Honeymoon adventure turns perilous on Table Mountain

A honeymoon almost ended in disaster this week on Table Mountain. A young British couple set out to climb Platteklip Gorge. The bride soon overheated in the hot sun. A passing mountain guide called for help.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams, joined by SANParks rangers, raced to the scene. The couple was ferried to the summit via the cable car. Both were treated and rehydrated. What started as a romantic adventure ended safely — but with a strong reminder of the mountain’s dangers.

The honeymooners’ ordeal was just the latest. Late Tuesday night, three German hikers became stranded at the upper cable station. Strong winds had forced the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to close early. Rescuers, carrying food, water, warm clothing, and headlamps, guided them down Platteklip Gorge. They reached Tafelberg Road shortly before 1am.

This weekend alone, WSAR and SANParks responded to six other incidents. Hikers got lost, suffered injuries, or were caught in bad weather. A German family got stranded on Skeleton Gorge when their navigation apps failed. A 51-year-old woman hurt her leg on the Kloof Corner trail. An 18-year-old hiker was injured descending from the Table Mountain dams.

Even experienced climbers faced trouble. A runner slipped above Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch. A British man suffered seizures on Lion’s Head. Three first-time climbers called for help when they lost confidence in fading light.

WSAR spokesperson David Nel said safety is everyone’s responsibility. “Plan ahead. Know your route. Be ready for sudden weather changes,” he said.

CapeNature’s Loren Pavitt urged locals to help visitors. “Tourists need accurate info before hiking. Hike in numbers. Check trail access. Follow official advice,” she said.

Authorities warn that even a warm summer day can turn dangerous fast. Careful planning is key. Adventure should end in memories — not a rescue.

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Cape Argus