Three young German tourists had to be rescued from Table Mountain late on Friday night after becoming stranded on the popular India Venster hiking trail.
The group, aged between 22 and 24, began their hike at around 3:30 pm on Friday, with plans to reach the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Upper Station. Towards the evening, however, misty conditions, strong winds and poor visibility made the final hike onto Fountain Ledge too risky to attempt.
Realising the danger, the group made the responsible decision to call the emergency number for help.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams, working alongside SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers, immediately launched an operation.
According to WSAR, poor visibility and difficult weather conditions slowed the search, but the hikers’ preparedness played a key role in keeping them safe.
Rescuers reported that the group carried extra warm clothing, food and water — vital supplies that helped them endure the wait in cold, challenging conditions.
The rescue was successfully concluded just after midnight, at about 12:27 am, on Saturday morning, when the tourists were safely escorted off the mountain.
Officials have praised the hikers’ decision to call for help rather than risk continuing in unsafe conditions. They also urged visitors to Table Mountain to start hikes early, keep track of weather changes, and ensure they carry essentials in case of emergencies.
READ MORE: WATCH: tourist rescued from Table Mountain after stranded overnight
