About the Equestrian EMP 2023
The EMP is a programme to manage the impacts of equestrian activity in Table Mountain National Park. It also contains maps showing designated riding tracks and an equestrian Code of Conduct. All riders need an Activity Permit Level 3 to use the TMNP. This annual permit, obtainable from the SANParks Tokai offices, should be carried and shown to TMNP officials and ranger on request.
Summary of changes to designated tracks and riding areas
Constantia (Cecilia)
None of the designated horse-riding tracks in Cecilia have been affected. There is potential for linkages to create more circular routes. It should be noted that there will also be impacts from future tree removal in Cecilia, the extent of which require active involvement of the riding community.
Hout Bay (Sandy Bay)
All the currently used routes are retained. Some of the links and access points over the dune system are on land owned by the City of Cape Town and private landowners.
Hout Bay (Orangekloof)
SANParks plans to use the existing buildings for its internal purposes. This will affect the some of the riding tracks in Orangekloof, which is currently only accessible to a limited number of keyholders. Once detailed planning has been completed Park management will hold discussions with riders about the impact. The longer circular route around Orangekloof has been approved for equestrian use on a permit basis.
Glencairn area
The currently used tracks remain designated equestrian routes.
Noordhoek
There has been no loss of riding rights on trails and the beach. However, some of the trails towards Kommetjie are not currently accessible due to urban encroachment on the wetlands.
Most of the proposed tracks in the wetlands are on a section of land owned by the City of Cape Town, which was previously under TMNP management.
The Sub-Council has set up a committee to take forward various route proposals and the repair of the bridge/river crossing next to Lake Michelle. This would allow the reopening of some currently inaccessible trails.
This committee will be a forum for the equestrian community to liaise with City councillors and officials. This engagement should result in circular routes that can be properly maintained, and which link up with routes in the TMNP.
Proposals for riding in the Silvermine area were not supported by SANParks.
Tokai
There has been no further loss of riding tracks. In upper Tokai, a track to separate horses from mountain bikers between level 1 and 3 is supported on safety grounds.
An alternate space for riding in the Tokai Manor House area has been identified adjacent to the existing picnic area below Chrysalis Academy with linking routes in middle Tokai to be investigated further.
A proposal for the reinstatement of lost horse trails through the fynbos areas in lower Tokai and a request to ride through the Arboretum were not agreed to.