Table Mountain National Park closes areas amid severe storms

Table Mountain National Park has issued an urgent safety alert as severe weather continues to affect Cape Town and surrounding areas. Park officials announced temporary closures across multiple sites and hiking trails due to dangerous weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding, and fallen trees.

The park shared the update earlier today, warning visitors to avoid unnecessary travel and hiking in affected areas. Officials explained that the closures aim to protect both visitors and wildlife as emergency teams respond to storm-related damage throughout the park.

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK CLOSES MULTIPLE AREAS

Park management confirmed that several popular attractions, picnic sites, trails, and tourist facilities will remain temporarily closed until conditions improve. The closures include the Forest Link walkway at the Boulders Penguin Colony, Oudekraal Picnic Site, Lion’s Head Summit, Signal Hill Precinct, Deer Park Trails, Newlands Picnic Site, Cecilia Forest Trails, Constantia Nek Trails, Tokai Picnic Sites, and both the upper and lower Tokai trails.

Officials also suspended the Funicular and Shuttle services in the Cape of Good Hope area. In addition, the Silvermine Gates and Picnic Site remain closed due to ongoing weather concerns.

The park stated that storm conditions have created hazardous pathways, unstable terrain, and dangerous flooding risks in several sections of the reserve.

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK RESPONDS TO STORM DAMAGE

According to the park, response teams are currently dealing with fallen trees and branches, flooding, hazardous hiking paths, and wildlife rescue operations where necessary.

Officials urged visitors to remain cautious around rivers, streams, mountain paths, coastal sections, and low-lying areas. They also asked the public to follow all safety signage and instructions from park officials during this period.

The park stressed that the current conditions remain unpredictable and could worsen if heavy rain and strong winds continue throughout the week.

TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK URGES VISITORS TO STAY SAFE

Boulders Penguin Colony has also been affected by the severe weather. Park officials confirmed that the Forest Link walkway at the popular tourist attraction has temporarily closed after strong winds caused trees and branches to fall across the area.

Management stated that teams will attend to the damage as soon as conditions allow. The park also urged tourists and residents to exercise extreme caution while visiting nearby areas.

Officials said they will continue assessing the damage and provide further updates as weather conditions develop.

WEATHER SERVICE ISSUES SEVERE WARNINGS

South African Weather Service has issued severe weather warnings for the Western Cape, warning residents about heavy rainfall, damaging winds, extremely cold temperatures, and potential flooding impacts.

The weather service advised that very cold, wet, and windy weather conditions are expected to continue until Wednesday, 13 May 2026.