From technical stretcher carries on Lion’s Head to helicopter evacuations in Jonkershoek, Wilderness Search and Rescue teams have faced a demanding start to the year as they battle both unforgiving terrain and a simmering heatwave.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 January 2026) – While many enjoyed a summer weekend with family and friends, Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) team members were once again answering the call, responding to multiple incidents across the Western Cape in exceptionally hot and demanding conditions.
December alone saw teams respond to 25 incidents, with a further 13 already attended to in January, a reflection of the sustained demand placed on rescue services during this period.
Over the course of the weekend, teams were deployed to three separate rescues: a technically demanding stretcher operation on Lion’s Head, a helicopter-assisted evacuation in Jonkershoek, and a heat-related rescue in Platteklip Gorge late on Sunday afternoon.
Each incident required skill, coordination, sound judgement and no small amount of physical effort, delivered by WSAR volunteer teams who had already given up significant personal time during a busy festive season.
Injured Hiker Carried from Lion’s Head Trail
The first incident saw WSAR teams, including SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers respond to Lion’s Head on Saturday morning after a 28-year-old hiker was injured while descending the popular trail.
It is reported that the woman had slipped on a loose, sandy section of the path above the first ladder, twisting her leg during the fall. She was assessed and treated on scene by a paramedic before being carefully assisted into a stretcher.
Given the steep and broken terrain, teams established a rope system to lower the patient safely down the ladder. The rope was also used as a safety system as rescuers carefully manoeuvred the stretcher down exposed and uneven sections of the trail.
Once below the more technical terrain, the patient was carried down the remainder of the route to a waiting vehicle, transferred to an ambulance and transported to hospital for further medical treatment. The incident was concluded at 1:29pm.
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Hiker Flown From First Waterfall in Jonkershoek
Then on Sunday afternoon, teams were deployed to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch following reports that a 57-year-old hiker had slipped and fallen awkwardly, injuring herself near the First Waterfall.
A medic, accompanied by two CapeNature rangers, swiftly hiked to reach the injured hiker and conduct an initial assessment.
Due to the nature of her injuries and the surrounding terrain, the assistance of the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was requested.
She was assisted into a rescue stretcher and moved a short distance to a safer location, where she was hoisted from the trail and flown to a nearby landing zone. She was then transferred to an ambulance and transported to hospital for further medical treatment, concluding the incident shortly before 4pm.
Foreign hikers treated for heat related injuries in Platteklip Gorge
WSAR teams responded to Platteklip Gorge for their third rescue mission later that Sunday evening to assist two visiting hikers from the Netherlands, aged 56 and 66.
The pair were experiencing the effects of Cape Town’s extreme heat and teams were initially deployed to assist the female hiker, who was exhausted and unable to continue. During the assessment, it became clear that her male companion was also struggling, having underestimated the importance of hydration and the impact of a late start.
Given their condition and the blazing heat, the decision was made to fly both hikers from the popular trail. The incident was concluded at 6:18pm on Sunday.
A Weekend Powered by Commitment
These responses meant hours spent on steep trails, exposed terrain and in extreme heat. They also meant time away from families, holidays paused and personal plans put aside, all in service of helping strangers in need.
WSAR extended its immense gratitude to the medics, rescuers, aircrew, rangers and partner agencies:
“Your commitment does not go unnoticed. Your professionalism, teamwork and quiet determination are what allow this rescue system to function, especially when the pressure is high and the weather unforgiving. We are deeply grateful to each of you, our volunteers, who showed up, stepped in, and carried on throughout this demanding period.”
Appreciation is also extended to Delta Search & Rescue, HAMNET, K9 Search and Rescue Association of South Africa, Mountain Club of SA – Search And Rescue, Off-Road Rescue Unit – ORRU, SARZA – Western Cape and Trail SAR.
“Thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice and for being there when it matters most.”
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