Fire-ravaged trails to reopen, but some restrictions remain

SANParks has confirmed that several trails closed due to the April 2025 wildfire in Table Mountain National Park will reopen on 1 July.

However, some restrictions remain in place to ensure public safety and allow for ecological recovery. 

Trails in Tokai and Silvermine East - including routes around Kalk Bay, St James, Muizenberg mountains, and the Steenberg Plateau - will be accessible again from the beginning of July. However, areas hardest hit by the blaze will stay off-limits.

The Silvermine West picnic site, boardwalk around the dam, and riverwalk, along with nearby trails, will remain closed. Much of the infrastructure was destroyed in the fire, including boardwalks and ablution facilities.

SANParks noted that these areas cannot reopen until essential repairs are completed.

The wildfire burned approximately 2,800 hectares, severely damaging trail infrastructure and exposing hazardous debris, including nails and metal. Post-fire hazard removal, clean-up, and trail rehabilitation are ongoing, supported by volunteer groups, including Tokai MTB and SANParks Honorary Rangers.

While some trails might look untouched, SANParks is completing a full safety assessment, as it can’t open routes to some user groups like mountain bikers and not others. Beyond safety issues, the closures also give fragile fynbos a chance to bounce back after the fire, especially since fresh growth is easily damaged by feet, paws and wheels.

SANParks will keep an eye on regrowth over winter and adjust access if needed. But for now, we will all have to grin and bear it, as nature does its thing in this corner of Table Mountain National Park. Fortunately, there are a number of top day hikes across the Mother City to consider.