Tania Morkel’s hiking adventure on Table Mountain took a terrifying turn when she suffered a devastating 18-meter fall. Now, healed and recovered, she is taking on 64 summits in 64 days to give back to the heroes who saved her life.
Cape Town, South Africa (10 April 2025) – A hiking adventure on 13 September 2023 changed Tania Morkel’s life forever when she tragically plunged 18 meters down a ravine between the Platteklip Gorge and India Venster hiking trails on Table Mountain in Cape Town.
“Fortunately, my wonderful niece, who accompanied me on the hike, immediately called the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).
“An Austrian hiker with a medical background came across the scene and stabilised me until the WSAR team arrived. The team’s expertise and compassion were evident as they assessed my condition and prepared for evacuation,” Tania recalls.
She was soon airlifted to safety before being taken to the renowned Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital where she spent 23 days in ICU. There it was discovered that Tania had suffered multiple spinal fractures and two lumbar burst fractures, a fractured skull, a brain haemorrhage, several broken ribs, a punctured lung, a lacerated kidney and spleen, and damage to my liver, among other injuries.
Fast forward several months later, and Tania has since made an incredible recovery which is just a testament to her brave fighting spirit.
During her recovery, she couldn’t ignore a deep desire to give back to WSAR, the team that was instrumental in saving her life.
As a result, she has embarked on an awe-inspiring journey to climb Table Mountain 64 times in 64 days to raise R64,000 for WSAR as well as the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
“Each climb’s elevation is approximately 750m, so I will attempt to climb a whopping 48,000 meters’ elevation over the next 64 days.
“This is my way of expressing gratitude, ensuring that others enjoy Table Mountain’s beauty while remaining safe, and supporting the WSAR heroes working tirelessly to protect lives,” Tania shares.
She has already raised R23,500 and completed 30 of the 64 climbs, and could do with all the support she can get!
To support Tania’s cause, visit her GivenGain crowdfunding page.
Sources: Tania Morkel | GivenGain
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