Table Mountain National Park: Temporary closure of Newlands picnic site!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Newlands Picnic Site in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town has been closed since 19 November 2025 for the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town®. The site will serve as the final aid station for participants before they cross the finish line, with the closure remaining in effect until 24 November 2025.

Visitors are encouraged to explore alternative picnic spots within Table Mountain National Park, such as Oudekraal, Tokai, or Silvermine, and SANParks apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

The RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town® attracts trail runners from around the world to experience the stunning mountain trails of the Cape Peninsula. Distances range from the 16km route up to the challenging 100-mile race, offering options for all levels. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy Cape Town's dramatic landscapes, where Table Mountain National Park stretches from Table Bay to Cape Point, flanked by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Cape Town: Newlands Picnic Site to be open only on weekends!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the opening times for the Newlands Picnic Site in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town are set to change. Between 13 February 2023 and 31 May 2023, the popular picnic site will be closed during the week and only be open on weekends. From 01 June until 30 September, the Newlands Picnic Site is closed to the public.
Conveniently situated off the M3 near Rondebosch, Newlands Picnic Site is situated under the shade of pine trees and is popular on weekends. Several hikes are also accessible from the picnic area. Alcohol is prohibited.

SANParks: Update on the opening times of several areas in Table Mountain National Park!

South African National Parks (SANPark) has released an update on the opening times of several areas in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park. This includes Cape Point, Boulders, Silvermine as well as Newlands Picnic Site, Oudekraal Picnic Site and Tokai. According to Table Mountain National Park's Park Manager Mr Frans van Rooyen, the National Park is slowly recovering from the pandemic and visitors are kindly requested to be patient with the Park's management especially with the gate opening times at Cape Point. This is not a permanent decision and things will get back to normal when it's safe to do so.

Gate opening times are as follows:

Cape Point:

• Open daily, 07:00 - 17:00
• The take-away Food Shop and the Funicular operates from Thursdays to Sundays.
• The Curio shop operates Fridays - Sundays
• All beaches at Cape Point do not have lifeguards on duty.
  

Boulders:

• Open daily, 08:00 - 17:00
• No lifeguards on duty.
• Please check the tides prior to arrival as there is limited space available on the beach.

Silvermine:

• Gate 1: Open daily, 07:00 - 18:00
• Gate 2: Open daily, 08:00 - 18:00
• Braaing is allowed at Silvermine since we're out of fire season. No gas equipment is allowed.
• Please exercise caution when swimming in the dam as it is as own risk and no life guards are on duty.

Newlands Picnic Site:

• From 01 November 2021 entry times at Newlands picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
• Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
• No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Oudekraal Picnic Site:

• Opens only on weekends.
• From 01 November 2021 entry times at Oudekraal picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
• Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
• No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Tokai:

• Entry times at the pay point gate/picnic site will open from 07:00 to 18:00.
• Please ensure that if carrying out your activity in the park such as cycling, dog walking and horse riding that you have the requisite permit to do so. The Office in Tokai is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 15:45 for your queries: (021 712 7471).
• Last-minute accommodation queries please book online at sanparks.org/bookings/ or call central reservations on 012 428 9111. Should you notice a fire anywhere on the mountain please call the TMNP emergency number at 086 110 6417 or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own.

When out walking, hiking and trail running:

• Table Mountain National Park recommends that you carry out your activity in groups of four (4) or more. Please ensure that you know the route you are taking. If this is the first visit please go with someone who does know the route or hire a guide.
• Please prepare for all-weather temperatures, pack a hat, a weatherproof jacket and lots of water.
• Please ensure you have a map with you.
• Please load SANParks emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 107 or 021 480 7700 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home.