Watch: Injured hiker airlifted after 10m fall on 22 Waterfalls Trail
Rescuers airlift an injured hiker from the 22 Waterfalls Trail after a ten-metre fall on the steep, technical route outside Porterville.
Image: Mountain Club of SA - Search And Rescue
A hiker in his 60s was airlifted to safety on Saturday after plunging ten metres down a waterfall on the 22 Waterfalls Trail outside Porterville. Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams from the West Coast responded immediately, navigating steep and technical terrain to reach him. Specialist crews were deployed alongside the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) helicopter due to the severity of his injuries and the difficult location.
A paramedic treated the man on the ledge where he fell before he was secured in a stretcher and hoisted out of the gorge. He was then transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for further care. The operation concluded shortly before 3pm. WSAR thanked all teams involved and wished the injured hiker a full recovery.
The 22 Waterfalls Trail is widely regarded as one of the more demanding routes in the region. The trail climbs through a narrow valley, following a river and passing a series of waterfalls. The terrain becomes increasingly steep, with ladders, rock scrambles and exposed sections that require careful footing and proper preparation.
Local guides caution that the upper sections are not suitable for inexperienced hikers or young children, and visitors are urged to stay on the marked route and start early to avoid heat and congestion on the narrow path .
Saturday’s rescue comes as soaring temperatures, strong winds and a growing number of visitors trigger a spike in mountain emergencies across the province.
Hikers are urged to avoid the midday peak between 12pm and 3pm, wear light and breathable clothing, apply sunblock regularly and carry at least 500ml of water for every hour outdoors. Pets should be left at home in extreme heat.
Rescue teams are stressing early intervention. The emergency number is 021 937 0300. As WSAR notes: “It costs nothing to call, but waiting could cost everything.”
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Cape Argus