Hiking Safety Tips

Blister Bush

From the Table Mountain National Park to The Cederberg Wilderness, the Western Cape offers the hiker and trail runner many paths to explore, peaks to climb and views to appreciate. However, we sometimes get so excited that we head off into those breathtaking peaks without the proper gear, no knowledge on how to navigate the paths or how to deal around problems that might occur should something go possibly wrong.

Here is a list of safety tips on how to help you along and to keep you informed about possible dangers and how to overcome them.

  • Never hike alone - the ideal minimum group size is four.
  • Choose an experienced leader for your group and do not drift apart.
  • Travel at the pace of the slowest member.
  • Always inform someone at home of your intended route and your expected time of return.
  • Always carry a cell phone and know the emergency rescue numbers.
  • Avoid routes that are too hard or long, do not descend unknown ravines or cliffs - keep to well used paths.
  • Carry a good contour map - the best are by Peter Slingsby - see more hiking map details at www.themaps.co.za
  • Carry adequate water (especially in summer) and food to replace energy. The more strenuous the walk, the more refreshments you will need to take, bananas and chocolate are not enough if you are doing a 6 hour hike - take sandwiches and solid food.  Carbohydrates are excellent
  • 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 always carry a torch (and batteries) just in case you need one.  Know how long the hike takes before you start out; make a plan according to the seasonal change in the time the sun sets.
  • Get a proper Weather Forecast at: 082 2311 640, the Cape Town Weather Office pre-recorded message will give you a 3 & 5 day forecast for the Cape Town area and beyond.
  • DO NOT PLAN TO HIKE IF THERE IS A COLD FRONT APPROACHING
  • Be aware that weather on the mountain can change very rapidly, take wind and waterproof clothing.
  • Hypothermia is one of the biggest dangers when hiking and it can result from inadequate food intake, bad weather, unsuitable clothing or over-exertion.
  • Don't push on in bad weather. Find shelter from the wind and rain and guard against hypothermia.
  • Do not continue in heavy rain or mist.  YOU MUST CONSERVE YOUR ENERGY - freezing to death is possible in South Africa.
  • In the event of injury or other serious trouble stay in one place and find shelter.
  • Do not move the injured person unless they are in a dangerous position.
  • Do not leave the injured person alone - if possible send two people for help.
  • Make a detailed note of where the injured person is - look out for landmarks.
  • There are 5 venomous/poisonous snakes in the region, but except for the Puffadder these are seldom seen.
  • Back off on sighting any snake - they will usually go on their way and are not aggressive. Puffadders often hide under logs, be careful when you are stepping over one on a trail.
  • In the event of snakebite, immobilize the person and the part bitten, apply a firm pressure bandage, and then get help.
  • Do not administer anti-venom unless under supervision.  Carry an Instant Cold Pack for emergency use.
  • The blister bush (a plant resembling common celery - see photo of plant above) can cause severe irritation of the skin.
  • In the event of contact, cover the area from sunlight as this causes the eruption of blisters.
  • In Cape Town we have Baboons and they are VERY dangerous - do not approach them or feed them, as they will attack humans.
  • Do not eat in front of them. Do not let them sit on your car near an open window as they will attempt to enter your car even with you in it.  Stay away from them. 
  • SA Wilderness Search & Rescue - +27(0)21 948 9900 / All Emergency: SA +27(0)21 480 7700
  • Police & rescue services - 10111  / Emergency Medical Response -10177  / Disasters - 107

If you are brave and have more than four people interested in hiking, with one of them being an experienced hiker, then go to SA Hikes  to find more routes to explore.

Happy trails and safe hiking!

Sources:

Page Updated: 27 January 2012