In February 2004, Capetonians said "Yes" to the name Table Mountain National Park.The poll, asking the public whether they preferred the name

Lying at the south-western tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park (Cape Peninsula National Park) encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south - a distance of approximately 60 km. The narrow finger of land with its many beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is bound by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay in the east. It has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. These were both important beacons for the early explorers. Many myths and legends have sprung from them. Recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique flora, this singular land formation - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

ACCOMMODATION

The only park-run accommodation currently available to the public is the Olifantsbos Cottage in the Cape of Good Hope section of the park. This self-catering cottage comprises of one master bedroom as well as two rooms with twin beds. The adjacent unit can accommodate an additional six persons. A modern, fully equipped kitchen with gas stove and separate braai (barbecue) facilities are perfect for self-catering holidays. Solar powered lighting is provided. 2 Family cottages are also available.

There is no other park-operated accommodation in the park at present (although other accommodation is planned), but because this is a park on the fringe of the Cape Town Metropolitan Area, there is a wide spectrum of privately run accommodation available in the area in many price ranges.

ACTIVITIES

Mountain Biking

Several approved mountain biking trails exist within the park. These trails are limited to existing jeep tracks and roads only, and are found at Tokai Forest, Silvermine, Kloofnek to Mowbray Ridge and at the Cape of Good Hope, and are on hardened surfaces. Participants provide their own bicycles and other necessities.

Absailing

Commercial absailing adventures are available in some areas.

Mountain Climbing

There are a number of approved climbing routes. Contact the Mountain Club of South Africa for further details.

Hang Gliding/Paragliding

This is available at Lion's Head and Silvermine.

Hiking Trails

There are many hiking trails within the park that appeal to a wide audience - from those wanting a short or leisurely walk to those seeking a longer and more challenging hike. An overnight trail is available at the Cape of Good Hope. A maximum of six persons can be accommodated per trail, starting on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Water-based Activities

Spectacular beaches abound for sun-seekers. The numerous beaches and reefs encircling the Peninsula also permit surfing all year round, and the ample supply of wind in the Peninsula makes this area the ideal spot for wind-surfing and sailing enthusiasts. The clear waters of the Cape Peninsula also provide excellent scuba diving and snorkelling conditions, although a wetsuit is necessary to ward off the cold. Commercial diving operators offer training for persons interested in diving, and provide the necessary equipment on hire. There are tidal swimming pools at Oudekraal and at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay at the Cape of Good Hope.

Angling

This is a very popular pastime, although there are seasonal and area restrictions determining where, when and which marine resources may be caught. This information is available at the various information centres. Several commercial operators offer trips around the Peninsula.

FACILITIES

An aerial cableway provides access to the top of Table Mountain, while a funicular carries visitors to Cape Point. Restaurants and curio shops operate at Rhodes Memorial, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point and on Table Mountain. Information centres are located at the Table Mountain cableway station (manned), Silvermine (unmanned), Boulders (unmanned), Tokai (unmanned), Smith's Farm at the Cape of Good Hope (unmanned) and Cape Point (manned).

Scenic drives may be taken along Boyes Drive, Chapman's Peak Drive, Victoria Road, the Ou Kaapse Weg, from Simon's Town to Smitswinkel Bay, from Kommetjie to Scarborough and to Cape Point.

Popular picnic spots are located at the Signal Hill lookout, The Glen, Van Riebeeck Park, Newlands Forest, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Constantia Nek, Oudekraal, Tokai, Witsand, Soetwater, Buffels Bay, Bordjiesrif, Miller's Point and Perdekloof.

Caravan and camping sites managed by the local authority are located at Miller's Point and Soetwater.

Southern Right whales entertain thousands of spectators each year as they come close to shore to mate and calve. Sightings peak in September, and there are a number of view sites along the scenic coastline. Boulders Beach is home to a growing colony of the vulnerable African (or "Jackass") penguin, which may easily be viewed at close quarters from a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk. Information about, and bookings for, the park's environmental education facilities may be made by contacting the Social Ecology Department.

WAKE UP ON TOP OF TABLE MOUNTAIN!
We are pleased to announce an attractive opening offer around the booking of the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail. The Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail is a world-class hiking experience hosted by Table Mountain National Park - a Natural World Heritage Site and international tourism icon. This three-day, "white table cloth" trail links the cultural diversity of the City of Cape Town to the natural wonders of Hoerikwaggo - " Sea Mountain ". The trail is unabashedly geared for comfort and is professionally guided, fully-catered and portered. All accommodation is equipped and serviced. Hikers on the Hoerikwaggo Table Mountain Trail will experience many of Cape Town 's essential attractions such as the District Six Museum, a Cable Car ride (weather permitting), two nights in the Table Mountain National Park and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens . From December 2005 to 31 May 2006 Table Mountain National Park is offering the trail at R1,900.00 per person. Bookings must comprise a maximum of 16 people and a minimum of 8 people. For more information on the suite of Hoerikwaggo Trails please visit www.hoerikwaggotrails.co.za . Revised prices will be announced at the May Tourism Indaba to be effective 1 June 2006.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 – 31 AUGUST 2009

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS PARK.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !