formally recognize appropriate recreational activities within the managed area of TMNP as these activities have impacts on both the environment and other users of the park and some activities are not normally allowed in a National Park (including dog-walking, horse riding, rock climbing and using the Park for commercial gain). In response to this challenge, TMNP therefore developed through a series of various public processes, Environmental Management Programs (EMPs) for dog walking; hang and paragliding; sport/rock climbing; horse riding; and mountain biking as the management framework to manage these diverse recreational activities in the Park. These EMPs include:

• an overview of the current status of an activity and a brief summary of impacts and issues
• an environmental policy
• a strategic approach to respond to impacts and issues
• guidelines for implementation of the EMP
• maps of the approved routes, areas and entry/exit points
• a permitting system
• a Code of Conduct

These EMP’s require users to obtain permits, respect the rules and regulations of the Park, undertake their activity with care and consideration for other users and protect and conserve the natural and heritage resources of the Park.

It needs to be noted that the Activity Permits are not access cards but permits to undertake certain high-impact recreational activities in a National Park.

The Protected Areas Act and Regulations also make provision for the management authority to introduce such permits. In preparing the recreational Environmental Management Programs (EMPs), TMNP has over the years consulted with various recreational stakeholders. All recreational EMPs are also prepared in terms of the Park’s Conservation Development Framework (CDF) which was developed in consultation with all stakeholders including the City of Cape Town. These EMP’s introduce a code of conduct for each recreational activity to promote best practices and appropriate behaviour by Park users so as to limit impacts and conflicts between users. Rather than abuse their privilege of undertaking activities in the Park we would encourage users to conduct themselves responsibly in the Park by following the requirements of the relevant EMP. In this way, we will all make the activities undertaken a safe and appropriate low-impact means of enjoying and appreciating the Park.

The baseline cost is pegged against the individual Wild Card rate and covers the use of the Park for that activity, as well as, the impacts associated with the activity.

In order for TMNP to remain sustainable, annual rate increases are necessary to accommodate escalating operational activities and conservation programmes. The annual rate increase takes place on 1 November each year. TMNP is acutely aware of the competing needs of all users and is constantly engaging in a variety of projects to ensure that the park remains an attractive destination to all.

TMNP is part of SANParks, a national organisation which manages 21 National Parks around the country and whose primary mandate is conservation. Income that the Park generates is used to fund the conservation of the mountain chain from Table Mountain to Cape Point, including invasive alien plant clearing, fire management, veld rehabilitation and soil erosion programmes. The contributions made by the Activity Permits toward sustaining our National Park form part of this system. TMNP is 24,000 hectares and the funds currently utilised for veld infrastructure, conservation and management, which includes cycle tracks, is far in excess of the money raised by the Activity Permit system.

Given the extent and remoteness of the Park, it is a challenge to have a constant presence in all areas. Table Mountain National Park strives to provide a safe platform for you to carry out your recreational activity, but it must be stressed that recreational users remain vigilant given that entry, use and access to the Park remain at their own risk.

SANParks requests that all visitors save the emergency number on their phones for TMNP to be contacted: 086 110 6417 or 107/021 480 7700. The Park recommends that you carry out your activity in a group and that you do not carry out an activity alone in any location within the Park.

TMNP plans for invasive alien plant clearing annually. This planning includes the prioritisation of clearing according to the conservation status of the area, age of infestation, location of infestation and species type. For Tokai, the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Plain Fynbos areas have received the highest priority and in this regard, the Lower Tokai area has been cleared over a number of years. In Upper Tokai, the focus with regard to invasive alien plant clearing has been in the areas where the plantations have been removed. Clearing of these compartments has been planned for Tokai for years to come.

Invasive alien plants such as Port Jackson, Rooikrans and black wattle are cleared to allow for the rehabilitation of indigenous vegetation, improved water yield and reduced risk of fires. Alien invasive plant clearing is an ongoing process and will continue for many years as the seeds of these plants remain viable in the soil for decades. This process is labour intensive and as the Park cannot manage alone within its existing staff complement it also relies on volunteer groups for assistance.

Basic maintenance is undertaken in Tokai, but the focus is currently on areas where the tracks will not be impacted by other land use activities e.g. clear-felling operations, rehab areas and environmentally sensitive areas. Resources that could be invested in track maintenance are unfortunately also needed to close illegal tracks. Maintenance is an ongoing process and the Park is appreciative of the efforts of Volunteer groups who assist in this regard. As SANParks’ core business is biodiversity conservation, its resources are directed at conservation programmes such as alien invasive plant clearing (R15M), fire management (R8M), and rehabilitation (R3M) on an annual basis. In this way, the environmental integrity of an area and its landscape is ensured. Only once this is achieved may the sustainable use of an area be considered.

An Activity Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Dates reflect on the permit.

Holders of an Activity Permit will not be required to pay the entrance fees when accessing TMNP pay points to carry out their specified activity.

No, it is not. The Wild Card is a national access card for leisure and the Activity Permit only covers activities within certain areas of Table Mountain National Park.

Level 3 permits include Levels 1 and 2. Therefore, a Level 3 permit can be used for hang- and paragliding, sport climbing, dog walking (2 dogs) as well as the Level 3 activities of cycling, fishing and horse riding.

No, the Activity Permit covers only specifically mentioned high-impact activities and does not cover hiking/walking.

You can buy an Activity Permit online or at the Tokai Wild Card Sales Office, Tokai Road, Tokai (Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 – 12:30 and 13:00 – 15:45).

If using Google Maps, enter Wild Card Sales Office, Tokai, as your destination and you will be directed to the front door.

Yes, a SANParks Account is required to purchase Activity Permits online.

The parks are protected areas and SANParks reserves the right to capture information about the guests visiting the park.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express cards that are enrolled with 3D Secure. Debit cards activated for online purchases are also accepted. Cash is not accepted at the sales office.

1. Enter your name as it appears on your credit card.
2. Enter your 16-digit card number on the front of the card.
3. Enter the expiry date on the front of your card.
4. Enter the CVV number (usually 3 or 4 digits) on the back of your card.
5. Once completed you may need to enter your cell phone number or email address to receive your One-Time Pin (OTP).
6. Enter your OTP once received.
7. Your bank will direct you back to the SANParks website for an order confirmation.

Please contact your bank for further information on your OTP.

If a permit is bought online the permit/s are emailed immediately upon receipt of payment. They are emailed to the address entered in the SANParks users’ account.

It can take some time for the permit/s to reach your email account. If not in your Inbox when you look for the permits, please check your junk or spam mail.

Should you purchase an Activity Permit in the Sales Office the permit/s is/are emailed to the email address supplied and a paper copy of each permit is also provided.

Sign in to your SANParks Account. Go to the tab marked My Permits. You will be able to view the permits you purchased, download and print them. Permits take some time to reflect in this location after purchase. If your My Permits tab is empty please contact support on [email protected].

The permit is sent to the email address of the account holder that signed in when purchasing the permit.

You can download a replacement copy of the permit from the website when you sign in from the My Permits page.

You can buy a single membership or multiple memberships on the same level up to a max of 4 permits at a time. Note you cannot purchase multiple permits of different levels in one basket.

Level 2 does not have a multi-user option.

No, the process has been updated and signed paper forms are no longer required.

No photos are required to purchase an Activity Permit.

You need to have the following information available when purchasing:

1. ID Number or Passport Number if International
2. Residential Address
3. Email Address
4. Cell Phone Number
5. Debit or Credit Card

You do not need to supply photos or proof of the above documents. Application forms are not required as was previously the case.

A permit letter is sent via email to the applicant. Should more than one permit be bought all permits purchased are emailed to the applicant.

Permit letters can be carried electronically or printed out and must be carried with proof of identification. Proof of identification can be carried as a paper or electronic version.

When carrying out your activity in the park you must be able to present your permit and identification on entry or if requested to do so.

You can have the permit and identification on your phone and present it electronically or it can be in A4 paper format or you can cut out the permit on the bottom of the membership letter, laminate and present it with proof of identification which may be a photocopy and does not need to be an original format.

No, you need a Level 1 Activity Permit to do so. The Wild Card does not cover the activity of dog walking.

You can purchase an individual membership (main member) or multiple memberships (main member and up to 3 additional members) of the Level 1 Activity Permit (to walk up to 2 dogs). The main member may only add additional members on application or renewal and may not do so during the course of the year, nor may a member’s name be exchanged during the course of the membership.

You can purchase online or at the Tokai sales office. All applicants do not need to be present if the permits are purchased at the sales office.

Each applicant will receive their own Activity Permit membership letter which they are obligated to carry with them when out walking the dog(s) along with proof of identification.

The permit and identification can be presented electronically on the phone and do not need to be in original format. If the original paper format is preferred, that too is accepted.

Each applicant is bound by the same set of rules, terms, conditions, code of conduct and EMP for dog walking as the main member.

Yes, you always need to carry your Activity Permit with you when carrying out your activity along with proof of identification which can be in electronic or paper format.

Yes, you can print the membership letter and cut out the permit and carry that along with proof of identification in electronic or paper format.

You must be able to produce proof of identification along with the Activity Permit when requested to do so by a SANParks official.

View our rates. Rates quoted are subject to the annual tariff increases on 1 November annually.

Yes, you may buy a permit on behalf of another person. When you buy on behalf of another person you are however acknowledging that you will relay the SANParks indemnity to the person/s on whose behalf you purchase/ing the park rules and the website terms and conditions

No.

No.

Yes

No.

Two (2) dogs.

No, only the person in whose name the permit is issued, may use the permit.

Yes, you can buy a day walking permit online at https://www.sanparks.org/tickets/permits/day-permits.php

All children under 12 need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult when carrying out an activity.

First purchase an Activity Permit which allows you to walk with 2 dogs. Once you have a valid Activity Permit you can apply for a special permit to walk with an additional dog/s, please email: [email protected]

You will be sent an application form to complete and return along with your Activity Permit confirmation letter.

Maximum request of 2 additional dogs will be considered.

No.

Yes, you can buy a Day Activity Permit online or at the following locations:

• For Lower Tokai are bought at the Tokai Picnic Site or Tokai Sales office.
• Day permits for Silvermine are bought at the Silvermine gate.
• Day permits for the North of the park are bought at the Kloofnek Sales Office.

No.

Yes, you need a Level 2 Permit.

There are designated launch sites which must be used. You may not launch from just anywhere in the park.

Site Name	Location
Signal Hill North (The Buttress)	33°55’04.4″S 18°24’08.6″E
Signal Hill North (The Aerial)	33°55’01.4″S 18°24’13.6″E
Signal Hill Central (The Bench)	33°55’17.2″S 18°23’51.5″E
Lions Head Lower Launch Site	33°56’17.5″S 18°23’17.8″E
Lions Head Top Launch Site	33°56’03.5″S 18°23’14.9″E
Table Mountain Gully	33°57’37.0″S 18°24’21.8″E
Table Mountain Front Face	33°57’43.4″S 18°24’42.1″E
Table Mountain Runway	33°57’42.4″S 18°24’41.0″E
Table Mountain Maclears	33°58’02.0″S 18°25’39.6″E
Table Mountain Above Kirstenbosch	33°59’30.1″S 18°24’57.3″E
Devils Peak	33°56’46.6″S 18°26’21.2″E
Silvermine – South	34°04’25.7″S 18°22’51.7″E
Silvermine – South West (Trig Beacon)	34°04’23.1″S 18°22’48.5″E
Silvermine – West	34°04’15.4″S 18°22’52.7″E
Silvermine – Fence West	34°04’03.8″S 18°22’52.1″E
Silvermine – St. James	34°06’48.4″S 18°27’25.7″E
Silvermine – Constantiaberg SE	34°03’16.9″S 18°23’16.7″E
Silvermine – Constantiaberg West	34°02’52.2″S 18°23’15.8″E
Silvermine – Fire Break	34°04’47.6″S 18°24’40.2″E
Little Lions Head Aerial	34°00’47.5″S 18°20’50.4″E
Little Lions Head Slope	34°00’52.6″S 18°20’40.0″E
Sandy Bay	The slope of Karbonkelberg above the beach

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Level 2 covers sport climbing and abseiling. Level 2 automatically includes Level 1.

Yes, and you need to be able to show your Activity Permit (in either paper or electronic format) plus proof of identification (in either paper or electronic format) if asked to do so or at any entry gate on arrival or by a SANParks official.

Yes, you can print the permit letter and cut out the permit and carry that along with proof of identification in either paper or electronic format.

You must be able to produce proof of identification along with the Activity Permit when requested to do so.

No, you need to present a Level 3 Activity Permit or you need to purchase a Day Cycling Activity Permit.

Yes.

No.

Anywhere within Table Mountain National Park where cycling is allowed in terms of the EMP such as Silvermine and Tokai. See Cycling & Mountain Biking for maps and more information.

Yes, you need a Level 3 Activity Permit to cycle on all the tar roads in the park which include: Cape Point, Silvermine, Tokai and on the road up to Rhodes Memorial.

No, you would then either need to pay the daily conservation fees at the gate or present a My Green Card or Wild Card to enter.

Both locals and foreign nationals may purchase a Day Cycling Activity Permit. Proof of identification is required when purchasing.

View our rates. Rates quoted are subject to the annual tariff increases on 1 November annually

• Tokai Day Cycling Permits can be purchased at the Tokai Picnic Site gate on arrival.
• Silvermine Day Cycling Permits can be bought at the Silvermine Entrance Gate on arrival.
• Cape Point Day Cycling Permits can be bought at the gate on arrival.

If you are South African please ensure you have your SA ID with you to claim the SA rate.

You can purchase an individual membership (main member) or multiple memberships (main member and up to 3 additional members) of the Level 3 Activity Permit. The main member may only add additional members on application or renewal and may not do so during the course of the year, nor may a member’s name be exchanged during the course of the membership.

You can purchase online or at the Tokai sales office. All applicants do not need to be present if the permits are purchased at the sales office.

Each applicant will receive their own Activity Permit membership letter which they are obligated to carry with them when carrying out their activity along with proof of identification.

The permit and identification can be presented electronically on the phone and do not need to be in the original format. If original paper format preferred that too is accepted.

Each applicant is bound by the same set of rules, terms, conditions, code of conduct and EMPs as the main member.

No.

All children under 12 need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult when carrying out an activity.

One can buy a membership online or at the Tokai Wild Card sales office. You need to have the following information available per applicant:

1. ID Number, or Passport Number if International
2. Residential Address
3. Email Address
4. Cell Phone Number
5. Debit or Credit Card

You do not need to supply photos or proof of the above documents.

The permits will be sent to the applicant’s email address as registered on their profile. The applicant may then distribute to the additional members.

No.

Yes, you may buy a permit on behalf of another person. When you buy on behalf of another person you are however acknowledging that you will relay the SANParks indemnity to the person/s on whose behalf you purchase/ing the park rules and the website terms and conditions.

No.

No.

No, each person will get their own separate permit.

Yes, each person can cycle separately if a multi-user permit is purchased.

You need to have the following information available per applicant:

1. ID Number, or Passport Number if International
2. Residential Address
3. Email Address
4. Cell Phone Number
5. Debit or Credit Card

You do not need to supply photos or proof of the above documents.

The permits will be sent to the applicant’s email address as loaded on their profile.

See Cycling & Mountain Biking for maps and more information.

No, you may only carry out one activity at a time.

Yes, you need a Level 3 Activity Permit.

Yes, and you need to be able to show your permit (in either paper or electronic format) plus proof of Identification (paper or electronic) if asked to do so or at any entry gate on arrival, or if asked to do so by a SANParks official.

Yes, you can print the membership letter and cut out the permit and carry that along with proof of identification (in either paper or electronic format) with you.

You must be able to produce proof of identification along with the Activity Permit when requested to do so.

No, you may only carry out one activity at a time.

The permit is issued in the name of the rider and can thus be used irrespective of which horse is ridden to enter the park.

No, your groom will need their own permit.

Yes, at the Tokai Picnic Site for Tokai and at Silvermine Gate for Noordhoek Beach and Wetlands.

Please email Jo Kruger on [email protected]

The permit is issued in a specific person’s name and is for x 1 horse to be ridden at a time.

Yes.

Yes – see the information above on Activity Permits and how to purchase permits online.

No.

No.

You can either present a Level 3 Activity Permit to enter or pay the daily Conservation Fee plus purchase a daily Marine Species Access Permit. View the applicable rates. Rates quoted are subject to the annual tariff increases on 1 November annually.

Yes.

Yes – see the information above on Activity Permits and how to purchase permits online.

One can buy a membership online or at the Tokai Wild Card sales office. To purchase you need to have the following information available per applicant:

1. ID Number, or Passport Number if International
2. Residential Address
3. Email Address
4. Cell Phone Number
5. Debit or Credit Card

You do not need to supply photos or proof of the above documents.

The permits will be sent to the applicant’s email address as registered on their profile. The applicant may then distribute to the additional members.

Yes – please print a copy and present the paper copy on arrival at the gate along with proof of identification.

A Level 3 Activity Permit allows you to line fish and spearfish – it does not cover the removal of rock lobster.

View/Download the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area Map.

Yes.

365 days from purchase. Dates are reflected on the permit.

No.

No, you can no longer buy the Level 4 Consumptive Permit. The current option is the Marine Species Access Permit.

Yes, you can launch a small boat at the Buffels Bay slipway.

Boat launch fees are an additional fee paid on arrival at the gate. Boats on trailers are charged to launch.

Boats on the roof of the car are not charged to launch.

The same rules apply to kayaks.

No, the kelp is not cleared from the slipway daily.

No, the airspace above the Marine Protected Area is restricted airspace and you need a permit.

Yes.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

No.

Via email as a PDF attachment.

You may print the permit out or show it from your phone.

Yes – you need the Day Permit and identification – this can be photos on your phone or in original format.

A Day Permit is valid for only one day. The date for entry is indicated on the Day Permit as chosen on purchase.

An applicant can purchase a Day Permit on behalf of a third party and in doing agrees that by acquiring such a permit on behalf of a third party, that they are duly authorised to enter into this agreement personally for and on behalf of the third party as their duly authorised representative.

Yes, but they need an adult with them when carrying out their activity.

No.

You buy a Day Activity Permit for Cape Point at the gate on arrival.

Two dogs.

Yes.

During gate hours or if no gate present where you enter then between sunrise and sunset.

No.

No.

No, Day Permits are for the specific activity you chose on purchase.

There is no discount when buying multiple Day Permits.

No – the Day Permit is not transferable.

No fishing is allowed at Silvermine dam.

Yes.

Yes, provided you have their details, and you have their permission to purchase on their behalf.

No, the permit expires and is not refundable if not used.

No, these are bought at the Cape Point gate on arrival.

No, you can present the permit from your phone on arrival.

Yes you will receive a permit per person.

Yes.

Yes, please have a photo of your ID or passport on your phone to prove you are the person in whose name the Day Activity Permit was issued.

No.

Yes.

Two dogs.

Yes.

No, you buy a day ticket to enter to hike, trail run or surf.