Conservation groups call for more rangers after alleged illegal overnighting on Table Mountain

Illegal camping and alleged environmental damage raise alarm over the future of Table Mountain National Park.

Conservation and safety groups warn that illegal overnighting, fires, and crime are putting Table Mountain National Park under growing pressure, and call for more rangers and funding.

Friends of Table Mountain (FOTM) raised the alarm on social media on Sunday, October 25, after a trail runner reported seeing a large number of people allegedly camping illegally on the Muizenberg mountains the night before.

The runner estimated the group at more than 400 people, though this figure has not been independently confirmed.

FOTM said illegal overnighting is a serious concern as it leads to unlawful campfires and sanitation issues, and because people stray from the paths, causing vegetation degradation.

FOTM chairperson Andy Davies told IOL Media: “This illegal overnighting results in fires and destruction of indigenous vegetation.”

Davies said no fires had been reported this time, as summer had not arrived, but the area had experienced numerous fires in the past.

“We believe that SANParks needs to be better resourced with rangers, K9s and technology to prevent this kind of illegal overnighting,” he said.

Take Back Our Mountains (TBOM) founder Taahir Ousman said the park faced wider safety and security challenges as an open-access space.

“We may never achieve a 100% crime-free environment, given the complex social and economic challenges we face,” Ousman said.

He listed fires, vagrancy, flower theft, muggings and theft from vehicles among the ongoing problems.

“However, we firmly believe that crime can be significantly reduced through proper planning, increased security measures, and a greater investment in protecting our mountain,” he said.

Among the measures TBOM wants considered are strategic fencing with controlled access through clearly demarcated trail entrances, 24/7 camera surveillance along boundary fences and dedicated ranger patrols on major tourist routes, including Platteklip Gorge, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.

“What is needed now is a more proactive approach, stronger collaboration between stakeholders and, most importantly, an increased budget dedicated to Table Mountain’s safety and security,” Ousman said.

“Protecting Table Mountain means protecting our communities, our natural heritage and our tourism industry,” he added.

IOL Media approached SANParks Table Mountain spokesperson Lauren Howard-Clayton for comment.

“We will be engaging FOTM directly and prefer not to do so through the media,” she said.