Last week, the Western Cape was lashed by strong winds and heavy rains. This affected several SANParks parks, and several were closed to keep the public and staff safe.
South Africa (16 July 2024) – Last week, parts of, or the entirety of the Bontebok, Table Mountain, and Tankwa Karoo National Parks were closed. This was done to keep rangers and the public safe. The parks were affected by bad weather and flooding. SANParks has issued an update regarding the parks and how things stand.
Some parts of the parks have been reopened to the public. However, several hiking trails are still closed due to rain damage so if you were planning to head outdoors, be aware of the statement below:
“Following the closure of Bontebok National Park on Saturday, 13 July 2024, the park has since reopened its doors to day visitors. However, hiking trails remain closed at this time due to saturated trails and/or unsafe trail conditions. Access for overnight visitors is not affected.
Tankwa Karoo National Park has reopened to visitors, as the road from Ceres leading to the park is now accessible, following significantly reduced water levels. Routes via Sutherland and Calvinia are improving daily as the snowfall melts and are expected to be fully operational by this week. Caution is advised as some muddy spots remain.
Table Mountain National Park has temporarily closed all tented camp accommodation sites as well as the Overseers Cottage as several facilities experienced significant damage during the early stages of the cold front.
Temporary trail closures in Table Mountain National Park that remain in place due to rain damage include:
- Silvermine Ou Wapad trail
- Silvermine Riverwalk trail
- Cape Point overnight hiking trail
- Jonkersdam Jeep Track
- The road leading to the Overseers Cottage
- Boardwalk leading to the Slangkop tented camp is submerged in water – exercise caution.
- Sinkhole Booi Se Skerm road – Cape of Good Hope.
SANParks continues to monitor weather conditions closely and has deployed staff to access and repair damaged trails and clear fallen trees.
Visitors are urged to exercise caution and avoid closed trails and roads until further notice. Updates will be provided as conditions improve.”