Hiking on Table Mountain is a fantastic experience, made better and safer by good planning.
Table Mountain’s many walking routes and hiking trails welcome a large number of visitors, and an easy safety checklist can help ensure only positive memories. Weather will not always be predictable and consistently warm. Hikers should be prepared for all weather extremes, no matter the season – from intense heat to sudden cold and wet conditions. The weather on top of the mountain could be significantly different from that experienced at the foot of the mountain. Dress in layers so you can easily shed clothes when it gets warmer.
Crime is sadly something that can be felt and experienced anywhere, even on a mountain hike. Vigilance and awareness of your surroundings and always hiking in a group are all sensible precautions. Make sure your group sticks together and be alert when you encounter others on the mountain. Also, alert law enforcement partners immediately if you see suspicious activity anywhere along one of the walking routes or hiking trails.
Prepare to enjoy
Experts agree that snakes are mostly shy and almost always avoid human contact. The only potential risk of a snake attacking a hiker comes when the snake feels threatened, making an appropriate reaction so important.
There are around 22 types of snakes on Table Mountain, and only a small portion of this group are venomous. If you come into contact with a snake, move slowly away and show that you offer no threat. Stay on the demarcated pathways and avoid venturing off-trail or into the brush.
Never hike alone. Tell someone that you are setting off and when you are supposed to return so that they can raise the alarm if your group doesn’t return as scheduled. If you can’t find friends to hike with, there is always the option of joining a guided tour.
Charge your cellphone before you set off and save all the important emergency numbers. If you choose a lesser-used route, then maybe consider going on a weekend when there are more people likely around. Stock your backpack with enough drinking water and snacks to eat along the way.
Wear proper trail running shoes or hiking boots. Never leave home without a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a rain jacket or something to keep you warm, should the weather turn.
Avoid showing off your valuables. Leave your jewellery at home or at your accommodation and keep your cellphone out of sight while hiking.
Text | Selma Hercules
Photography | Mathias Sunke
Selma Hercules is Executive Director for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company. For more information, go to tablemountain.net.
