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Safety Table Mountain Hiking

Are you ready to get outside and enjoy all that nature ?

Hiking is a great option for you to try something new, see exciting places in your country and just get away when stress is getting too much. Many new hikers wonder if they will be able to remember what to bring and want to make sure that they can stay safe. We have compiled for you a list to some of the essentials in order to have fun and be safe while on the trail. Table Mountain Hiking Safety should be on top of the list before hiking up Table Mountain. Our Hiking tour guides are registered with the National Department of Tourism.They have had training on all safety aspects related to their field of guiding and have completed successfully their First Aid training course. There is however still responsibility that each guest must take, find below some guidelines for safety, weather and clothing.

 

Guiding and Hiking Safety

Make sure to follow them before and during every hike.

  • Do not hike alone.
  • Choose an experienced guide/leader for your group.
  • Always listen to your guide.
  • Choose your route according to your ability, fitness and experience.
  • Never split up and go in different directions.
  • Travel at the pace of the slowest member.
  • Avoid routes that are too hard or long, do not descend unknown ravines or cliffs.
  • If you feel you have lost your way, do not forge ahead but rather return along the way you came.
  • Watch the time - avoid walking in the dark, but carry a torch just in case you need one.
  • Know how long the hike takes before you start out; take into consideration the seasonal change in the time.
  • Plan your walk with sufficient time needed.
Hiking and Running

Weather

Identifying the weather conditions on the summit of Table Mountain is a precise skill, Table Mountain weather is unique.

If you call the Cape Town weather office, they will provide you with four different weather reports for the Cape Town area – Helderberg, Cape Point, Cape Flats and CBD – that is how different the weather can be in Cape Town. A Clear skies and a cloudy mountain is an example of how Table Mountain has its own microclimate. Many people love the idea of “walking in a cloud”, the clouds mass mid-way up the mountain and from the city it appears that the mountain has “disappeared” behind the cloud but on top of the mountain the sky is blue.

  • Do not plan to hike during or after bad weather.
  • The rocks on the mountain get very slippery in wet weather.
  • Get a proper weather forecast.
  • Do not plan to hike if there is a cold front approaching.
  • Do not continue in heavy rain or mist, you must conserve your energy.
  • Remember that the Cableway can close at any time due to unpredictable weather conditions. Don't rely on being able to ride it up or down, even if you've already checked whether it's open
  • In an emergency, find a spot that offers some form of shelter from the wind. Never try to continue climbing in the dark or in heavy mist
Hiking and Running

Clothing and Gear

The way you need to dress for hiking largely depends on the conditions you plan on hiking in.

When hiking one you should wear clothes that wick away moisture from your skin while preventing precipitation from getting you wet.

  • Be aware that weather on the mountain can change very rapidly, take wind and waterproof clothing.
  • Bring along sun-block, sunglasses and protection from the sun.
  • Always carry a cell phone and know the emergency rescue numbers.
  • Carry a good contour map - the best are by Peter Slingsby.
  • Carry adequate water (especially in summer) and food to replace energy.
  • The more strenuous the walk - the more refreshments you will need. If you are doing a 6 hour hike - take sandwiches and solid food.
  • Avoid heavy base layers if you plan on hiking in warm weather.
  • Avoid cotton as it soaks up moisture, meaning that your clothes will get damp.
  • Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.
  • Choose synthetic or wool socks to wick away moisture.
  • Stick with short sleeves and shorts in hot weather.
  • Opt for a simple windbreaker during warm and slightly cool weather.
  • Wear hiking shoes or trail runner shoes
  • Your hat.
  • Carry a backpack or fanny pack.
Hiking and Running
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