Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in Cape Town is renowned for its natural beauty, its endless beaches and its magnificent mountains. Most keen hikers who visit this South African city enjoy making the most of the numerous excellent hiking trails all over the region. Plenty of inexperienced hikers are also inspired to lace up a pair of hiking boots and take to the hills and mountains. Table Mountain is possibly the most popular mountain for tourists as it is such an iconic landmark and it looks friendly and welcoming, gazing benevolently over the city.
However, if you are not a regular hiker and decide on impulse to ‘go and explore the mountain’ or indeed any of the trails in the Cape, it is important to remember that getting lost or landing up in a distressing situation can and does happen to many ramblers and climbers in Cape Town each year. Don’t be fooled into imagining it won’t happen to you! The mist can roll in out of a seemingly blue sky. Rain can arrive unexpectedly. A wrong path can mean you end up lost, cold and alone after dark. Snakes and spiders are plentiful and many of them can inflict deadly bites.
This article is not meant to put you off, but rather to encourage you to take sensible precautions that will stand you in good stead should you inadvertently end up in a difficult situation while exploring the beautiful Cape countryside.
Take with you:
-> Plenty of water (you can also top up your supply en route at mountain streams)
-> Plenty of energy-rich snacks
-> A cell phone with airtime and a charged battery. Save the Mountain Rescue number on the phone: 021-9489900
-> Good walking shoes and thick socks (avoid barefoot hiking)
-> A route map (these can be bought or downloaded off the Internet)
-> A warm, waterproof jacket
-> Wear long trousers
-> Sunblock and hat. Sunglasses also recommended
-> First Aid Kit (make sure you check the contents and know what they are for!)
-> Torch
Safety check list
-> Walk in a group, preferably a minimum of four. One should be elected leader
-> Check the weather report before hand
-> Don’t walk in the heat of the day or too close to sundown
-> Don’t tackle a hike beyond the capabilities of the whole group
-> Avoid short cuts not featured on the map
-> Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. Leave your cell number with them.
-> Don’t become separated from your group
If you get lost
-> Don’t panic
-> Try retrace your steps
-> If you cannot find the path take the safest, least steep way down and take note of landmarks in case you have to retrace your steps
-> If you are completely lost call for help and if necessary find some shelter in case of bad weather, while you wait to be rescued.
If someone is hurt
-> Don’t move them unnecessarily
-> Call for help
-> Keep them warm
-> Administer first aid if required
->
Once you have worked through the above check list you can head off for a wonderful day out, confident in the knowledge that you’ll be able to handle any eventuality.
Now get out there and explore!