The City of Cape Town has reminded visitors to the Helderberg Nature Reserve to select hikes suited to their fitness level and experience, and to factor in weather conditions before setting out.

Following recent emergencies in the wider area the City has urged visitors to hike in groups and approach trail selection carefully. The reserve, one of Cape Town’s most popular outdoor destinations, offers eight well-maintained trails across varying levels of difficulty, set within a pristine environment with sweeping views.

DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette recently reported on two separate incidents at the reserve, both highlighting the dangers posed by its more demanding terrain and the importance of adequate preparation before setting out.

A local hiker fell approximately 15 to 20 m on a higher path and was found unconscious near a lower trail, exposed to freezing temperatures and at risk of hypothermia. Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) volunteers, supported by partner agencies and the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit, located the patient using drone-assisted technology. A team doctor and rescuers stabilised him on-site before carrying him down the rugged terrain to an awaiting ambulance. The operation concluded at 00:55 on Wednesday 22 July (“Hiker rescued after critical fall in Helderberg Nature Reserve,” 23 July).

Itumeleng Mekoa (28) wasn’t so lucky; after going missing on a solo hike in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. His body was found on Friday 10 July. After setting out on the 4th he remained in contact with a friend via WhatsApp until communication stopped, emergency tracking placing him approximately 6,6 km into the hike near the neck of the Helderberg Dome around 15:00 on Sunday the 5th. A missing-person docket was opened on Tuesday 7 July, prompting a large multi-agency search-and-rescue operation involving Somerset West police, WSAR, K9 units, the Mountain Club of South Africa and volunteers using thermal imaging and drones. Their search ended three days later; it is believed Mekoa fell to his death. An inquest has been registered to investigate the circumstances (“Sombre discovery ends week-long search for hiker at nature reserve“, 15 July).

Trails at a glance

The reserve’s more demanding routes – West Peak and The Dome – extend beyond the reserve’s official boundaries and are recommended for experienced hikers only. Both are steep and physically demanding, involving scrambling and exposed sections with loose stones on the descent. The reward is uninterrupted 360-degree views over False Bay, the Cape Winelands and Table Mountain.

Woodies Walk, Waboom Trail, Protea Trail, Leopard’s Loop, Watsonia Trail and Sugarbird Walk are better suited to regular hikers, supported by a network of interlinked paths including the Siskin, White-eye, Batis, Mongoose, Caracal and Baboon Traverse trails.

The Siskin, Batis and White-eye trails, starting near the picnic areas, offer shaded, canopied sections with trees and ponds and link seamlessly with the Sugarbird Trail, a popular circular route. Waboom, Watsonia, Leopard’s Loop and Woodies Walk traverse wetter, more heavily vegetated ravines with mountain streams, shaded kloofs and slightly more demanding rocky pathways requiring good balance.

High-altitude routes such as West Peak and The Dome, and trails with steep traverses and drops such as Leopard’s Loop and Woodies Walk, should be avoided in bad weather.

What to know before you go

Trails are open during the reserve’s official operating hours, from 1 April to 31 October, these are 07:30 to 17:30. Dedicated reserve staff monitor trails almost daily, conduct hazard inspections and proactively close trails during extreme weather. Staff and volunteers are available to offer guidance and assist in emergencies.

No booking is required for standard hikes; visitors simply pay the entrance fee at the gatehouse. Guided options are available through the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve for those wishing to explore with local experts.

In the event of a wilderness emergency or accident in the Western Cape, contact Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) on 021 937 0300, or the City’s emergency number on 107 (021 480 7700 from a mobile phone).

Eddie Andrews, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, encouraged visitors to come prepared.

“Cape Town is privileged with an abundance of natural places where visitors can get away from the demands and noise of daily life. The Helderberg Nature Reserve is one of these gems, but we need visitors to be cautious when choosing a hike and to come prepared. The obvious things are enough food, water, a first aid kit, proper hiking shoes and clothing for all weather. Then choose a hike that suits your capabilities and experience.

“The weather is an unknown factor that dictates safety. Extreme weather can turn a friendly and inviting mountain into harsh terrain where the risk of severe medical emergencies such as hypothermia or heat exhaustion can develop quickly. Please prepare thoroughly, never hike alone, make sure your phone battery is fully charged and that you have emergency contact details saved. Reception is generally good along the majority of trails, but steep topography and deep valleys frequently block signals. Most importantly, be safe and enjoy the hike.”

• For more information, visit capetown.gov.za and search for Helderberg Nature Reserve.