The lady was safely discharged after observation, but it’s an important reminder to watch where you step and to always be prepared!
Maloti Drakensberg (16 October 2025) – On the last day of the Giant’s Cup Trail, a woman was bitten on the upper calf by a snake hidden along the edge of the path in the Drakensberg. The hiker immediately started showing serious symptoms, and her hiking group called for help.
Acting fast is essential in these scenarios.
The Mountain Club of South Africa’s (MCSA) Search and Rescue team, together with an Ezemvelo officer and paramedic, jumped into action and came to her rescue via helicopter.
The helicopter was able to land close to the group on a patch of level ground, and the woman was stabilised and carried to the chopper. Because no one could confirm which snake had struck – although it’s suspected to have been a Berg Adder – she was flown straight to a Pietermaritzburg hospital.
Thankfully, after overnight treatment and observation, she was discharged the next day with no major complications.
Snakebite rescues in the mountains are uncommon.
“It is rare for snakes to be the cause of a mountain rescue callout for us (in fact, in over 130 years of mountain rescue, we have recorded fewer than a dozen snake-related callouts to which we responded). Statistically, the more dangerous type of critter is, in fact, insects (particularly bees),” shares the MCSA
Still, if a snakebite does occur during a hike, it requires preparedness and quick thinking to get the person who has been bitten evacuated from the area and straight to the hospital.
“This is because the reaction of the human body to envenomation is very specific to an individual, and complications such as anaphylaxis and/or respiratory problems, that may present later on, are very difficult to properly treat in the field and it’s a risk not worth taking,” shares the MCSA
Stories like this are a good reminder for all of us who love hitting the trails. A few steps can keep you and others safe, and out of harm’s way.
The MSAR shares some tips:
- Be vigilant and remain aware of objective hazards such as wildlife and critters in the mountains
- Always carry a small first aid kit and invest in first aid training
- Keep emergency contact details as well as medical aid/insurance details on you, and share with someone in your group – this is important.
- For extra peace of mind, the African Snakebite Institute has a brilliant free app that helps with snake identification and first aid info.
And if a snakebite does occur, it’s also worth trying to get a photograph of the snake to be identified.
Let’s tread carefully and keep the know-how for these situations in our back pockets. We’re glad everyone is safe and no serious complications presented in this rescue.
If you’d like to learn more about snakes, People’s Planet is dedicating two full weeks to snakes on Openview channel 115 from 13 – 26 October 2025.
Sources: Linked above
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