Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails closed after heavy rain

update (13 August 2026): All hiking trails in Addo Elephant National Park's Zuurberg section have been checked and reopened. 

Travellers planning to explore the Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails should be aware that the hiking trails in the park's Zuurberg section are closed until further notice following heavy rainfall in the area.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the trails will be inspected before reopening to ensure they are safe for visitors. The Zuurberg gate will not be manned during the closure, and no reopening date has been announced yet.

Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails in the Zuurberg section

The Zuurberg section offers a very different experience from Addo's main wildlife-viewing areas. Set in the Zuurberg Mountains, it features mountainous terrain, indigenous vegetation, forest, grassland and fynbos, making it one of the park's best areas for hiking and birdwatching.

Under normal conditions, visitors can explore two main Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails in the Zuurberg section:

• Cycad Trail: approximately 2 km, taking about one hour.
• Doringnek Trail: approximately 8 km, taking around five hours and providing a more demanding mountain hike.

Wildlife in the area can include mountain reedbuck, bushbuck, red hartebeest, baboons, monkeys and dassies, while the varied vegetation supports a rich selection of birdlife.

Visiting the Zuurberg section

The Zuurberg section is separate from Addo's main game-viewing area. From Addo Main Camp, access involves the route towards the Zuurberg Pass, including sections of gravel road.

Following heavy rain, both the hiking trails and access roads can become difficult or unsafe, with muddy and slippery surfaces, erosion and swollen streams possible.

What travellers need to know

• Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails: Zuurberg trails closed until further notice
• Reason: Heavy rainfall
• Zuurberg gate: Not manned during the closure
• Reopening: No date confirmed

If hiking is part of your Addo itinerary, check the latest SANParks information before travelling to the Zuurberg section. The closure affects the Zuurberg hiking area and does not mean that the entireAddo Elephant National Park is closed.

SANParks will advise when the Addo Elephant National Park hiking trails in the Zuurberg section have been inspected and are safe to reopen.

 

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Travel Update: Hiking trail closures at Augrabies Falls National Park

update 13 May 2026

Due to the continued rise in the Orange River’s water levels, SANParks has taken precautionary safety measures and temporarily closed the path leading to the Main Falls as water has overflowed onto the walkway.
Visitors can still safely experience the breathtaking beauty and roaring power of the Augrabies Falls from four open viewing points. 

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary closure of several hiking trails in the Augrabies Falls National Park due to high water levels and safety concerns.

The following trails are closed until further notice:

• Gorge Trail
• Klipspringer Hiking Trail
• Dassie Interpretative Trail

The closures come as the Orange River continues flowing strongly through the park following recent rains, creating dangerous conditions along some hiking routes and viewpoints near the gorge.

The rest of Augrabies Falls National Park remains open and accessible to visitors, with main viewpoints, accommodation and tourist facilities continuing to operate normally. For travellers, this is still an excellent time to experience the falls at impressive flow levels, although visitors are advised to follow all safety instructions and respect temporary trail closures.

 

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Zuurberg hiking trails closed after heavy rains in Addo Elephant National Park

update 21 May 2026:

The Zuurberg one-hour trail has been reopened. While the five-hour trail has been re-opened, visitors are advised that it is still very muddy and to take caution. 

update 07 May 2026:

Heavy rainfall has forced the closure of all gravel roads and game-viewing loops in both the Main Camp and Colchester sections of Addo Elephant National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed. READ MORE 

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Heavy rainfall across the Eastern Cape has once again impacted visitor access in South African National Parks' (SANParks) Addo Elephant National Park. SANParks has confirmed that all hiking trails in the Zuurberg section of the park have been closed until further notice due to ongoing wet weather conditions and safety concerns.

The closure affects all Zuurberg hiking activities, with saturated terrain, slippery paths and possible flood damage posing a risk to visitors. Travellers planning to explore the mountainous section ofAddo Elephant National Park are advised to postpone hikes and monitor official SANParks channels for reopening updates.

While the Zuurberg trails remain closed, the main game viewing areas of Addo Elephant National Park continue to offer excellent wildlife experiences, including elephant sightings, birdwatching and self-drive safaris. However, visitors travelling to the region should remain alert for further weather-related disruptions, especially after recent heavy rains across parts of the Eastern Cape.

SANParks has urged guests to prioritise safety and to avoid attempting to access closed trails or restricted areas.

 

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Table Mountain National Park update: Hiking trail closures & reopenings after recent fires!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important update regarding trail access in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town following the recent wildfires in the Camps Bay area. While many popular routes have now reopened, SANParks is urging all hikers and visitors to remain cautious, as fire-affected areas may still pose risks.
According to SANParks, the following hiking trails and access points in the northern section of Table Mountain National Park are now open again to the public:

• Footpaths and jeep tracks leading to Camps Bay
• Pipe Track
• Theresa Avenue and Geneva Avenue access points
• All footpaths connecting Camps Bay from the Back Table and Apostle Battery
• Trails above the Twelve Apostles

Access to trails in the Deer Park area remains closed due to lingering hot spots and safety concerns. Deer Park is located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, just above the suburb of Vredehoek, and is a popular access point for short hikes, dog walking, and connecting routes to Devil’s Peak and the Contour Path. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid this section until further notice.

SANParks teams are actively monitoring flare-ups and carrying out mop-up operations to ensure visitor safety. All hikers are reminded to:

• Stay on designated open trails
• Be alert for falling rocks, unstable ground, or smoldering vegetation
• Follow official SANParks guidance at all times

Table Mountain National Park remains one of Cape Town's most iconic attractions, drawing both locals and international visitors for its breathtaking scenery and diverse hiking opportunities. If you are planning a hike in the coming days, check for real-time updates from SANParks before heading out.

By exercising caution and respecting temporary closures, visitors can help ensure that Table Mountain’s unique biodiversity recovers quickly after the recent fires. 

 

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Table Mountain National Park: Some hiking trails reopen after fire! [update]

update (04 March 2025): Newlands Forest, including Rhodes Memorial and Devil's Peak footpaths, has reopened after a temporary closure due to a fire. Newlands Contour Path will remain closed between Round Table and Newlands Path. Visitors should be aware of loose and falling rocks in the burnt areas.
Additionally, all trails in Red Hill are open; however, the trail and route direction markers have been damaged in the fire. Rehabilitation work will begin soon and will include:
- Footpath maintenance
- Monitoring of soil erosion
- Boardwalk repairs
- Replacement of signage

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the reopening of certain hiking trails in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, following recent fire-related closures. The blaze, which began on Sunday morning (23 February 2025) at Newlands Ravine, spread to the front face of Table Mountain. Firefighters responded immediately, with aerial support joining at first light. Strong winds caused the fire to flare up again on Tuesday night (25 February 2025), but by this morning (27 February 2025), it had been successfully suppressed in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Redhill fire, which ignited later on Sunday, was initially contained on 26 February 2025 but saw flare-ups and three new fires. These have since been brought under control, though firefighting efforts continue.

As of now, the Platteklip Gorge and Kloof Corner trails have reopened to hikers. However, Maclear’s Beacon, Devil’s Peak to Newlands, and all trails in Newlands Forest - including Rhodes Memorial and Block House - remain closed. Additionally, Tafelberg Road is closed from the Platteklip parking area towards Devil’s Peak.
Hikers are urged to stay updated on trail conditions and adhere to safety guidelines when visiting Table Mountain National Park.

Table Mountain National Park: Closure of several hiking trails during the annual maintenance shutdown of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway! [update]

update (30 August 2024): SANParks has confirmed that hiking trails surrounding the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway have been reopened. Following the completion of the TMACC maintenance process, the mangement of Table Mountain National Park is pleased to announce that the hiking trails namely the Contour path, India Venster, Fountain Ledge and all trails starting on Tafelberg Road to contour footpath, have been reopened to the public.
Please be mindful that road maintenance work along Tafelberg Road is currently ongoing.

South African National Parks (SANParks) informed the public that specific trails on the front face of Table Mountain in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town are closed during the the annual maintenance shutdown of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway that is taking place from today (15 July 2024)  until 01 September 2024. The following trails are tempoarily closed:

• Contour path from the top of Kloof corner to Platteklip
• India Venster
• Fountain Ledge
• All trails starting on Tafelberg Road to contour footpath (between Kloof corner and Platteklip area)

Alternative Access:

• Table Mountain can still be accessed via Platteklip and the Back Table (Camps Bay and Devilspeak) routes.

While these routes remain open, the ablution facilities on Table Mountain will be closed during the maintenance period.

 

Cape Town: Table Mountain National Park (Skeleton Gorge) fire update! [update #4]

update (03 May2024): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released another update on the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. According to SANParks, mop-up operations are currently taking place along the slopes of Fernwood Park and Newlands, involving more than 40 firefighters from Table Mountain National Park, NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire.
Conservation rangers of Table Mountain National Park have been deployed to the 1000 steps area above the Kirstenbosch Contour Path, conducting much-needed trail rehabilitation.
The Skeleton Gorge and contour path between Cecilia Forest and Fernwood Park remains closed.

update (02 May 2024): SANParks has announced that the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town is largely contained. Currently, firefighting efforts continue along the slopes of Fernwood Park and Newlands, involving more than 60 firefighters from Table Mountain National Park, NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire, battling a large flare-up.

update (02 May 2024): According to a new media release by SANParks, the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town has burnt approximately 283 hectares of veld. Light rain and mist over the past few days have helped contain the fire's spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, smoldering stumps, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern. Following an assessment conducted by Table Mountain National Park's conservation and fire management teams, hiking trails along Constantia Nek and Newlands, as well as trails along the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Orangekloof, have been reopened. However, Skeleton Gorge and the contour path between Fernwood and Cecilia Forest remain closed.
Berg-like wind conditions are currently being experienced in the northern sections ofTable Mountain National Park; therefore, SANParks asks hikers to be very vigilant and move to safe areas if they see or smell smoke while hiking. The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters.

update (02 May 2024): According to a media release by SANParks, the Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town has burnt approximately 220 hectares of veld. Overnight flare-ups have been reported behind Newlands and Kirstenbosch. Light rain this morning has helped contain the fire's spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern at this stage. 
Therefore, hiking trails between Constantia Nek and Newlands, Maclears Beacon, Back Table, Platteklip Gorge, as well as trails leading to the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof, remain closed.

South African National Parks (SANParks) reported several fires inside Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town on 27 April 2024. These fires were caused by lightning strikes in multiple areas, namely Cecilia Forest, Silvermine, and the Cape Of Good Hope (Cape Point) main road. Due to wind changes, overnight flare-ups have now been reported behind Newlands, Fernwood Park and on the slopes of Kirstenbosch, moving towards Orangekloof, as well as towards Maclear ‘s Beacon and the Back Table of Table Mountain National Park, with extensive burning observed in steep and challenging terrain on the slopes of Kirstenbosch and Fernwood. The affected areas are mostly inaccessible, and visibility is poor, posing challenges for ground and aerial crews and making it difficult to carry out water-bombing activities and active fire suppression.

As of today (30 April 2024), the following hiking trails are closed to the public:

• Platteklip Gorge hiking trail
• All hiking trails between Newlands and Constantia Nek
• All trails leading to Maclear’s Beacon and the Back Table
• Trails leading from the area between Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Orangekloof

After a temporary closure caused by a fire, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has reopened its doors to the public. However, hikers are advised not to access the garden via Cecelia or Newlands Forest as these areas are still considered unsafe.

Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp reopens!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park has been reopened. The Rest Camp was temporarily closed due to flooding since 09 April 2024. The accommodation facilities have not been affected by the floods and accommodation and camping is available for bookings. SANParks further announced that the Tsitsikamma section and the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park remain open to the public. However, the following hiking trails and facilities remain closed: Half Collared Kingfisher trail, Gallinule bird hide, Brown Hooded Kingfisher trail, Waterside boardwalk, Woodville Big Tree, Outeniqua Hiking trail and Canoe activity. We'll keep you posted!

Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp & hiking trails closed due to flooding!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed that heavy rains have caused flooding at the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, so that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp has been temporary closed. Mop up operations are already underway and guests who were camping at the Rest Camp have been safely evacuated to the Forest Cabins. All the hiking trails including the trails at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, Swartvlei, Woodville Big Tree, Farleigh and Goudveld - Outeniqua hiking trail and Circles in the Forest are closed until further notice. The Touw River Mouth was mechanically breached at 06:20 on 09 April 2024. Potential damage to infrastructure and tourism facilities is getting evaluated. Garden Route National Park is currently experiencing power cuts and SANParks' technical team together with the municipality are working on resolving the matter. We'll keep you posted!

Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of hiking trails due to rain!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed hiking trails, including the world-famous multi-day Outeniqua hiking trail, in the Diepwalle Forest and the Harkerville Forest in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park due to rain. According to the Park Manager for the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park, Megan Taplin, "it is great to see rivers overflowing, the trails will be closed temporarily until after the rain. This is done to also protect hikers and nature walkers who use trails in Diepwalle and Harkerville forests".
The hiking trails in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park remain open.

Southern Africa: Rainfall outlook (March - May 2019)! >>

Table Mountain National Park: Various trails closed due to fires!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has closed various trails in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) due to recent fires that broke out in the Park.

• Red Hill Trail via Kleinplaas Dam to Slangkop is closed until the repairs to the trail post-fire can be affected
• Swartkopberg Trail is under repair and currently closed
• The Chapmans Peak footpath (on the Noordhoek side) is closed indefinitely
• The Riverwalk in Silvermine West is closed for construction and will reopen as soon as the construction work is complete. Silvermine West remains open to the public

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