Please note that Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is, by and large, an open-access park on the urban edge of a major South African city. As such, and although it remains perhaps the safest open area within the Cape Metropole, it is subject to occasional incidents of contact crime or crime against the person.
While SANParks deploys rangers and foot patrols to monitor poaching and other nefarious activities within the park, and although these resources may be directed to help visitors in need, SANParks’ policing authority is limited. Its rangers do not have conventional policing powers and they are not armed.
Should you be concerned about your personal safety while in the park, please ensure that you have the nearest South African Police Services (SAPS) police station telephone or cell phone number available to you or, should you find yourself in danger, call the national SAPS emergency number 10111.
SANParks Safety Tips and Precautions
Please take note of the following SANParks safety tips and precautions.
- Tell someone reliable where you are going (CONTACT PERSON). Tell them which route you are using and what time to expect you back. If you are en route and think you will be a bit late, call that person and give them the new time you will be back. They must know who to call and where to go look for you if you are not back in time.
- Leave valuables at home.
- Have a map of the area with you and leave a copy of the same map with your contact person.
- Know your access and escape routes. You should always know the quickest way to safety. And your contact person should know which routes you will use if you are in trouble. Have a plan and stick to the plan.
- Avoid known dangerous parts of the mountain. Criminal hotspots may change over time, but some areas are favored by criminals that have easy or quick access to and from urban areas and should be avoided.
- The weather in Cape Town and on Table Mountain especially, is unpredictable and can change suddenly. There may be a loss of visibility. Keep an eye on these changes and ensure you pack suitable clothing for all conditions, i.e. a hat, jacket, etc.
- Walk/run/cycle with a sense of purpose. If you are wandering aimlessly or look lost you are more likely to attract unwanted attention.
- Travel in groups. Criminals are much more likely to go after individuals than groups. Table Mountain National park recommends you carry out your activity in groups of four or more.
Stay alert for possible dangers. Be aware of your surroundings, as to ensure that you do not get surprised. - Avoid distractions. You are an easier target if you are distracted by listening to music on headphones, talking on your phone etc.
- Take a self-defense class.
- Know emergency numbers. Although it is good to have it programmed on your phone, remember if your phone is stolen, the number is no good unless you have memorised it. You can always stop someone else along the route and ask if you can use their phone to call emergency services. Know your local SAPS telephone number.
Referring specifically to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), SANParks offers the following:
Visitor Tips
- TMNP recommends that all activities including but not limited to walking, jogging, trail running, cycling and horse riding are to be carried out in groups of four or more.
- Stay on demarcated pathways and trails.
- Wear the correct hiking gear and shoes.
- Do not carry valuables, cash, cameras, etc.
- Cycle, hike or run during daylight hours only.
- Keep an eye on the weather and other mountain conditions.
- Inform at least one other person not participating in an activity with you of your destination and estimated arrival time.
Print out and ensure you follow the instructions on the leaflet below and do save the TMNP Visitor Safety and Emergency Number 0861 106417 to your mobile phone before starting your hike.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab Several voluntary organistions offer organised hikes within TMNP and you are encouraged to make use of their guided tours. Table Mountain Watch is a recognised civic monitor of safety on the mountain and may offer links to these organisations’ sites. To find out more, please make use of its Facebook page and, if needs be, message it or contact it on Twitter.
Alternatively, please refer to the emergency and safety numbers provided in the Contacts section of this site’s side bar.
Recent Comments