Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were activated twice on Monday after two separate hiking incidents on popular Cape Town trails left visiting hikers injured. Authorities are warning that recent rainfall has made mountain paths significantly more dangerous underfoot.

With the Western Cape moving into the wet winter season, trails are currently wet, slippery and unpredictable. Mud, loose rock and slick surfaces are increasing the risk of slips and falls, even on well-used routes.

WSAR strongly urges hikers to exercise extra caution, particularly on downhill sections where fatigue, steep gradients and unstable footing combine to raise the risk of injury. Hikers are advised to slow down, test footing before stepping, avoid rushing descents, and wear appropriate footwear.

“Careful planning and sensible decisions remain essential,” WSAR said, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to adjust plans according to conditions.

Shortly before midday on Monday, WSAR teams, including SANParks – Table Mountain National Park members, responded to an incident on Lion’s Head involving a 28-year-old Brazilian visitor who injured herself after slipping near the summit.

Due to the terrain and her injuries, an aerial rescue was launched. A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS medic treated the patient on scene before she was airlifted by the EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter to a nearby landing zone. She was then transported by ambulance to hospital. The operation concluded at 13:47.

Later that afternoon, rescue teams were dispatched to Silvermine Nature Reserve after a 24-year-old Dutch hiker injured his leg after stepping awkwardly.

An AMS rescue helicopter was deployed, with a paramedic treating the patient on site before he was airlifted to a landing zone and transferred to ambulance care. The operation concluded at 17:20.

WSAR reminds the public to save the emergency number: 021 937 0300 and to support their work via wsar.org.za/support-us/.