Alert issued over Table Mountain attacks and muggings

A Foreign Office warning to British travellers has been issued after attacks on foreign tourists visiting Table Mountain in Cape Town.

The updated travel advice for South Africa also reiterated caution over violent crime on secondary roads near the city’s airport.

British travellers to the country were last week urged to be on their guard against ‘smash and grab’ attacks on vehicles.

They were also advised to avoid “less secure” areas around the international airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The update from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on Thursday said: “There have been a number of recent violent attacks and muggings on hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park, including on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. 

“Take care in quieter isolated areas of the park, especially during early mornings and evenings. 

“Stick to busy marked trails on popular days such as weekends, and do not hike alone.

“Some Cape Town residents use social media platforms e.g. The Hikers Network, Meet up, Facebook to co-ordinate hikes in larger groups. The Hikers Network offer a free safety tracking service to all mountain users. See the South African Nationals Parks website for more on hiking on Table Mountain.”

The FCDO added: “In Cape Town people have been affected by attacks and violent crime on secondary roads near the airport.” 

Passengers travelling to and from Cape Town international airport were advised to:

• stick to the M3 and N2 where possible
• avoid taking routes that use the R300
• stay on ‘airport approach road’ (exit 16 on the N2) when travelling to and from Cape Town International Airport, and avoid Borchard’s Quarry Road leading to Nyanga.