KapstadtMagazin.de

Security Boost for Tourists and Hikers on Table Mountain

Jeden Tag tolle Tipps aus der
schönsten Provinz der Welt.
 
www.kapstadtmagazin.de
info@kapstadtmagazin.de
Kapstadtmag
KapstadtMagazin.de
kapstadtmag

Security Boost for Tourists and Hikers on Table Mountain

Mountain guides to be available to the public at an affordable rate


Table Mountain National Park
(TMNP) and the Western Cape provincial government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) have concluded an agreement that is aimed at improving the safety and security of tourists and hikers on Table Mountain.

Through the three-year agreement, valued at over R750 000, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is making it possible for Table Mountain National Park’s mountain guides to be available to the public at an affordable rate.

MEC for finance, economic development and tourism, Mr Garth Strachan, says: “Strong partnerships will help us achieve equitable growth.

"Our partnership with Table Mountain National Park in creating sustainable jobs for tour guides is key to our success in reaching our full potential as a destination."

"Pro poor tourism is not simply about taking tourists on township tours, but ensuring long-term sustainability and the guides project demonstrates how to realise our vision.”

Tourists and members of the public will be able to hire accredited mountain guides at a rate of R150 per day, plus R35 per person, up to a maximum of six people.

The 14 guides are employed by the TMNP on a retainer for guiding on the Hoerikwaggo Trail and through this partnership with the Department, are able to earn additional commission for guiding the public on additional routes.

An integrated approach to mountain safety starts with ensuring that hikers are well informed and prepared for climbing the mountain.

To this end, the TMNP has produced a safe hiking brochure with tips on mountain safety with a particular focus on the five most popular routes.

The five routes initially offered – with variations negotiable due to weather, fitness of party and time available – are:
  • Lion’s Head spiral route
  • Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station
  • Upper Cableway Station to Maclear’s Beacon Walk
  • The Pipe Track along the base of the Apostles
  • Skeleton Gorge to Maclear’s Beacon: The Smuts Track

Safety of visitors walking on the mountain is vital. The TMNP deploys 52 visitor safety officers and five dogs continuously.

Since their deployment four years ago, and a concerted campaign regarding safety on the mountains, the number of mountain crime-related incidents decline. The Department initiative will co-ordinate with the TMNP visitor safety programme.

“It is fantastic that the challenge of mountain safety can be turned into an opportunity for a commercially viable business partnership between the TMNP, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and supported by the CTRU,” says Brett Myrdal, park manager, Table Mountain National Park.

“The main beneficiaries are the public who can now afford to hire mountain guides for themselves and their visitors, and the Hoerikwaggo guides themselves who can earn commission over and above their guiding on the Hoerikwaggo Trail.

"Through this partnership, we are seeing the maturation of the business of the Hoerikwaggo guides – who are South Africa’s first black accredited mountain guides who operate commercially as mountain guides,” added Myrdal.

For bookings, visitors can call the Table Mountain National Park Hoerikwaggo Trail office on +27(0)21 465 8519, between 07h30 and 16h00 on weekdays.

Cape Town Events Calendar
December 2024
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31

AroundAboutCars 3 Car rental specials in Cape Town

Free upgrades, free data, 10% off luxury vehicles & more

Wolfkop Nature Reserve 4Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...

Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more

HintHunt AfricaGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024Sublime dining at Palm House Boutique ...

Friday Night Steak Club, Afternoon Tea, 6-course tasting menu & more

Trail's End Bike HotelTeam building, stylish conferencing & ...

Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End

Milk on the beach wafflesOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Loaded hotdogs, caramel popcorn G&Ts, waffle churros

Two Oceans Aquarium clean up Free beach clean-ups with the Two ...

It happens every single month. See upcoming dates

Pear TreeThe hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Sushi calamari, miso sirloin & rice krispies milkshakes

mischu 2024Weekends are for mischu

You can get breakfast and coffee with the R99 brunch special

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and a buzzy rooftop bar

Cannibisters 2024Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekBest day ever? Monster Mountain ...

Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery

Milk on the Beach 2024Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

Ramen by the sea, a build-your-own waffle bar & 5 more

Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa August 2024This boutique 5-star hotel offers ...

The signature Palm Journey includes a 3-course lunch

GiveawaysTravel Tips