Photo by WSAR via Facebook
By Newz.Africa City Desk | Cape Town, South Africa | 21 January 2026 | Updated: 22:55 SAST | Table Mountain tourists rescued
Four international tourists missed the last cable car down from Table Mountain on Tuesday night. This triggered a late‑night operation by Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and SANParks rangers to rescue them. The group became stranded when strong winds forced the suspension of cableway operations, leaving them unable to descend safely.
The incident unfolded after two hikers crossed the mountain from Kirstenbosch. One was a 34‑year‑old visitor from the United Kingdom. The other was a 29‑year‑old from the United States. They reached the upper cable station after the service had already closed. According to WSAR, a second pair of hikers came from Turkey. They were aged 27 and 29. They later arrived at the same shelter after hiking across from Kasteelspoort above Camps Bay. [WSAR]
Table Mountain tourists rescued after cable car shuts down
WSAR said rescue teams were dispatched on Tuesday evening. This was after reports that the first two hikers were stranded near the upper cable station. While teams were ascending via Platteklip Gorge, the second pair reached the shelter. All four were found safe but cold.
Rescuers provided the tourists with warm jackets and torches before guiding them down the mountain on foot. The group was escorted along the Platteklip Gorge trail under clear and calm night‑time conditions. The operation concluded shortly after midnight. All four tourists and rescuers were safely off the mountain by approximately 12:15am on Wednesday. [iol.co.za]
WSAR urges better planning for late hikes
WSAR said the incident highlights the risks of late-afternoon hikes on Table Mountain. These risks are higher during periods of strong winds. Cableway operations can be suspended without warning at these times. The organisation urged visitors to start hikes earlier in the day. It advised them to monitor weather forecasts closely. Visitors should carry warm clothing and torches. They should also check cable car operating hours before setting out.
Table Mountain National Park remains one of Cape Town’s most popular tourist attractions. Rescue officials regularly warn that weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in summer.
Alt text (hero image): Table Mountain rescue as fire crews escort stranded tourists down Platteklip Gorge at night
Original Reporting
- Verified incident details, nationalities and rescue timeline.
- Cross‑checked weather conditions and cableway suspension.
Primary artefact
- Wilderness Search and Rescue operational update.
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