Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has recorded a successful festive season with visitor numbers, crime incidents and fires presenting an overall encouraging picture. According to the TMNP, a nearly 10% increase in visitor numbers was recorded over this festive season.
Entries across all park gates and picnic sites increased to 232 420 in December 2024 compared to 213 160 in 2023, a 9.5% increase in the number of visitors.
Additionally, the Table Mountain Aerial Cable Company visits in December 2024 saw a 19.4% increase after welcoming 130,675 visitors compared to 109,443 in December 2023.
“The growth in numbers is attributed to sustained marketing efforts and value-add collaborative relations with partners that are now yielding positive results.”
According to SANParks Head of Communications JP Louw, crime incidents verified by TMNP that were reported to the park office/staff during this period were 60 in November, December and January of 2024/25 compared to 64 in 2023/24.
“However, there was a 40 percent decrease in robberies in comparison to last season and seven more attempted robberies than last season.”
According to Louw, incidents observed during this period include attempted robbery, robbery, and theft from persons or motor vehicles. The theft incidents mainly occurred adjacent to the park.
“The statistics confirm that the increase in visitors during peak festive months presents increased opportunities to criminals.”
Regarding environmental crimes, the TMNP attended to 12 counter-poaching incidents. This includes vehicle checkpoints over in Cape Point during the West Coast Lobster season and targeted interventions to disrupt abalone poaching. Other crimes include cases of bark stripping, stolen medicinal plants and cases of abandoned marine items.
Meanwhile, the SANParks helicopter was seconded from Kruger National Park to assist with surveillance of both crime incidents and fires that might flare up. This resulted in a decrease in both crime and fire incidents.
“We had a total of 92 fires up to so far in the 2024/25 financial year. In the 2022/23 financial year, we had 85 fires and 119 fires in the 2023/24 financial year.”
Tips for Table Mountain National Park visitors
SANParks once again urges visitors to always be vigilant and to follow safety tips:
1. Hike, bike or climb in groups of four or more
2. Access the park between sunrise and sunset and avoid evening hikes. If you are injured, is much harder to access areas across the Park in the dark
3. Wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and protection for all weather conditions
4. Make sure someone knows your departure time, planned route and expected time of return
5. Use freely available apps that can track your movements for safety
6. Record emergency numbers posted across the park signboards
7. Make sure your phone is fully charged before departure for emergency calls
8. Check SANPARKS social media pages to inform yourself of routes closed, under construction or closures and areas to avoid as a result of fires.
