Air patrol deployed as festive crowds hit Table Mountain

Posted on 18 December 2025 By Miriam Kimvangu

A SANParks helicopter has been stationed at Table Mountain National Park as authorities step up safety measures ahead of the busy festive season, when visitor numbers are expected to surge, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Rutendo Petros/Unsplash

The move forms part of the organisation’s broader Safety and Security Strategy aimed at keeping both people and the park protected during peak travel periods.

The aircraft, drawn from SANParks’ national fleet, is being used to monitor the park from above while enabling rapid reaction to incidents. Its visibility is intended to discourage criminal activity, while also allowing rangers to respond quickly to emergencies or potential threats anywhere within the reserve.

Aerial patrols are being carried out alongside teams on the ground, including the specialised Sea, Air, and Mountain operators, creating a coordinated security presence across the park. This combined approach has already delivered strong results during previous high-traffic periods such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, improving visitor safety, limiting environmental crime, and assisting with the early detection of illegal activities like fires.

SANParks has also appealed to visitors to play their part by using the park responsibly over the festive season. Members of the public are reminded that Table Mountain National Park is accessible from sunrise to sunset, and are encouraged to plan outings carefully, move in groups, carry suitable gear, and stay alert to changing weather conditions while enjoying the park.

Shared by Cape {town} ETC

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