Breadcrumbs
| Table Mountain Hut |
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The hut on Table Mountain is arguably the club's proudest possession. Drive Time: 10 mins from Cape Town Coordinates: 33°58'21.58"S 18°23'54.79"E Location: Situated approximately 380 metres east of the top of Kasteels Poort. 1:50 000 map sheet reference: 3318 CD. 1:10 000 map sheet reference: 3318CD 22 & 23 (orthophoto map series). Access is for MCSA members only. The general rules for huts and club properties can be found here. For more details contact the Convenor (see the Contact us page).
HISTORY OF CUSTODIANSHIP
The Council had built the Hut some years previously to house the Resident Engineer, who oversaw the construction of the two dams on the Lower Table, Woodhead, Hely Hutchison. The Hut was due for demolition in 1904 on the completion of the dams and it was the M.C.S.A. who approached the council with a view to leasing the building. The purpose was for the Hut to be a focus for the Club’s mountaineering activities on Table Mountain, a refuge in times of need. In preceding years the Club had endeavoured to obtain land from the Council with the intention of constructing its own hut, but this found no favour with the Council, and the acquisition of the already constructed building proved to be a very satisfactory compromise. Over the years (approximately 100 years) since its acquisition the Hut has proved to be very popular, and has been well used by many thousands of members and their guests. It has been used numerous times to assist with mountain rescue and no doubt many lives have been saved over the years because of its position and because it is a place of warmth and safety. Throughout its occupancy by the Mountain Club, the buildings have been well maintained and everything kept in good working order. See MCSA Journal 1955 page 4, the 50th Anniversary, 1980 Journal page 96, the 75th Anniversary.
PERMITS/PAYMENTS No permits are required – bookings can be done through the convenor for groups of more than 6 persons for specific dates. However, booking does not guarantee that there will be no other members present, as it is open to all members at all times. In order to avoid disappointment, members should check at the office that the Hut is available. The Hut is also open to certain other user groups such as schools and outreach groups, which for many years have enjoyed access by arrangement with the Club. Members must please sign in the two register books – one for members – one for visitors. The small booklet for payment is also to be filled in and the top sheet (white) is to be taken to the club rooms for payment (current fees indicated on the hut walls) – these books are located on the shelves directly opposite the door on entry.
FACILITIES Bedding: Mattresses, pillows and blankets are provided (for indoor use only). Please do not carry outside and put all away after use. Cooking: Only gas stoves may be used (provide your own). A grid is available for use, but please bring your own cooking utensils (pots, cutlery, etc). Lighting: Bring candles or lamps (provide own lighting). Lockers: Lockers are available for rental. Apply at the office. Fires: Two fireplaces – one in each section – members/visitors are asked to bring own charcoal/briquettes, as wood must not be collected from the mountain. Coals must be extinguished before placing ashes in bucket, (no outside fires). Firewood: No indigenous wood may be collected for burning in fireplaces. Bring your own wood. Shower: One “cold water” shower is situated at the back of the hut, behind the committee room. Please close and lock the door after use. Toilet: One flush toilet which is serviced by means of a septic tank on the french drain principle. Toilet paper is provided, however large groups are asked to bring extra for themselves. The key for the toilet is the same one as used for the door of the Hut. Water supply: There is one tap outside. The water is usually suitable for drinking but after a long dry summer is unreliable. Check with Convenor. Rubbish: All rubbish must be taken down when you leave. Security. Before leaving, after sweeping the floor, please ensure that all curtains are drawn and windows properly closed and that both doors are firmly locked. Also keep gates closed. Fire extinguisher: Two water-based fire extinguishers are available in the hut. One disposal fire extinguisher is available in the committee room. First aid kit: A first aid kit is available. Advise office or convenor if any first-aid supplies were used so they can be replaced as necessary. Books. A small amount of reading material is available. Do not remove.
ACCESS Although vehicular access is possible, only walking access is permitted. The most popular and direct routes to reach the property are as follows : On the eastern side of the mountain:
On the western of the mountain:
ADJACENT LAND OWNERS The Table Mountain Hut is situated in the Cape Peninsula National Park, which is managed by South African National Parks.
NATURAL, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC FEATURES The Hut is situated at 760 metres, about 12 minutes from the top of Kasteels Poort, close to the Woodhead Reservoir and the Waterworks Museum. It overlooks a reedy wetland, apparently artificially created when the railway was constructed to facilitate the building of the two dams on the Back Table. In the grounds there are mainly indigenous plants, but at some stage the Club should consider working with South African National Parks to remove the big conifers in the vicinity which are incompatible with the flora of Table Mountain. A plaque in the memory of Rudolph Marloth is an historic feature in the garden. Dr Marloth was an original member of the MCSA in 1891, President of the Club from 1900 to 1906, Vice-President from 1898 to 1890 & 1907 to 1912. He received a Gold Badge in 1907. He died on 15 May 1931.
ACTIVITIES AND USER GROUPS
MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE Housekeeping Please sweep the floor before leaving and ensure that the hut is neat and tidy. Please clean the fireplace before leaving if you have used it. Maintenance The TM Hut sub-committee organises work meets at the hut as required.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES There is no cell phone reception at the hut. The closest reception is at Kasteelspoort. There is vehicular access to the hut from Constantia Nek. Emergency number for fire: 021-535-1100.
FURTHER RULES AND GUIDELINES Dogs. Dogs are not permitted in the Hut or on the grounds. Smoking. No smoking permitted in the hut. Vegetation. Only plants native to Table Mountain should be planted by the sub-committee. Stone Pines or other historic trees should only be removed after consultation with the relevant Section Ranger in the Cape Peninsula National Park.
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