The upper Tokai section of Table Mountain National Park will reopen on weekdays from December 29, and not just on weekends as in the current status quo.
Despite there still being some restrictions in place, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Management has decided that the area can be open seven days a week from that date.
It was in the interest of public safety and the protection of environmental integrity that the Upper Tokai section of the park was closed following the devastating fire that swept through the plantation and arboretum in March 2015.
The area remained closed to the public for safety reasons while the remaining burnt plantation and dangerous burnt trees were removed, and for rehabilitation reasons as measures were put in place to secure the exposed slopes from erosion.
SANParks engaged with various stakeholders during the course of the closure, resulting in the successful reopening of Upper Tokai on December 10, 2016, over weekends only.
Local mountain biking stakeholder and volunteer non-profit group TokaiMTB has played a crucial role in facilitating access for users by means of an access indemnity through their local International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) representative, Amarider.
In terms of this indemnity TokaiMTB employed marshals to ensure users did not stray into the remaining hazardous areas and to monitor compliance.
TokaiMTB have also invested a further R350 000, in addition to the R145 000 from the Pedal Power Association, towards the post-fire rehabilitation of the mountain biking tracks as part of the community’s contribution to cycling in the park.
Upper Tokai access limitations:
– At the time of reopening on December 29, the Arboretum and Elephant's Eye trail will offer access only up to level three while rehabilitation of the rest of this hiking trail continues.
– Parking in designated parking sites will remain in the Tokai picnic area as in the current arrangement. This is, however, dependent on parking space availability.
– Limited access will be allowed, at a cost of R27 per vehicle, for parking.
– No dogs allowed.
– No after-hours activities allowed.
– Enter at your own risk.
Cyclists and hikers should be aware that there are a limited number of parking bays available at the Tokai picnic site and for ease of access it is recommended that visitors arrive on the new non-motorised transport routes installed by the city, or via the greenbelts.
SANParks teams together with volunteers continue to rehabilitate Upper Tokai, including repairs to certain trails and tracks damaged as a result of the fires and ongoing tree-felling operations.
The removal of alien invasive plants is also an ongoing exercise. The alien infestation in Tokai is a result of more than a century of commercial timber planting and harvesting, and it may take as many years to fully rehabilitate the area.
More than R5 million has been spent on the rehabilitation of the vegetation in Upper Tokai, with another R1m budgeted for next year. Contracted teams are assisted by volunteers under the guidance of the Friends of Tokai Park.
Upper Tokai can be accessed by user groups from the Tokai picnic site or Silvermine paypoints. Hikers can also access the Upper Tokai from Constantia Nek and Blackburn Ravine hiking trails.
Activity permit checks and day fees will be managed at the Tokai and Silvermine paypoints. Staff will conduct routine patrols and permit inspections.
Tips to enjoy Upper Tokai:
– Do not hike, cycle or horse ride on your own.
– Go in groups of at least four people and at the speed of the slowest person.
– Avoid carrying valuables as far as possible – cash, jewellery, iPods etc.
– If confronted by suspects, do not resist.
– Emergency numbers: TMNP Control 0861 106 417/SAPS 10111.
Merle Collins
Regional communications manager Cape Region SANParks