Lion’s Head hikers urged to obey signs

SA NATIONAL Parks (SANParks) yesterday urged the public to comply with signs indicating areas not open to the public on parts of Lion’s Head within the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town.

This follows recent concerns on social media related to the use of some sections of Lion’s Head, a popular hiking and tourist spot.

SANParks confirmed that the sections in question were not open to the public due to the assessment of the work that has been conducted. SANParks head of corporate communications Janine Raftopoulos said these sections included the newly installed staples and chains.

“Unfortunately, visitors to the area have ignored signage informing them that these sections are not to be accessed.

‘‘SANParks Rangers also patrol the area informing citizens that certain sections are not open for use.

“With the recent fires, SANParks had to delay the opening of Lion’s Head, and we’ve subsequently reopened the footpath section leading to the summit where maintenance work was successfully completed,” said Raftopoulos.

“Visitors have posted images of the sections that are not yet opened to the public, and they should not be accessing the area.

“We will ensure that the closed sections are certified safe before reopening them.”

SANParks also advised that anyone accessing the unauthorised area does so at their own risk and may be liable for a fine.