South African National Parks (SANParks) issued a statement yesterday, July 11 announcing the closure of some of their parks in the Western Cape.
SANparks has closed off various sections of Table Mountain National Park as well as the whole of Tankwa Karoo National Park due to the current flooding and heavy snowfall in the Western Cape.
Sections of Table Mountain National Park that have been temporarily closed are the Cape Point overnight hiking trail, the road to the Overseers Cottage, as well as the roads to Olifantsbos Cottage and the Smitswinkel and Slangkop tented camps. All access roads leading to Tankwa Karoo National Park have also been closed due to snowfall until further notice.
Excessive mudslides, overflowing rivers and damages to access roads due to heavy rain have contributed to the closure of sections inside Table Mountain National Park, while Tankwa Karoo National Park is inaccessible on all roads due to snowfall.
SANParks stated that the safety of visitors remains their highest concern and urged everyone not to attempt accessing these points until further notice.
The adverse weather conditions are expected over the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, and SANParks urged all visitors to exercise extreme caution on access roads to Cape Point and Boulders. Hikers are advised not to attempt any hiking trails.
Updates will be provided as the situation develops and SANParks has asked for cooperation from the public until further notice.
IOL Travel