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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Wildfire Update: Etosha National Park (Namibia) – September 2025! [update #3]

update (01 October 2025): Kudos JLR Consulting!

update (01 October 2025): According to the MEFT, at least nine antelopes were killed and one pangolin had been rescued. An elephant death was reported but has not been confirmed.   

update (01 October 2025): According to the MEFT, (as of 29 September 2025) about 1.1 million hectares of land have burned, including about 775 000 hectares within Etosha National Park, approximately 34% of its area. Meanwhile, around 171 000 hectares of land outside the national park has been affected, including 156 000 hectares north of the park and about 15 000 hectares to the south. 

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has confirmed that wildfires, which started burning in Etosha National Park on 23 September 2025, remain active. As of 28 September 2025, the fire has spread close to several tourist roads on the eastern side of the park.

The affected areas currently include:

• The Halali junction to Rietfontein
• The Eland Drive detour
• The Rhino Drive detour

Authorities caution that the fire could expand to other adjacent areas at any time, depending on wind direction. A dedicated response team is on the ground working to extinguish the flames.
The MEFT is urging visitors to exercise extreme caution when travelling in the park and to avoid the affected zones completely, as shifting winds can cause sudden changes in fire behavior.
Etosha National Park remains open to tourists, but safety must come first. Travellers are encouraged to stay updated on official announcements and to follow park regulations at all times.

 

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Eastern Cape: Wildfire in Addo Elephant National Park! [update]

update (11 July 2024): SANParks has released an update on the wildfire at Addo Elephant National Park. As of 10 July 2024, there are no active fires in the National Park and mop-up operations are underway.
The wildfire that began on 08 July 2024 in the Zuurberg section of Addo Elephant National Park has been successfully managed. Teams from SANParks and the Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection Association are on site ensuring the situation remains under control.
The fire, which spread to the Nyathi section of Addo Elephant National Park due to gale-force winds, is now extinguished. There has been some damage to the boundary fence, but no animals or other park infrastructure have been affected.
An estimated 3,000 hectares have been burnt, but a thorough assessment will be conducted once weather conditions permit.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that a wildfire broke out in Addo Elephant National Park on Sunday evening (07 July 2024) when the National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape experienced gale-force winds. The source of the fire is unknown at this stage and teams from SANParks and the Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection Association are on site to manage the situation.
On 08 July 2024, a wildfire started in the Zuurberg section of Addo Elephant National Park and has subsequently moved over to the Nyathi section. The wind changed direction on 09 July 2024 and the fire is currently burning slowly. There is some damage to the boundary fence but no animal losses or other infrastructure damage.
SANParks is estimating that here are about 3,000 hectares that have been burnt but the teams on the ground will only be able to assess that once the weather and smoke allow. Less wind and possible rain are predicted from 10 July 2024 which will assist with containing the fire. The fires are in remote areas of Addo Elephant National Park so the public is not in danger. We'll keep you posted!

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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