WSAR and partners urge Table Mountain hikers to carry more water this summer

WSAR and international partners come together on Table Mountain to promote hiker safety and hydration ahead of Cape Town's summer.

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) has urged Table Mountain hikers to prepare for the upcoming hot summer weather. The organisation urged hikers to carry "sufficient water, start early, and look out for others on the mountain terrain. 

This warning follows a safety gathering on Table Mountain, which brought together representatives from the US Consulate in Cape Town and the High Commission of Canada.

Bringing together hikers and safety organisations for an informal high tea on the the mountain, WSAR reinforced a serious public-safety message ahead of the summer hiking season.

“On the mountain, taking a moment to catch your breath, appreciate your surroundings and check in with the people around you can be just as important as reaching the summit,” WSAR said.

The organisation said taking time to assess conditions, rest and check in with other hikers could be as important as reaching the summit.

WSAR trail runners assist hikers by distributing water along the steep Platteklip Gorge route on Table Mountain.

WSAR said the value of preparation was brought to their attention during the morning when two of its trail runners "descended Platteklip Gorge and shared more than 20 litres of water with hikers".

“Many of those they met had already finished their water supplies before reaching the halfway mark of their climb,” WSAR said.

The organisation said the encounter showed how quickly hikers can be caught out by heat, steep terrain and physical exertion, even on one of Table Mountain’s best-known routes.

“It’s a reminder of just how quickly the heat and physical demands of the mountain can catch us out, and how something as simple as having enough water can make an enormous difference,” WSAR said.

WSAR encouraged hikers to take further additional safety precautions as summer approaches.

“As we head into summer, we encourage everyone to start early, carry a little more water than they think they’ll need, and make decisions based on the conditions they encounter along the way,” the organisation said. 

WSAR added that safety was a collective responsibility, with hikers encouraged to assist one another where possible.

“Whether it’s sharing a little advice, offering some water or simply taking a moment to check in on a fellow hiker, it’s these minor acts of kindness that matter,” WSAR said.

WSAR thanked the British Consulate-General in Cape Town for bringing the partners together and acknowledged the organisations that participated in the safety activation.

The organisation also thanked its trail runners for assisting hikers along the Platteklip Gorge route.

“A safer mountain starts with all of us,” WSAR said.

Hikers from around the world were treated to an unexpected surprise on Table Mountain - a delightful spread of tea, brownies, cakes and sweet treats, served with spectacular views and a generous helping of mountain safety advice.