South Africa National Parks (SANParks) announced that self-drive excursions for day visitors will be permitted from Wednesday, 8 July 2020 in the Cape of Good Hope section, or Cape Point as it is commonly known, of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
Cape Point is a popular visitor attraction.
SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni said SANParks used this time to prepare for the expected arrivals of guests to parks. ‘We appreciate that after three months of confinement, the public is keen to engage with nature and the excitement as shown by enquiries from our loyal visitors is encouraging. We are obligated to ensure that the opening of our national parks for self-drive excursions is done under the strictest health protocols to safeguard both our staff and guests.’
Here’s what you need to know:
The daily quota of a maximum of 250 vehicles per day will be allowed based on the seasonal average of 30%, however no more than 75 vehicles be allowed in at any given time. The daily quota could be revised in terms of compliance with the lockdown regulations.
Daily operating hours are between 8am to 4pm.
A COVID-19 health related questionnaire to be completed upon arrival at the gates, as well as mandatory temperature screenings will be done by our staff. Visitors with a temperature screening of 37.4 degrees Celsius and above will not be allowed access. Wearing of face masks are compulsory. No mask, no entry.
Permitted activities include self-drive vehicles limited to 3 persons per vehicle of the same household, and motorbikes limited to one person per bike only. Prohibited activities such as surfing, cycling, fishing, hiking/walking, trail running, launching of vessels, braaing and picnicking are not permitted as per COVID-19 alert level 3 regulations.
Please note that Olifantsbos- and Bordjiesrif roads; Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre; restaurant/shops, the funicular and accommodation facilities within Cape of Good Hope section currently remains closed.
‘We encourage our guest to adhere to the speed limits within the park and only stop to take pictures from your vehicle, in designated areas provided,’ SANParks said.
‘Everything as we knew it has fundamentally changed by COVID-19, therefore we are requesting guests to adhere to all official alert level 3 regulations when inside the parks including wearing masks, keeping social distance, and following transport capacity directives.’
Image credit: Unsplash
