Hiking with Downhill Adventures
Its a great time of year to hike- we have been running lots of trips in the last few weeks. Hike up Table Mountain either via Platteklip Gorge or Skeleton Gorge through the beautiful Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens. Both require a reasonable level of fitness and make sure you bring plenty of water, a waterproof Jacket and a camera for the incredible views.

The Table Mountain Ariel Cable Car Company issued the following advice which will all be complied with by hiking with Downhill Adventures.

• Never climb alone.

• Choose your route according to the ability, fitness and experience of the group.

• Go with somebody who knows the way, or use a map or guidebook.

• Allow plenty of time to get up and down in daylight.

• Stick to well recognised paths and heed warnings.

• Tell someone exactly where you are going, the route and your expected time of return.

• Every party should have a leader. Keep together and travel at the pace of the slowest. Never split up or head in different directions.

• Always be prepared for bad weather and take waterproofs and windproof clothing.

• Carry everything in a rucksack to keep arms and hands free.

• Always watch the weather and time and turn back as soon as bad weather threatens or if the route is no longer easy to follow.

• Stay put in the event of trouble. Dont try to force your way down in darkness or mist. Find shelter, especially from the wind (To avoid the risk of hypothermia- Ed)

• If you get lost or find yourself in an area that looks unsafe- retrace your steps.

I'd also like to add that the most valuable emergency tool you can have these days is your mobile phone- make sure at least one person in the group has one and its fully charged and with sufficient credit. Its a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers to hand.

Keep safe and enjoy the beautiful and exhilarating climbs the Cape has to offer by hiking with Downhill Adventures.

Click here to make a hiking enquiry