News

Cape Town: South African National Parks (SANParks) confirms that a missing hiker, who was presumed to be lost on Table Mountain, was found deceased. On Saturday, September 21, the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) Operations room was notified by Metro Emergency that a missing hiker was reported on Table Mountain. The hiker left her accommodation around 12h00 to go up the mountain. Her friends did not hear from her since she left, and the tracking app never updated since she left her residence.

An initial search was conducted by SANParks rangers, Wilderness Search and Rescue members, and trail runners until late that evening when it was no longer practical to continue. Unfortunately, she could not be located at the time. The following morning the search was resumed and conducted on foot. All agencies were once again dispatched but the search still proved unsuccessful.

The City of Cape Town’s piloted aircraft was then also deployed to assist with the search resulting in the location of the missing hiker’s body on the slopes of the mountain. The circumstances around the hiker’s death are still being investigated and further details about this incident will be provided as and when necessary.

SANParks extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to our stakeholders and staff involved in this operation. Table Mountain National Park Management remind visitors to take note of the following safety tips:

• Do activities in groups. We recommend four or more.
• Choose your route carefully and stick to it.
• Allow yourself enough time – start early.
• Inform someone of your route and what time you are expected back.
• Always wear waterproof clothing, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots.
• Save the Table Mountain National Park emergency number into your phone before setting off.
• Table Mountain National Park Emergency Number is 086 110 6417. Wilderness Search and Rescue Number 021 937 0300 or dial 112.