Joburg hiker rescued after surviving freezing night near Rhino Peak

A Johannesburg man was rescued after surviving a freezing night in the southern Drakensberg near Rhino Peak. According to The Citizen, the 24‑year‑old hiker endured sub‑zero temperatures overnight before being reached by rescue teams the next morning.

How the solo hike went wrong

According to The Citizen, the hiker, identified as Hussain Kotwal, an auditor from Auckland Park, had checked into Lake Naverone on 30 July for a five‑night stay. He summited Rhino Peak at midday and described the views as “breathtaking.” On his descent multiple exit paths confused him and he became lost; by around 14:30 he realised he was in trouble.

Enduring the night

With his phone battery dying, Kotwal prepared to spend the night on the mountain. According to The Citizen, he said he was cold and fatigued, and that while his body and legs felt warm, his feet were extremely cold. He told rescuers he removed his socks and placed them inside his jacket against his chest to warm them and placed his feet inside his bag. He also said being a religious man, prayer helped him get through the night.

Rescue and conditions

According to The Citizen, at 03:30 Kotwal spotted torches in the distance, and by 09:30 rescuers had reached him.

Rescue teams from Berg Protection Services, the Mountain Rescue Club, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and Underberg EMS worked overnight to reach him, according to The Citizen. Theuns van Aardt, general manager of Berg Protection Services, said temperatures dropped to -6°C and below and “for a while, it was touch and go for the hiker.” He added that in the Berg the weather can change at any point and that hiking alone is dangerous.

After the rescue

According to The Citizen, Kotwal was treated for frostbite and hypothermia but is recovering. He told rescuers he will no longer hike alone and advised others to do the same.

Location note

According to The Citizen, Rhino Peak is situated in the Garden Castle Nature Reserve, a short drive from Lake Naverone.