When two hikers’ Table Mountain adventure left them stranded on a cliff, they did the right thing, calling on the WSAR rescue team, who formulated a plan that prevented a potentially critical fall.
Cape Town, South Africa (11 February 2026) – The vastness and rugged terrain of Table Mountain have a way of stopping even the most determined adventurers in their tracks.
After beginning their hike up Platteklip Gorge on Sunday morning, two hikers, aged 30 and 39, found themselves stranded on steep, exposed ground high above Camps Bay.
With no way back after the cableway service was suspended due to strong winds, they opted to descend via the India Venster trail. However, during their trek, they lost the trail and continued their descent followed a direct line toward Camps Bay, where increasingly steep terrain left them ‘cliffed out’, unable to safely continue or retreat.
Recognising the danger, they wisely stopped and called the Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) emergency number.
Technical WSAR rescue teams, including members of the Western Cape Health and Wellness EMS paramedics, were dispatched to Table Mountain that afternoon to help the two hikers.
WSAR spokesperson David Nel praised the hikers’ decision to stop and call for help, saying:
“This incident clearly demonstrates our SAFE campaign in action – the hikers stopped, assessed the terrain and their options, formulated a plan and executed that plan by calling for help.”
“By stopping early and not attempting to continue, they avoided a potentially critical fall and allowed rescue teams to respond before the situation escalated. Calling the emergency number as soon as they felt unsafe was the right decision, and it played a key role in ensuring a safe and positive outcome.”
Using ropes, rescuers safely accessed the ledge, assisted the hikers into harnesses and raised them back to safer ground. Once secure, the hikers were offered water and snacks before being carefully guided down to the lower cable station.
The incident concluded at 7.44 pm, with everyone safely off the mountain.
Nel said that this rescue is a clear example of why careful decision-making and situational awareness are so important in the mountains.
“Sticking to marked trails and calling for help as soon as you feel unsafe are simple steps that can prevent situations from escalating and keep everyone safe.”
“The hikers’ calm and sensible approach, combined with the skill and coordination of the rescue teams, ensured a safe outcome and highlights the importance of preparation, awareness and teamwork in mountain environments,” Nel concluded.
Save and share the correct WSAR emergency contact number: 021 937 0300.
Sources: Wilderness Search And Rescue
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