The long weekends are here. And don’t forget that we will be commemorating Earth Day in between as well, which makes this April the perfect time to go and explore Table Mountain.
With Earth Day (on 22 April) falling between two long weekends (Easter long weekend and Freedom Day long weekend), the team at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (TMACC) say they expect to see a surge in visitors keen to soak up the sunshine and scenery.
As thousands head to one of the New7Wonders of Nature, TMACC is encouraging all visitors to hike and explore responsibly, leaving only footprints behind.
“Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can lead to big change. For us, that starts with how we treat our mountain,” says Selma Hercules, Executive Director of TMACC.
“This is one of the busiest times of the year, so we’re asking everyone to play their part in keeping Table Mountain clean, green, and thriving.”
Here’s how you can make a difference this Earth Day and beyond:
- Leave no trace
Bring your own water bottle, snacks in reusable containers and a bag to take your rubbish down with you. Litter harms local wildlife and takes away from the beauty of the space. Even a banana peel takes weeks to decompose. Alternatively, enjoy a quick bite and beverage at one of our eateries at the Summit, where the TMACC staff will discard of your waste responsibly. - Don’t feed the wildlife
It might seem harmless, but feeding animals like dassies changes their natural behaviour and can put their health at risk. Respect the ecosystem by simply observing from a distance. - Stay on marked paths for safety and conservation
Staying on marked paths is essential for your safety, for the mountain’s well-being, and for an enjoyable hiking experience. These trails are designed to be navigable and help reduce the risk of getting lost, injured or encountering snakes and other wildlife. Venturing off-path not only puts hikers at risk but also damages fragile vegetation and accelerates erosion. - Use the Park & Ride shuttle
Visitors are encouraged to make use of the Park & Ride shuttle operating from the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area. Fewer individual vehicles mean less congestion and lower carbon emissions – a win for both the environment and your stress levels. - Support sustainable tourism
Buy from local vendors, support tour operators who value conservation, and make choices that contribute to the local economy without harming the environment.
Enjoy today, protect tomorrow
TMACC is encouraging all outdoor enthusiasts to approach their visit with care. Whether you’re admiring the view from the summit, hiking up Platteklip Gorge or simply enjoying lunch at one of TMACC’s restaurants, remember that how we treat the mountain today shapes how others experience it tomorrow.
“The mountain gives us so much – beauty, inspiration, peace,” says Hercules. “Let’s return the favour by exploring in a way that ensures it’s still standing proud for future generations.”
Image credit: Freepik