Get ready for the festive season at Table Mountain National Park

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is gearing up for the festive season, emphasising a strong "state of readiness" through key partnerships for safety and conservation.

South African National Parks (SANParks), which manages both public and private land within the park, was joined by the South African Police Service, the TMNP honorary rangers, the Cobras Mountain Protection Team, and Cape Town Tourism to detail an integrated approach during a media briefing in Tokai on Monday, November 24. 

TMNP, owned by SANParks, encompasses the Table Mountain chain, extending from Signal Hill to Cape Point on the Cape Peninsula. The 70km stretch of land offers numerous activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and surfing, and is home to unique fynbos vegetation and a variety of wildlife. 

TMNP manager Megan Taplin said that they have 157 rangers deployed across the park, working closely with the 40-member Sea Air Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit.

"This unit was bolstered earlier this year with 24 additional elite rangers and the recent addition of six new operations vehicles.

"Drone technology has also been introduced to support safety patrols and firefighting operations," she said.

Ms Taplin said the park's specialist teams continued to play a key role in visitor protection and environmental crime prevention, have achieved significant successes in the reduction of poaching, theft, and other illegal activities.

"The TMNP canine unit will receive further support through contracted, trained dogs and handlers during the festive period while the unit undergoes a review to strengthen its long-term operations," she said. 

SANParks also works with the City of Cape Town's law enforcement, neighbourhood watches, city improvement districts (CID), and volunteer safety groups through joint deployments, awareness initiatives, and the Table Mountain Safety Forum.

Initiatives include increased patrols, the deployment of new constables trained in tourism, aerial surveillance like drones and a helicopter, and enhanced marine protection.

Ms Taplin said that the focus was on proactive prevention and the sharing of intelligence.

Lisa Hosking, chief destination officer for Cape Town Tourism, said that their collective partnership ensured visitors a safe, welcoming, positive visitor experience at each visiting point.

She said that the core message was that collective responsibility was key to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all.

Colonel Kevin Stephen, the Visible Police (Vispol) Commander at Cape Town Central Police Station, said that they have recently trained 14 additional constables on the slopes of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Signal Hill. 

They have had experience in foiling some robberies and recovering items stolen from motor vehicles. 

"Due to the wonderful partnership and growing responses that we have, we've seen a decrease in crime on Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion's Head, and Kloofnek," he said.

Colonel Stephen said they had a good arrest on Saturday, November 22, together with law enforcement, and recovered a woman's stolen cellphone from her vehicle.

"We from SAPS will continue to stand beside you, and all our partners in solidarity and share responsibility for the safety of our city and our national treasure, Table Mountain," he said.

SANParks urges all visitors to prepare adequately by planning routes in advance and hiking in groups; share your itinerary and expected return time; carry enough water and weather-appropriate clothing; use tracking apps where possible; ensure your phone is fully charged and carry a power bank.

Save these emergency contacts: TMNP on 086 110 6417; Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) on 021 937 0300; National emergency number on 112, from a cellphone. 

Visit www.sanparks.org, follow them on Twitter/X @SANParks, Facebook South African national Parks, Instagram @sanparks.