SANParks to implement indemnity forms at Table Mountain Park gates

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that indemnity forms will now be required at all Table Mountain National Park gates, as part of its updated governance and entry procedures, reports Cape {town} Etc.

According to TMNP management, the measure is being introduced as an interim requirement while SANParks phases in an ID scanning system for South African residents, aimed at securely collecting visitor data and verifying eligibility for discounted entry.

‘To align with SANParks governance and entry procedures, Table Mountain National Park will require the completion of indemnity forms at all park gates, effective 10 February 2026,’ park management said in a notice.

The organisation said that once the ID scanning system is fully implemented, visitors may experience slight delays at park gates, adding that the interim use of indemnity forms is necessary to ensure compliance during the transition period.

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What visitors need to know 

Under the new requirements, all visitors entering the park must complete an indemnity form, with one form required per group or vehicle. South African residents will need to present valid proof of identity to qualify for discounted entry, while SADC visitors and those holding long-term visas must also complete the form.

International visitors will not be required to present passports at the gate, but passport numbers must be recorded on the indemnity form. Local visitors must include their ID numbers.

The requirement also applies to tour operators, tour guides and drivers.

Visitors are encouraged to print and complete the indemnity form in advance and present it on arrival, although forms will also be available at park gates.

The affected points include:

• Cape of Good Hope
• Boulders Penguin Colony
• Newlands Forest
• Oudekraal
• Silvermine
• Tokai Picnic Sites

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are not included in the process.

‘These measures are necessary to ensure SANParks meets its governance, compliance and reporting requirements while continuing to provide safe and efficient access to the park,’ said TMNP management, apologising for any inconvenience or delays the process may cause.

Community raises concerns

Meanwhile, in a statement shared on Facebook, the community group, Friends of Table Mountain, questioned whether the additional administrative step is necessary.

‘We are concerned that this unnecessary admin will have far-reaching negatives for locals and tourists,’ the group said, adding that rangers already face heavy workloads.

Rangers, who are already not able to keep up with their trail maintenance, security, conservation, etc. tasks and hardly have time to get out onto the trails, are now going to be kept busy annoying visitors to fill out forms,’ the post read.

The group also warned that the new requirement could affect visitor flow at popular entry points.

‘This is going to be disruptive for tourism and make the long queues at the different gates longer! We need the rangers out on the trails!’ it added, inviting the public to share their views.

Article shared by Cape Town Etc

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