Since the month of April is packed with long weekends, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Table Mountain. And right in the middle of it all is Earth Day on 22 April, a day to remind ourselves to treat the planet with a little extra love and respect.

As thousands of visitors will make their way to one of the New7Wonders of Nature, we encourage all visitors to explore responsibly and leave 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:

1. 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 you will be able to discard of your waste responsibly.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Use the FREE Park and Ride shuttle

We encourage all visitors to make use of our FREE Park and Ride shuttle service which runs from the Lower Tafelberg Road parking area to the Lower Station. Fewer individual vehicles mean less congestion and lower carbon emissions – a win for both the environment and your stress levels.

5. 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

Whether you’re hiking, riding the Cableway, or just soaking in the view, remember how we treat the mountain today shapes how others experience it tomorrow.

Let’s explore with care and make Earth Day meaningful — one step at a time