Hiking Safety Guidelines
Even easy trails can turn dangerous if you get injured, lost, or caught in bad weather. Stay prepared:
- Hike in groups of four or more – pace yourself according to the slowest person. Never hike alone.
- Use a guide or join an organised group if you don’t know the area.
- Avoid relying on Google Maps – it can direct you to unsafe or incorrect paths. Carry a proper hiking map (e.g. Slingsby) and plan your route beforehand.
- Save emergency numbers for each hike in your phone, but don’t rely on cell signal – it’s patchy on the mountain.
- Do not leave valuables in your car – some parking areas are targeted for break-ins.
Essential gear:
- Sufficient water and snacks
- Sunhat and sunblock
- Warm clothing – the weather can change fast
- Fully charged phone with emergency contacts
- Physical map(s)
Before you go:
- Check trail status – some close temporarily after floods or fires.
- Check the weather report. Do not attempt to hike in cloudy or misty weather, as it becomes disorientating and more difficult to find your way.
- Consider using @safetymountain – a free WhatsApp-based safety tracking service. It lets you log your route, estimated time, and updates during your hike, and confirm when you’re safely off the mountain.
Resources
For permits, fishing rules, shell collecting regulations and other practical outdoor information, see the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
