Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic and beloved landmarks. It’s a haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, a treasure trove of scenic vistas for photographers, and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
There’s a plethora of things you can do on Table Mountain, including abseiling, taking selfies of the flora and fauna, and partaking in a guided tour about the mountain’s history.
Be warned, though: there are certain things that you’re not allowed to do while you’re up there.
TAKE NOTE OF THESE NO-NOS WHEN VISITING TABLE MOUNTAIN
When visiting Table Mountain, you are prohibited from doing the following:
1. PICKING FLOWERS
The flora and vegetation on Table Mountain form part of the famous Cape Floral Kingdom, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. These include the red disa, silver trees and the king protea, among others.
Beautiful and photogenic though these plant species are, it is illegal to pick or collect them without a permit, as they are classified as protected plants.
2. CREATING GRAFFITI
Graffiti is an expressive art form, but using it to deface natural landscapes carries huge legal consequences.
By applying graffiti to trees, rocks or any natural surface in and around the mountain, you are in direct contravention of the National Environmental Management: Protected Area Acts. You stand to be fined up to R2 500; repeat offences can lead to your arrest.
3. PARKING ILLEGALLY
Finding parking in Cape Town can be a nightmare. While it’s no different at the ever-popular Table Mountain, you must still park your vehicle appropriately along Tafelberg Road, which takes you to and from the Aerial Cableway.
If you’re caught breaking this rule, you risk incurring fines of up to R1 000. Your vehicle will also be towed away and clamped; releasing it from the impound lot can cost you upwards of R1 800.
4. FEEDING THE WILDLIFE
Table Mountain is home to some unique animals. Here, you may catch a glimpse of a Cape Sugarbird, the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, the rare ghost frog or the iconic rock hyrax (AKA “dassie”).
Feeding the wildlife is a big no-no, as it interferes with their specialised dietary habits and can cause health issues. For example, dassies are herbivores, so it’s harmful to feed them leftover bits from your boerewors roll. Touching wildlife is also discouraged, as human interaction can cause extreme distress or injury in the animal.
5. LITTERING
Littering and refuse in the form of fast food packaging, cooldrink cans and plastics is a common issue at Table Mountain. This can contribute to pollution and lead to the death of wildlife. Discarded cigarette butts, in particular, are a major fire hazard.
Be responsible and dispose of your trash in the numerous bins atop the mountain and at the Cableway.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TABLE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Minor though these offences appear on the surface, they carry serious legal and financial ramifications. So, it’s important to avoid them at all costs.
Visiting Table Mountain can be an amazing, unforgettable experience. Don’t spoil it for yourself or anyone else by breaking the rules – they’re here to protect you, your fellow visitors and the sanctity of the mountain.
