Cape Town - The Table Mountain National Park has closed the illegal access trail to Wally's Cave, a popular spot on Lions Head, after the death of a hiker.
The Park's Merle Collins said the trail was created illegally and there is existing signage discouraging hikers to access it.
Patrols will also be increased to prevent further injuries in the area.
"The recent fatality near Wally's Cave on Lions Head is a clear indication that hikers are not adhering to the access restrictions in this particular area," Collins said.
"The current access path was illegally created by hiking enthusiasts who did not take into consideration accessibility, safety, environmental conditions and sustainability. The condition of this illegal path is therefore dangerous and eroded and has subsequently been closed off to the public.
"Official signage is in place indicating that veld rehabilitation is underway. Patrols to the area will also be increased to prevent injuries in this space.
"The view from Wally’s cave is not exclusive and the same view can be seen via the Lions Head footpath as well as the Lions Head summit.
Lions Head remains a highly impacted area for its unique panoramic views of the mountain chain and the TMNP management would like to encourage hikers to adhere to the rules of the park, thus preventing potential injury and in some cases even death.
"The TMNP team is deeply concerned about any incidents and we request that hikers please save the park’s emergency number on their phones - 086 110 6417 or 107, where officials can be contacted immediately via radio.
"In addition hikers should walk in groups, be aware of their surroundings and leave cash and cameras behind," Collins said.