Two German travellers unintentionally extended their visit to Table Mountain’s trails well past bedtime recently. But, thanks to the Wilderness Search And Rescue team, the late-night misadventure turned into a successful homecoming.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 March 2025) — Two German hikers unintentionally took the path less travelled while exploring Table Mountain recently, leading to a late-night rescue and, hopefully, important lessons learned.
The hikers had decided to take the India Venster trail—a challenging route, but one that’s doable when you know where to go and can see your way in the light of day. Unfortunately for the pair, a wrong turn took them to unfamiliar territory that would later require a late-night rescue that reached into the early hours of the morning.
“Roughly halfway up the trail, they lost their way and mistakenly crossed over Kloof Corner Ridge onto the Grotto Fountain Cairn Traverse,” explained the Wilderness Search and Rescue, who helped the hikers get home.
The team added that the hikers ended all the way up at Cairn Buttress (which is above Camps Bay) before they realised their wrong turn.
Before 9 pm, the hikers lodged a call for help. The Wilderness Search and Rescue team quickly rallied to the rescue, jumping into what would become a lengthy mission.
Ferried up to the Upper Cable Station, the ‘rescue’ cable car helped the team find the tourists. However, finding the tourists turned into something of a wild goose hunt. Several hours passed until the hikers were finally located just ahead of 2 am where they were greeted with torches for the dark and the warmth of a relieved team.
After being guided down the Lower Cable Station, the late-night rescue (or early-morning rescue at this point) was signed off as done and dusted at 3:47 am.
While everyone involved made it down safe and sound, spokesperson David Nel urges the lesson in the misadventure.
“We want to remind all outdoor enthusiasts that the seasons are changing and ask them to plan accordingly,” David says.
“Start any outdoor activities earlier remembering that the sun sets earlier as the seasons start to change. Pack a torch and an extra warm layer of clothing before venture outdoors. Most importantly, ensure you save the correct emergency number and don’t wait, call us sooner—021 937 0300.”
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