This past weekend kept our Cape Town WSAR teams on their toes, proving once again that Table Mountain has a knack for humbling even the most enthusiastic hikers, turning what might seem like a leisurely stroll into a full-blown misadventure.
From panic attacks on exposed ledges to exhausted late-starters and stranded students without torches, our teams were kept busy ensuring that visitors made it down the mountain safely with smiles still in place, and stories to tell.
Incident 1 – Three Firs Trail, Camps Bay
Wilderness Search And Rescue teams were activated after a British visitor experienced an untimely panic attack on the exposed Three Firs hiking trail above Camps Bay.
His wife reported that he was unable to continue, an understandable reaction for anyone discovering mid-hike that Table Mountain has far more “airy bits” than the brochures might suggest.
While members were making their way to assist, the couple informed us that, with some encouragement and a few very careful steps, they were slowly working their way back down the trail.
Team members were stood down when the hikers reported they were safely back on the Pipe Track at 12h30.
Incident 2 – Platteklip Gorge, Table Mountain
Rescue teams, including Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, were ferried to the top of Table Mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car before quickly making their way down the path to locate an exhausted 66-year-old visitor from
Northern Ireland who was unable to continue up the demanding Platteklip Gorge trail.
She was part of a spirited group of six who, in true holiday fashion, had started their ascent just a little later than ideal.
She was provided with water and electrolytes, an increasingly popular summer afternoon cocktail, before being steadily assisted back up to the upper cable station.
The incident concluded with the entire group safely off the mountain at 17h25, no doubt with a renewed respect for early starts and Cape Town’s summer heat.
Incident 3 – Upper Cable Station, Table Mountain
On Sunday night, a small WSAR team, accompanied by SANParks - Table Mountain National Park members, launched a rescue operation after three Dutch students found themselves stranded at the Upper Cable Station.
The group had started late from Kirstenbosch, climbing the mountain via Skeleton Gorge. By the time they reached the top, daylight had faded, temperatures had dropped, and the cableway was closed for the night, leaving them with impressive views but no practical way back down.
Rather than risk a difficult descent in the dark, the hikers stayed put while our team was driven up the Back Table and hiked across to reach them.
Upon reaching the visiting hikers, rescuers provided them with warm clothing and torches before safely escorting them across the mountain to waiting vehicles, which then transported them down to Constantia Neck.
The operation concluded at 01h15 on Monday morning with everyone safely off the mountain.
These three incidents over the weekend highlight just how quickly a leisurely hike can turn into a full-blown misadventure on Table Mountain.
Starting early, carrying enough water and warm clothing, bringing a torch for late descents and knowing when to pause and wait for help can make all the difference.
Once again demonstrating that with some foresight, hikers can avoid potential emergencies and turn every hike into a safe, memorable adventure, even without the company of our incredibly awesome rescuers.
• Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number - 021 937 0300
• Please support us - https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
• Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
Photos by Matthew Trollip and Wesley New
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