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