Table Mountain National Park Enhances Safety and Visitor Experience Ahead of Festive Season Surge
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced its full preparedness to welcome a surge in visitors to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) over the upcoming festive season. With new safety measures, increased ranger presence, and advanced firefighting capabilities, the park is ready to provide both local and international guests with a memorable and secure experience at one of Africa’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Visitors can look forward to exploring the park’s rich biodiversity and world-renowned attractions. Highlights include the bustling Boulders penguin colony where African penguins can be observed at close range, panoramic 360-degree vistas from the Cape Point lighthouse and Signal Hill, and the exhilaration of standing atop Table Mountain—whether reached by the cableway or a hike up Platteklip Gorge. Other popular activities include picnics at Silvermine Dam or Oudekraal beach, and exploring a network of 850 kilometres of trails for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking.
The park has seen an impressive uptick in visitor numbers. Between April and October 2025, TMNP recorded 1,708,289 entries—marking a nearly 20% increase over the same period in 2024. This momentum is expected to accelerate further into December and January, driven by higher volumes of incoming flights and cruise ship arrivals to Cape Town.
In response to these trends, SANParks has significantly enhanced its safety and resource protection capacity. TMNP now boasts 157 rangers stationed throughout the park, working in close collaboration with the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit. The unit was further strengthened this year with the addition of 24 elite rangers and six new operational vehicles, reflecting a robust commitment to visitor safety and rapid response capabilities.
Additionally, the deployment of drone technology has boosted both safety patrols and firefighting efforts, providing a critical edge in monitoring the vast and varied terrain of the park. Specialist teams are credited with notable successes in reducing poaching, theft, and other illegal activities that threaten both visitors and the park’s delicate environment.
The TMNP canine unit will also be reinforced with contracted, professionally trained dogs and handlers during the festive period, ensuring a strong presence while the unit undergoes a strategic review to optimize its long-term effectiveness. These combined measures form a multi-layered approach to resource protection and crime prevention.
In a further move to streamline safety operations, a Senior Manager for visitor safety and resource protection will take up responsibilities before mid-December, tasked with coordinating safety initiatives and guiding the park’s robust volunteer network. Volunteers already play a vital role in safety campaigns and collaborative operations, targeting illegal activities such as unauthorized overnight stays and fires outside designated areas.
SANParks is encouraging all visitors to plan ahead and take personal precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable time at TMNP. This includes preparing adequately for hikes and outdoor activities, respecting park regulations, and remaining vigilant in sensitive areas. With these robust measures and community involvement, Table Mountain National Park is set to deliver an outstanding festive season experience—one that balances adventure, environmental stewardship, and visitor wellbeing as Cape Town’s tourism sector continues to grow.
