South Africa
Dog in Pretoria

Experience the beauty and diversity of South African National Parks, Activities, Accommodation, Travel and explore South Africa! Nature Conservation, Reservations. Official Website.

As the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) includes mountains, beaches, forests and oceans, there are a variety of popular recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. However, because the Park receives in excess of 2.6 million visits per year, regulations, permits and Environmental Management Plans (EMP’s), apply to certain of these activities in order to minimize the impacts on the environment. When the Park 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. EMP's require users to respect the rules and regulations of the park, undertake their activity with care and consideration for other users and to protect and conserve the natural and heritage resources of the park. 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. Have a look at our safe hiking in Table Mountain National Park guide. 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. An interactive guide to walking your dog in the Table Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Table Mountain National Park offers numerous picnic/braai areas although braaing should be undertaken with care and is often banned due to high winds. Alcohol, dogs and music are prohibited in the picnic braai areas. However, troops of Chacma Baboons are regular visitors and are attracted by food and can be aggressive. Note access times change seasonally and are linked to the Cape of Good Hope gate entry and exit times. You will experience the picturesque views of Cape Town. Several hikes are also accessible from the picnic area. A boardwalk provides a picturesque trail around the reservoir that takes about 25 minutes to complete. There are no credit card facilities at the Silvermine Entrance gate. Please note that no braaing is allowed around the dam during the high fire risk season (summer and early autumn). Braaing will be allowed once the fire danger index reduces which is dependent on a consistent drop in temperature and wind conditions. A walk in an Afromontane forest is always uplifting. The strict conditions are stipulated in their exemption. 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.