In the aftermath of the recent heavy rainfall in Cape Town, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) experienced significant flooding, resulting in damage to various areas of the park, including its infrastructure and natural vegetation.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) reported a substantial amount of rainfall within the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Area over the past two weeks, affecting TMNP as it falls within the city’s boundaries.
Also read: Rietvlei Wetland temporarily closed due to flooding
TMNP Manager, Ms Megan Taplin, expressed gratitude for the much-needed rain that replenished the dams and nourished the park’s natural vegetation; however, she explained that this year, the park suffered severe consequences from the floods, leading to extensive damage to its infrastructure, particularly the hiking trails.
‘We are grateful for the rain that is filling up dams. The natural vegetation thrives beautifully during the rainy season, but this year the park has been severely affected by the floods, causing a lot of infrastructure damage, especially to the hiking trails and posing danger to park users due to landslides, road verge erosion and sinkholes,’ Taplin said.
Assessments are reportedly still underway to determine the full extent of the damage and regular updates are being provided to alert park users of dangerous areas that should be avoided until further notice. The scope of infrastructure damage is yet to be determined, as new reports of damage emerge daily.
The recent floods have affected several areas within the park and caution is advised or, if necessary, the complete avoidance of mountain trails with persistent slippery, wet and muddy conditions to prevent accidents and the need for rescue. The affected areas include:
- Newlands Forest: Eroded trails and fallen trees and branches
- Tokai: The level 5 cycling trail in Upper Tokai is closed due to landslides, boulders and debris on the road. The area is currently inaccessible for cyclists and vehicles.
- Rhodes Memorial: The tar road has been uplifted, fallen trees are obstructing the way and a significant amount of debris is present. The road is closed until further notice.
- Schusterskraal Boardwalk (Scarborough): Closed for repairs due to erosion beneath the boardwalk.
- Tafelberg Jeep Track: Landslide and rockfall on the tar road
- Constantia Nek hiking trail: Landslide leading to the dam area
- Deer Park: Sinkhole and a fallen tree
- Camps Bay Pipe Track: Landslides discovered
- Ouwa Pad in Silvermine: Closed.
- Admirals Waterfall hiking trail in Simonstown: A landslide occurred off the trail.
- Silvermine East Management Track: Road verge erosion identified.
Taplin emphasised that intensive repair work on the damaged infrastructure will commence once weather conditions become more favourable. In the meantime, park rangers and volunteers are carrying out some repair work.
Given the predicted winter rains for the season, TMNP is committed to ensuring the safety of its visitors and will continue to provide updates on any new developments.
As of now, the park’s tourism facilities remain unaffected by the floods and guests are welcome to visit or obtain more information by contacting 021 712 0527.
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