Table Mountain National Park

Main Attractions

Cape of Good Hope
Boulders
Table Mountain
Silvermine
Signal Hill and Lions Head
Beaches
Indigenous Forests
Forest Walks

Please note that Peter Slingsby publishes the only maps endorsed by the TMNP

The Cape of Good Hope

So named by Portugal's King John II this area has captured the imagination of European sailors such as Dias who first named it the Cape of Storms in 1488 and later in 1580 Sir Francis Drake who called it the "The Fairest Cape in all the World".

Rich in cultural and natural heritage this is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa and includes the famous Cape Point. Due to the variety of wildlife that occurs here it is the only section of the TMNP that is fenced and visitors should look out for Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok and Zebra.

Be sure to visit the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre that showcases all the plants and animals to look out for in a particular season and is full of informative signage.

This is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers hiking, surfing, angling, picnicking, beaching and cycling opportunities against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains and coastline of the most south western point in Africa.

Several of the activities are regulated and require permits. Please visit activities for more information.

One of the major tourist attractions in the TMNP is of course Cape Point which offers visitors a excellent viewing opportunities from the two lighthouses that adorn the point – one still functional, informative interpretive signage that traces the cultural and natural history of the Point. The lighthouse is accessible by foot or you can catch the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top.

We are also offering free guided walks at Cape Point.

For those who wish to grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping our concessionaire Cape Point Partnership runs the stunning Two Oceans Restaurant and the Tigers Eye Curio Shop.

Contact Details:

TMNP: Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 780 9204, 09:30 – 17:30, Monday- Sunday
Restaurant, Shops and funicular: +27(0) 21 780 9001 / 021 780 9200

Please note that this is one of TMNP's pay points where a daily conservation fee is payable.
Download the brochure front back.
The Cape of Good Hope entry and exit times

Boulders Penguin Colony

Just around the corner from the seaside village of Simons Town turn left off main road to Boulders Visitor Centre to visit the famous colony of African Penguins, so called for their hilarious braying call.

This is a truly special experience and Table Mountain National Park staff is knowledgeable and offer guided tours. After you have fallen in love with the penguins head to the secluded Boulders Beach and take a swim in the comparatively warm waters of the False Bay.

This beach is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents, wind and large waves - but please always take care. Also, don't touch or feed the penguins. They might look cute and cuddly but their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose. Boulders Visitor Centre: +27(0) 21 786 2329.

Please note that this is one of TMNP's pay points where a daily conservation fee is payable. Please visit tariffs to see the current fee.
Boulders entry and exit times
Download the brochure front back.

Table Mountain

Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Famous for the tablecloth of clouds that pours endlessly down its slopes when the south-easter blows, this is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a range of routes that vary from strolls to rigorous hikes.

You decide whether you want to reach the summit and revel in spectacular views of the city or simply stroll along in the cool shade of indigenous forest – which ever you choose you won't be disappointed. The ancient Afromontane forest has a fairy charm as vines and canopies create a magical atmosphere.

However please remember that even though it is in an urban setting it is still a wild mountain that offers challenging climbs and sheer cliffs so be aware of where you intend to walk and always ensure that you stick to the path and are kitted out for cold weather, always carry water and let someone know where you are going to hike. If you want the views without breaking a sweat catch a state-of-the-art revolving cable car to the top. For more information call the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC): +27(0) 21 424 8181

To spend a night on Table Mountain book now for the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail!
Table Mountain Cableway Tariffs and Operating Times
Download the brochure front back.

Silvermine

Located in the central section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Silvermine offers some of the best hikes in the Park with beautiful fynbos landscapes. There are two sections with formal parking:

Gate One: Turn right off Ou Kaapse Weg coming from Cape Town. This area offers mountain biking tracks and a selection of hikes ranging from easy to challenging. Hikers can walk to the top of the Constantaiburg Mountain for perfect views of Hout Bay or simply stroll around the reservoir's wheelchair friendly boardwalk. There are also picturesque braai/ picnic sites available.

Gate Two: A few hundred metres past Gate One, turn left into the car park. From here you can hike over to Kalk Bay or simply do a circuit route. This section of the Park includes Afromontane Forests, waterfalls and very interesting geology.

Silvermine entry and exit times
Tel: +27 (0)21 780 9002 (Gate)
Tel: +27 (0)21 789 2457 (Office)
Download the brochure front back.

Signal Hill and Lion's Head

If you face Table Mountain and look right you will see Lion's Head and Signal Hill two popular destinations in their own right. Signal Hill is the Northern most tip of the terrestrial area of the TMNP and offers excellent views of the City and harbour. It is from here that the noon day gun marks 12:00 in Cape Town.

Lion's Head is a short but popular hike that offers 360 degree views of the Atlantic seaboard, the City and Table Mountain. It has become a Cape Town tradition to hike to the top on full moon. But, while this is a memorable experience, it should only be done in groups, and led by someone with experience.

Beaches

TMNP has a beach for all preferences. If you like to mingle with bronzed beach goers and enjoy a bit of a beach culture, try Llandudno on the Atlantic seaboard. However, if you are more of a laidback beach user head south and try out Noordhoek, Kommetjie or Scarborough - all of which are spacious enough to accommodate crowds and are also good for watching the sun set.

The Cape of Good Hope section offers more wild and secluded beaches with the benefit of beaches on both the Atlantic and False Bay sides.

Be aware that strong rip tides characterise some of our beaches and for the most part life guards are only on duty during high season on the most popular beaches. Swimmers should ensure that they are familiar with the area and should exercise caution at all times.

Do not drink alcohol and swim.

**A permit is required for dog walking.

For more information on available beaches please call our marine team: +27(0) 21 786 5656.

Forest Walks

A walk in an Afromontane forest is always uplifting. These deep green ecosystems are millions of years old and are home to a variety of smaller animals, birds and invertebrates.

The most popular of these walks are:

Newlands Forest – accessible from the M3 near Rhodes Memorial.
Orange Kloof in Hout Bay – this is one of the most special places in the Park with forest trails leading to the top of Table Mountain. Please note that entry to this area is by permit only. Please call +27(0) 21 689 4441 for information.
Echo Valley and Spes Bona on the Muizenberg mountains also sport pockets of Afromontane. Boardwalks have been constructed here to protect the root systems, humus layers and to promote sapling growth.
The entry and exit times for: