Rescue teams save two hikers from perilous conditions on Table Mountain

Two hikers were rescued from separate Table Mountain routes on Saturday as soaring temperatures and gusting winds increased risks on exposed trails.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), working alongside South African National Parks in Table Mountain National Park, responded to incidents on Lion’s Head and Kloof Corner Ridge within hours of each other.

The first emergency occurred on Lion's Head, where a 50-year-old visitor from Scotland fell while descending and was unable to continue. Fellow hikers raised the alarm, prompting a coordinated response.

An EMS paramedic assessed and treated her on scene before she was secured in a stretcher. Rescuers used a stretcher wheel to navigate the steep terrain and carry her down safely. The operation concluded shortly before 1pm, and she was handed over to friends.

In a social media post, Vari Osborne thanked the teams involved.

“A friend of mine who is visiting from Scotland took a tumble and went over on her ankle, she could no longer walk on it,” she wrote.

“A concerned gentleman came to assist us and gave me the emergency number to call. The call centre were professional and efficient and within 30min we had various teams there to assist. Everyone went above and beyond to get her to the bottom safely.”

As teams were standing down, a second call came from Kloof Corner Ridge, where a 28-year-old hiker lost his grip on a chain section after a strong gust of wind and fell about three metres. He was assessed and assisted back down the route, with that operation concluding at about 3.35pm.

The rescues unfolded as the South African Weather Service issued a heat wave advisory for parts of the West Coast, City of Cape Town and Cape Winelands, with temperatures expected to reach the high 30s and low 40s.

SANParks warned that such extreme conditions can have a significant health impact.

“If you’re visiting or hiking in Table Mountain National Park, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Wear light, breathable clothing and a hat. Hike early in the morning or late afternoon,” the agency said.

It added: “No open fires are allowed outside of designated areas in the park.”

Authorities said the combination of intense heat, fatigue and strong winds on exposed ridges increases the risk of falls and medical emergencies, urging visitors to plan carefully while the heat wave persists.

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