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Table Mountain's Newlands Picnic Site Closed for Ultra-Trail Cape Town Event Through November 24 Table Mountain's Newlands Picnic Site Closed for Ultra-Trail Cape Town Event Through November 24

Visitors to Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town are being advised of a temporary closure at the popular Newlands Picnic Site, which has been shut since 19 November 2025 to accommodate the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town®. The site is serving as the final aid station for participants before they cross the finish line, with the closure expected to remain in place until 24 November 2025. South African National Parks (SANParks) has apologized for any inconvenience and is encouraging visitors to explore alternative picnic locations within the park, including Oudekraal, Tokai, and Silvermine.

The RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® has become a fixture on the international trail running calendar, drawing athletes from across the globe to experience the dramatic mountain trails of the Cape Peninsula. The event offers a range of distances, from a manageable 16-kilometer route to the grueling 100-mile race, catering to runners of all levels. Participants and spectators are treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, as Table Mountain National Park stretches from Table Bay to Cape Point, flanked by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

For the African travel and tourism industry, the temporary closure highlights the growing importance of adventure and sports tourism in the region. Events like the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® not only attract international visitors but also boost local economies through accommodation bookings, dining, and related services. The event's profile has been steadily rising, positioning Cape Town as a premier destination for trail running enthusiasts and outdoor adventure seekers.

SANParks' decision to support the event by providing access to key sites within Table Mountain National Park reflects a broader trend of collaboration between conservation authorities and event organizers. Such partnerships are essential for balancing environmental protection with the economic benefits of tourism. The closure of Newlands Picnic Site, while temporary, underscores the need for careful planning and communication to minimize disruption to regular park visitors.

For travel agents and tour operators in sub-Saharan Africa, the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® represents an opportunity to tap into the growing sports tourism market. Packages that combine participation in or spectating at the event with broader Cape Town experiences—such as wine tours, cultural excursions, and wildlife encounters—are likely to appeal to both runners and their support networks. The event also offers a platform for promoting South Africa's diverse outdoor offerings, from mountain trails to coastal paths and nature reserves.

Alternative picnic sites within Table Mountain National Park, such as Oudekraal, Tokai, and Silvermine, offer visitors a chance to enjoy the park's natural beauty while the Newlands site is temporarily unavailable. These locations provide stunning views, family-friendly facilities, and access to a range of hiking trails, ensuring that visitors can still make the most of their time in one of the world's most iconic urban national parks.

As the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® continues to grow in stature, the event is likely to attract even greater numbers of international participants and spectators in the years ahead. For the African travel industry, this presents both opportunities and challenges. The need to manage visitor flows, protect sensitive environments, and ensure high-quality experiences for all will require ongoing collaboration between park authorities, event organizers, and tourism stakeholders.

The temporary closure of Newlands Picnic Site is a small price to pay for the broader benefits that events like the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® bring to the region. By showcasing Cape Town's natural assets and supporting a vibrant sports tourism sector, such events contribute to the city's reputation as a world-class destination. For travel professionals, staying informed about event schedules and park closures is essential for managing client expectations and maximizing the value of Cape Town itineraries.