Table Mountain Marine Protected Area: where mighty currents mingle

SStreaming past Cape Agulhas from the north-east and meeting the Benguela Current in a twisted dance off Cape Point, is the warm Mozambique Current flowing from the Indian Ocean tropics: the reason Muizenberg and other False Bay beaches are marginally warmer than those on the other side of the peninsula. 

The wind, waves and weather these currents create as they interact is extraordinary, and there is no denying the drama of the spectacle. Also, the diversity of life here, both in the water and onshore, is amazing. The marine park contains 43% of the all the species found along South Africa’s coast, making it something of an undersea biodiversity hotspot. 

The Table Mountain National Park MPA stretches all the way around the Cape Peninsula, from Mouille Point near Cape Town’s CBD to Muizenberg in False Bay, taking in Green Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Cape Point, Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and St James along the way. It includes rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, a lobster sanctuary, and several ‘no-take’ zones that act as nurseries for over-exploited fish species. 

Wandering along the southern end of the Cape Peninsula is a highly intelligent tribe of baboons that spend a lot of time eating seafood – mussels, washed-up shark eggs and other edible pickings in the intertidal zone. Some primatologists have argued that their high-seafood diet makes these baboons brighter than others living off foods with fewer essential fatty acids: the fuel required to build bigger brains and boost intelligence. 

Happily, this is not a reserve only to be looked at; the Table Mountain National Park MPA offers a high degree of interaction with this incredible seascape. You can surf, scuba dive and snorkel here (in a wetsuit – bear in mind the water is icy), or kayak, whale-watch and kite-surf. The park itself is well worth exploring, with its craggy mountains full of windswept floral beauty. 

Just remember those clever seafood-eating baboons, and don’t leave your car unlocked as you step outside to admire the scenery – and never leave food out unattended. 

TTravel tips & Planning  info 

Who to contact 

Table Mountain National Park 
Tel: +27 (0)21 712 0527 

SANParks reservations 
Tel: +27 (0)12 428 9111 

How to get here  

From the City Bowl in Cape Town, head towards Muizenberg (about half an hour’s drive) and carry on south towards Simon’s Town. You’ll soon enter the Cape of Good Hope section (the southern peninsula) of the Table Mountain National Park. The Table Mountain Park Marine Protected Area will be all around you. 

Best time to visit  

This area is dramatic any time of year, but the fynbos is in full spring flower between September and November, right after the winter rains – also usually a time of warm, sunny days. 

Get around 

There are tours to various destinations around the peninsula (check out the Cape Town Travel website), but if you hire a car, you’ll be free to see more at your own pace. 

Around the area  

You can see (and visit) South Africa’s tallest cast-iron lighthouse at Slangkop, near Kommetjie. 

Tours to do 

There are guided hiking tours on many of the trails in the Table Mountain National Park, and various marine excursions all around the peninsula. You might enjoy the hop-on, hop-off bus tours to places of interest in and around Cape Town, and a visit to the top of Table Mountain (by cable car, for those not up to the stiff hike) is also a must. Consult the listed websites for the options on offer. 

Please bear in mind, however, that tourists in small groups can fall prey to muggers on more isolated mountain trails in the area, so hiking with accredited guides or in larger groups is recommended. 

Length of stay 

This is a delightful destination for a half or full day. Or stay for five days and hike the Hoerikwaggo Trail, which you can book through South African National Parks. 

What to pack  

Sturdy walking shoes or boots, hat, sunscreen, camera and binoculars. A wetsuit is essential if you plan to indulge in any water sports. 

Where to stay  

Cape Town itself, along with little peninsular towns like Kalk Bay, Muizenberg, Kommetjie, Scarborough and Simon’s Town, all have excellent accommodation options. But you may want to ask about the few rather splendid self-catering options within the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park. 

What to eat  

There is a restaurant at Cape Point. Simon’s Town has lovely seafood restaurants too. 

Related links 

• South African National Parks (SANParks) 
• Table Mountain Aerial Cableway 
• Cape Town Travel