When the fierce Cape winds cut two hiking tourists’ mountain adventure short, dedicated rescuers braved the dark to bring them safely home.
Cape Town, South Africa (22 January 2026) – Two tourists exploring the natural beauty of Cape Town found themselves in a predicament that would have left them stranded at night in the cold on Table Mountain when they missed the last cable car back from the mountain on Tuesday evening.
Strong winds had interrupted the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway service, and a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom and a 29-year-old from America, who had walked across from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, had no way of getting back as the darkness of the night crept in.
Thankfully, rescue teams from Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and SANParks – Table Mountain National Park rangers were dispatched to the upper cable station late on Tuesday night to assist the two visiting hikers.
While teams were en route up Platteklip Gorge, two other Turkish hikers who had crossed the mountain from Kasteelspoort above Camps Bay joined the others in the shelter.
WSAR confirmed that all four hikers were located safe and sound, albeit a little chilly, and were provided with warm jackets and torches. They were carefully guided down the ever-popular Platteklip Gorge trail.
“At Wilderness Search And Rescue, we are proud to support tourism in the Western Cape and assist visitors in enjoying the region’s natural beauty. Sometimes this means guiding hikers safely down the mountain after a long day, helping them stay warm and comfortable along the way, and commiserating when our beautiful Table Mountain’s moods catch them by surprise,” WSAR said.
Rescuers and visitors alike were treated to a gorgeous evening on the mountain, with clear skies and beautiful views adding a memorable backdrop to the safe rescue.
The incident concluded shortly after midnight, with all hikers and rescuers safely off the mountain in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
For anyone planning a late-afternoon adventure on Table Mountain, WSAR provides a few precautionary tips that can make all the difference:
- Start earlier
- Check the weather forecasts
- Pack an extra warm layer
- Confirm cable car operations
“A big thank you, once again, to all the teams who responded. Your hard work and professionalism make a challenging night look effortless,” the rescue organisation concluded.
Save and share the correct WSAR Emergency Contact Number: 021 937 0300
Sources: Wilderness Search and Rescue
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