Safe hiking on Table Mountain
With summer finally arriving in Cape Town and temperatures soaring into the 30’s this week it’s important to make sure that you are properly prepared for a hike. Dehydration and sunstroke can hit hard and unexpectedly and really ruin your day!!
Ridgway Ramblers offer guided hikes on Table Mountain. We will choose a route that suit the conditions of the day and will ensure that everyone is properly equipped.
Some basic rules for hiking in the heat.
1. Take plenty of water and don’t rely on there being water on the mountain.
I recommend at least 2 litres per person for a 4 to 5 hour hike.
2. Start early. Early meaning before 8am. Until 11am the temperatures are
still relatively cool.
3. Plan your hike well. Slopes on the Western side of the mountain
(overlooking Camps Bay) are in the shade in the morning but in the full glare
of the sun in the afternoon. Many of the gorges on this side have no shade so
in the afternoon can be almost unbearably hot. Platteklip Gorge on the
other hand gets the full force of the morning sun and also has no shade.
Start very early if you plan to climb Platteklip.
4. Wear a hat and sunblock.
5. Wear long sleeves and a shirt with a collar.
6. Remember dogs cannot lose heat as effectively as us so you really need to
be careful if planning to take your 4 legged friend on the mountain with you
this week. Only walk very early and ensure your dog has plenty to drink.
Keeping the coat wet also helps.
Hiking in the summer in Cape Town is fantastic and the heat is certainly no reason to stay off the mountain. However please plan ahead and make sure you are prepared for the conditions of the day.