| Cape Town is renowned for its natural beauty, | | | | contents and know what they are for!) |
| its endless beaches and its magnificent | | | | |
| mountains. Most keen hikers who visit this | | | | Â- Torch |
| South African city enjoy making the most of | | | | |
| the numerous excellent hiking trails all over | | | | Safety check list |
| the region. Plenty of inexperienced hikers | | | | |
| are also inspired to lace up a pair of hiking | | | | Â- Walk in a group, preferably a minimum |
| boots and take to the hills and mountains. | | | | of four. One should be elected leader |
| Table Mountain is possibly the most popular | | | | |
| mountain for tourists as it is such an iconic | | | | Â- Check the weather report before hand |
| landmark and it looks friendly and welcoming, | | | | |
| gazing benevolently over the city. | | | | Â- Don't walk in the heat of the day or |
| | | | too close to sundown |
| However, if you are not a regular hiker and | | | | |
| decide on impulse to 'go and explore the | | | | Â- Don't tackle a hike beyond the |
| mountain' or indeed any of the trails in the | | | | capabilities of the whole group |
| Cape, it is important to remember that | | | | |
| getting lost or landing up in a distressing | | | | Â- Avoid short cuts not featured on the |
| situation can and does happen to many | | | | map |
| ramblers and climbers in Cape Town each year. | | | | |
| Don't be fooled into imagining it won't | | | | Â- Make sure someone knows where you are |
| happen to you! The mist can roll in out of a | | | | going and when you expect to be back. Leave |
| seemingly blue sky. Rain can arrive | | | | your cell number with them. |
| unexpectedly. A wrong path can mean you end | | | | |
| up lost, cold and alone after dark. Snakes | | | | Â- Don't become separated from your group |
| and spiders are plentiful and many of them | | | | |
| can inflict deadly bites. | | | | If you get lost |
| | | | |
| This article is not meant to put you off, but | | | | Â- Don't panic |
| rather to encourage you to take sensible | | | | |
| precautions that will stand you in good stead | | | | Â- Try retrace your steps |
| should you inadvertently end up in a | | | | |
| difficult situation while exploring the | | | | Â- If you cannot find the path take the |
| beautiful Cape countryside. | | | | safest, least steep way down and take note of |
| | | | landmarks in case you have to retrace your |
| Take with you: | | | | steps |
| | | | |
| Â- Plenty of water (you can also top up | | | | Â- If you are completely lost call for |
| your supply en route at mountain streams) | | | | help and if necessary find some shelter in |
| | | | case of bad weather, while you wait to be |
| Â- Plenty of energy-rich snacks | | | | rescued. |
| | | | |
| Â- A cell phone with airtime and a | | | | If someone is hurt |
| charged battery. Save the Mountain Rescue | | | | |
| number on the phone: 021-9489900 | | | | Â- Don't move them unnecessarily |
| | | | |
| Â- Good walking shoes and thick socks | | | | Â- Call for help |
| (avoid barefoot hiking) | | | | |
| | | | Â- Keep them warm |
| Â- A route map (these can be bought or | | | | |
| downloaded off the Internet) | | | | Â- Administer first aid if required |
| | | | |
| Â- A warm, waterproof jacket | | | | Â- |
| | | | |
| Â- Wear long trousers | | | | Once you have worked through the above check |
| | | | list you can head off for a wonderful day |
| Â- Sunblock and hat. Sunglasses also | | | | out, confident in the knowledge that you'll |
| recommended | | | | be able to handle any eventuality. |
| | | | |
| Â- First Aid Kit (make sure you check the | | | | Now get out there and explore! |