Western Cape mountain rescues hit a record 235. Save this number first

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) has logged 235 mountain rescue incidents in its area so far this year, a record with more than two months of 2026 still to go. If you get into trouble on Table Mountain or any Western Cape trail, the number to call is 021 937 0300 (WSAR via Arrive Alive).

How bad is it this year?

The 235 incidents were counted up to 25 October. That is already more than 17% above the previous high of 200 for the same period, set in 2024. In 2000 the figure for the same date was 39, according to the South African Mountain Accidents Database cited by WSAR (Arrive Alive).

WSAR says the numbers alone don't explain why rescues are rising, and it stresses it is not blaming hikers. Its concern is the load on volunteer rescuers, many of whom pay for their own equipment, with the busy summer season only starting and a hot summer forecast (Arrive Alive).

What happened on Saturday?

On Saturday 25 October, teams responded to seven emergencies on Table Mountain. That equals WSAR's busiest single day, something that has happened only three times in its history (IOL).

• A hiker who tripped and fell was airlifted to a landing zone and taken to hospital.
• A 56-year-old American visitor collapsed on Platteklip Gorge and was flown out by the Air Mercy Service helicopter.
• Two hikers stuck on the technical sections of India Venster called for help, then managed to get down slowly.
• A hiker with severe cramps near the top of Platteklip Gorge was treated and taken down by cableway.
• A woman who twisted her ankle in Cecilia Forest was helped back to the car park.
• A 24-year-old who left the marked path above Union Ravine fell about four metres onto a ledge. Rescuers abseiled to him and hauled him 130 metres up to the summit, reaching the upper cable station at about 04:30 on Sunday. The cableway brought him down after 08:00 in strong wind.
• A 32-year-old visitor hiking alone on an unfamiliar route lost his way after dark. A team abseiled from a cable car to reach him on the Grotto Fountain Cairn Traverse.

Details are from WSAR's account (Arrive Alive).

What should you take and do before a hike?

WSAR's advice for the summer (Arrive Alive):

• Save 021 937 0300 in your phone before you set off.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• Carry enough water, plus a torch and warm clothing, even if the weather looks good.
• Stay on marked trails. Saturday's most serious fall happened off the path.
• Turn around when conditions get difficult.

On Lion's Head alone, volunteers handed out more than 33 litres of water to hikers who had run out on Saturday (Arrive Alive).

Should you call even if you're not sure it's an emergency?

Yes, according to WSAR. It says calling early gives rescuers more time and more options, and that the stranded hiker on Saturday made the right decision by phoning for help (Arrive Alive).