Table Mountain trails and picnic sites closed as storm hits Cape Town

Venecia Valentine

Table Mountain National Park has temporarily closed multiple hiking trails, picnic sites and visitor facilities as severe weather continues impacting Cape Town and surrounding areas.

Park officials confirmed the closures on Monday morning following heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous trail conditions across several sections of the park.

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Authorities say the measures were implemented in the interest of visitor safety as teams respond to:

• fallen trees
• flooding
• hazardous pathways
• storm damage
• wildlife rescue operations

Areas currently closed in Table Mountain National Park

The following areas and facilities are temporarily closed:

• Forest Link walkway at Boulders Penguin Colony
• Oudekraal Picnic Site
• Lion’s Head Summit
• Signal Hill Precinct
• Deer Park Trails
• Newlands Picnic Site
• Cecilia Forest Trails
• Constantia Nek Trails
• Tokai Picnic Sites
• Upper and Lower Tokai Trails
• Silvermine Gates and Picnic Site

In addition:

• the Cape Point Funicular
• and shuttle services in the Cape of Good Hope

have also been suspended.

Officials warn of dangerous hiking conditions

Park management warned visitors to avoid unnecessary travel and hiking in affected areas as conditions remain dangerous.

Officials say storm impacts currently include:

• slippery mountain paths
• flooding near rivers and streams
• strong coastal winds
• fallen trees and branches
• unstable trail surfaces

Visitors have also been urged to follow all instructions from park officials and obey safety signage.

Severe weather continues across Cape Town

The closures come as the Western Cape remains under multiple severe weather warnings linked to an intense cold front and storm system affecting the province.

Flooding, road disruptions, fallen trees and strong winds have already impacted several parts of Cape Town and surrounding communities.

Authorities remain on high alert as weather conditions continue developing.

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