On Sunday, 28 April 2024, visitors to Table Mountain National Park will find several popular hiking trails closed due to multiple fires caused by recent lightning strikes.
What areas are currently affected by the fires?
Fires have been reported in several key sections of Table Mountain National Park:
- Cecilia Forest
- Silvermine
- Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) along the main road, where the fire has been contained.
How are the fires being managed?
The response to the fires has been swift and coordinated.
Teams from TMNP’s NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire crews, and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services have been pivotal in addressing the situation.
The firefighting effort includes ground crews and aerial support, which began at first light.
However, strong winds have temporarily halted aerial water bombing operations until conditions improve.
Which hiking routes are closed?
Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts and for public safety, the following hiking areas and routes are currently closed:
- Cape of Good Hope: Trails from Gifkommetjie to Circles Vlei and those originating from Olifantsbos, as well as the Sirkelvlei hiking trail and Link Road cycling route.
- Back Table and Skeleton Gorge – Table Mountain: All paths leading to the Back Table from Camps Bay, Hout Bay, Constantia Nek, Cecilia Forest, and Kirstenbosch, including Orangekloof hiking trails.
- Circular Drive: Closed as a precautionary measure.
Visitors planning to hike in or near the affected areas are urged to exercise caution and adhere to the following guidelines:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest park notices and trail closures.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Follow any instructions from park authorities and firefighting teams to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
- Avoid Closed Areas: Do not attempt to access or hike in closed areas until they are officially reopened.
