Nearly three months after a fierce wildfire scorched 2 800 hectares of the Table Mountain National Park, hikers and nature lovers are finally getting some good news. SANParks has announced that key trails in Tokai and Silvermine will begin reopening from 1 July 2025, marking a major milestone in the park's recovery, Cape town Etc reports.
The April blaze, one of the worst in recent years, forced the closure of large sections of the park, disrupting outdoor enthusiasts and raising concerns about long-term ecological damage. Now, with rehabilitation efforts well underway, select trails will soon welcome visitors again, though some high-risk zones will remain off-limits for months.
The phased reopening prioritises public safety and ecosystem restoration, with strict warnings for hikers to respect closures. While the return of access is a relief, officials stress that full recovery will take time, and cooperation from the public is crucial.
Why some trails remain closedDespite some areas appearing undamaged, SANParks warns that hidden hazards, such as loose rocks, weakened trees, and fragile regrowth, pose risks.
Rehabilitation efforts public gratitudeSANParks thanked volunteers from the Honorary Rangers and TokaiMTB for their cleanup efforts. A Safe Hiking Campaign will also launch alongside the reopenings to educate visitors on post-fire trail etiquette.