One of 22 Parks in the South African National Parks stable, the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) was established in 1998. Unlike the other Parks the TMNP is surrounded entirely by a City and for this reason it is fragmented by urban development and privately owned land. This, combined with the fact that it is primarily an open access Park with only three managed pay points, has resulted in it being the most visited of all National Parks receiving an annual quota of 4.2 million visits annually.

Prior to the establishment of the Park, a 30 000 hectare area of conservation-worthy land on the peninsula was identified as the Cape Peninsula Protected Natural Environment (CPPNE). Currently the TMNP includes 25 000 hectares of the CPPNE and it is our goal to incorporate the remaining 5 000 hectares into the Park. The TMNP's jurisdiction also includes 1 000 km2 of the seas and coastline around the peninsula.

The vision of Table Mountain National Park is A Park for All, Forever and our goal is to be recognised as the world's premier urban national Park by 2010.

Olifantsbos Cottage

Possibly the most special accommodation available in Cape Town, this unique getaway is located deep in the southern part of the Cape of Good Hope and offers guests complete seclusion right on the beach.

The main cottage sports three double rooms - one master, two with 2x ¾ beds, a fully kitted, gas-fuelled kitchen, a bathroom with a gas-fuelled geyser and an open plan lounge and dining area complete with a cozy fireplace.

For warm summer evenings there is generous patio and braai area with a boardwalk leading to the beach.

For larger groups there is an annex that sleeps an additional six people - one two sleeper one four sleeper. The annex has its own bathroom. Linen is provided.

As the light are solar powered and water is sourced from tanks guests are asked to conserve energy and water.

Eland and Duiker Cottages

Ideal for family holidays the Eland and Duiker Cottages are situated in the Cape of Good Hope section of the Park. Both are electrified, offer fully equipped kitchens and linen is provided.

Eland Cottage sleeps six people with one master bedroom and two bedrooms each furnished with two ¾ beds. There is an open plan kitchen/ lounge area and an enclosed patio with a jet master fireplace.

Duiker Cottage sleeps six people with one master bedroom and two bedrooms each furnished with two ¾ beds. There is an open plan kitchen/ lounge area with a jet-master fire place in the lounge. Duiker has its own boma and braai area.

Wood Owl Cottage

This beautifully restored foresters cottage is situated in the heart of the Tokai Pine Plantation on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. Its central location offers guests the best of both worlds - easy access to the City and the seclusion of the Park and nearby hiking/ mountain bike trails.

It fully equipped and offers three double, en suite bedrooms with an open plan kitchen living area with a fireplace. There is also a separate TV room. For warmer evenings there is a patio and braai area. In addition the cottage has a telephone and is cleaned daily.

Information for Eland, Duiker and Olifantsbos Cottages

1. Check-in time for accommodation is from 14:00 to 16:30 and accommodation must please be vacated by 10:00. Keys to be handed in at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre no later than 10:30

2. Keys to be collected at the Buffelsfontein Visitor's Centre before 16:30 on day of arrival

3. All members of the party need to arrive at the same time. If you are unable to check-in before 16:30 a special arrangement must be made directly with Reception staff at the following number 021 780 9204 in order for us to arrange a SANParks staff member (that will be specified on the special permit) to book you in as well as to escort you to your accommodation from the Main Gate. A charge of R70.00 will apply for this arrangement.

4. No guests will be allowed to drive through the park after dark unless escorted by SANParks staff.

5. If you invite guests (not of the original accommodation party as per the booking slip) for a day visit please inform them that they will be required to pay the normal entrance fee. No free entry will be granted to them. Day visitors need to exit the Park before sunset on day of visit.

6. Conservation Fee (gate fee) is not included in accommodation price and is payable daily.

For a fantastic hike around theTable Mountain National Park take a look at hoerikwaggo trails