20-year-old solo hiker rescued after 14-hour Table Mountain operation

According to The Citizen, a 20-year-old male hiker was rescued after a complex 14-hour overnight operation on Table Mountain that ran from Sept 4–5, 2026.

Stranded above Newlands

The Citizen reports the hiker became disoriented while exploring high above Newlands and, after losing the trail, found himself stuck on a steep cliff where he could not safely move forwards or backwards.

Drone imagery and reassurance

Members of Western Cape Search and Rescue (WSAR) responded and specialist rope-rescue personnel from the Table Aerial Cableway’s upper station were deployed. The Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS Drone Unit provided aerial imagery to help locate the stranded hiker.

The drone was also used to communicate directly with the hiker. He said the drone provided “some much-needed reassurance.” He described hearing a voice coming from the drone as “a somewhat surreal experience,” and said he briefly wondered if he was hallucinating.

Technical descent and recovery

Once rescuers reached the top of the cliff, a small technical rescue team established a rope system and descended nearly 200 metres to reach the hiker. He was found uninjured, secured into the rope system and lifted back up the cliff to the waiting rescue team.

After being given food and water, the hiker was escorted to a vehicle and driven down the mountain. The incident concluded shortly after 7am on Monday morning, with all team members safely off the mountain.

Advice from WSAR

According to The Citizen, WSAR urged hikers to research routes, carry sufficient water, ensure their cell phone is fully charged, share their plans with someone they trust, and be prepared to turn back if conditions or terrain become more challenging than expected. WSAR emphasised that it is better to call for help before a situation deteriorates, as this gives rescuers the best opportunity to safely assist.