Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) Report – July 14, 2025.

  • “Calling the correct emergency number saves time – 021 937 0300,” says WSAR
  • Incident 1 – Overdue hikers located safe in Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
  • Incident 2 – Injured hiker airlifted from Lion’s Head
  • Incident 3 – Elderly hiker assisted from Contour Path
  • Incident 4 – Stranded group guided from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
  • Please support us – https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
  • Share the #IAmWildernessSafe – to increase safety awareness

Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams responded to multiple emergencies across the Western Cape this past weekend. Each case highlights the life-saving importance of calling the correct emergency number – 021 937 0300 and doing so early.

According to David Nel, a spokesperson for Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR): “Time is a critical factor in any emergency and calling the correct number – 021 937 0300 ensures a faster, more efficient response that can make a significant difference to the outcome.

“At times people delay calling because they’re worried about the cost of being rescued, but there’s no charge for wilderness rescue in the Western Cape.

“Waiting increases the risk to everyone involved. Whether someone is injured, disoriented, or simply concerned about the conditions, please don’t hesitate to call.

“We are here to help, always call us sooner.”

Incident 1

On Saturday morning, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) was alerted after three hikers were reported overdue from a planned multi-day hike in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area above Porterville.

The group had set out earlier in the week, intending to spend three nights wild camping and exit the trail by Thursday. However, heavy rain in the area made their planned exit route impassable, as a river crossing became swollen and unsafe. The hikers were able to inform a family member of the delay, revising their expected exit to Friday.

When they had still not returned by Saturday morning, the group was reported missing. Two Western Cape Government Health and Wellness West Coast EMS responders hiked in to begin the search, with additional teams from Cape Town standing by.

Fortunately, the hikers contacted their family before further resources were needed, confirming they were safe and unharmed.

The operation was officially concluded at 14h23 on Saturday when everyone was safely off the mountain.

Incident 2

A routine hike on Lion’s Head turned critical on Saturday afternoon when a 52-year-old hiker slipped while descending the popular trail and injured her leg.

Passing hikers from the Bellville Voetslaanklub were quick to provide the correct emergency number – 021 937 0300 to her daughter.

The club had recently hosted a presentation by Wilderness Search and Rescue, a timely engagement that helped them respond quickly and correctly, triggering a rapid and well-coordinated rescue effort.

A small team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter was flown to the scene.

The rescuers were hoisted down near the injured hiker, where an EMS paramedic provided medical assistance on-site.

Once stabilised, the patient was secured in a rescue harness and hoisted into the helicopter. She was then flown to a nearby landing zone and transported to hospital.

The operation concluded at 14h54.

Incident 3

On Sunday morning, Wilderness Search And Rescue teams were dispatched to the Contour Path near Nursery Ravine above Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden after a 73-year-old hiker fell and hit her head.

The hiker was assessed on scene by a paramedic and fortunately, she was found to be in a stable condition and able to walk with assistance.

She was escorted slowly on foot to a waiting vehicle and transported, along with the rescue team, back to the RV point at Kirstenbosch Gardens.

The incident was successfully concluded at 12h15.

Incident 4

Wilderness Search and Rescue teams responded to Nuweberg Forestry Station on Sunday morning after four hikers, aged between 19 and 29, called for help while hiking in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.

The group had set out on Saturday, planning to overnight at the Shamrock Hut. They lost their way while attempting to follow an old, disused trail and were forced to spend the night out in cold conditions.

Early on Sunday morning, the group managed to find cellphone reception higher up on the mountain and called the emergency number – 021 937 0300.

After initial attempts to telephonically guide the group back to the trail were unsuccessful, two CapeNature rangers were dispatched to the area. They located the hikers and safely guided them back to the forestry station.

The hikers were cold and tired but unharmed, and the incident was concluded shortly before 19h00 on Sunday.

“We’re truly grateful to all the rescue team members who respond so willingly. Their ongoing commitment and readiness to assist, often in tough conditions, makes a real difference and is deeply appreciated.

“Our thoughts are with the two injured hikers, and we wish them both a smooth and full recovery.

“It costs nothing to call, but waiting could cost everything – 021 937 0300,” said Nel.

  • Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies, and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue.
  • Please support us – https://wsar.org.za/support-us/

Photos by Fatima Sait, Adam Griffin, Matthew Trollip and Mountain Club of SA – Search And Rescue