South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is fully prepared to welcome an expected influx of visitors to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) over the upcoming festive season, with enhanced safety, firefighting capacity and environmental protection measures in place.
Between April and October 2025, TMNP recorded 1 708 289 entries across all access points – nearly 20% more than during the same period in 2024.
With international flight and cruise ship arrivals increasing, authorities expect this upward trend to continue through December and January.
World-Class Attractions Await Holiday Visitors
From the African penguins at Boulders Beach to the summit of Table Mountain, visitors can expect spectacular scenery, biodiversity and world-renowned viewpoints.
Popular summer activities include:
- Cape Point lighthouse lookout
- Table Mountain cableway or hiking Platteklip Gorge
- Picnics at Silvermine dam or Oudekraal
- 850km of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails
Significant Safety and Ranger Deployment
SANParks has deployed 157 rangers across TMNP, working closely with the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit.
Earlier this year, SEAM was strengthened with 24 additional elite rangers, six new operational vehicles and advanced drone technology to assist with patrols and fire detection.
TMNP’s specialised teams have chalked up major successes in reducing poaching, theft and other environmental crimes.
The canine unit will also receive additional support from contracted dogs and handlers during the peak season.
A new Senior Manager for visitor safety and resource protection will assume duties before mid-December to coordinate safety efforts and expand volunteer involvement.
Crime Trends Improve Ahead of Festive Season
Incident statistics from the TMNP Ops Room show marked improvements:
- Robberies fell from 15 cases in March 2025 to single digits between June and November
- From June-November 2025, 17 robbery incidents were recorded, down from 37 during the same period in 2024
- Attempted robberies dropped from 12 (2024) to 8 (2025) over the same period
Authorities attribute the drop in incidents to increased patrols, expanded ranger capacity and the arrest of repeat offenders throughout the year, including significant arrests made in April, May, September and November.
Firefighting Capacity Strengthened Ahead of Summer
SANParks confirmed that its firefighting units are fully prepared, with:
- Ground teams on standby
- Strategically located fire-response units
- Helicopter support already active
Fuel-reduction and ecological burns completed over winter have lowered fire risk.
The Klaasjagersberg seasonal firefighting unit has been activated earlier than usual, joining the Kloofnek and Newlands teams.
Aerial firefighting resources also came online in November, a month earlier than in previous years.
Safety Tips for Park Visitors
SANParks urges all visitors to stay vigilant and prepare adequately:
- Plan routes in advance; hike in groups
- Share itineraries and return times
- Carry water, proper clothing, and a fully charged phone
- Use tracking or navigation apps
- Bring a power bank
Emergency Contacts:
- TMNP Emergency Number: 086 110 6417
- Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR): 021 937 0300
- National Emergency Number: 112
