Please follow the basic safety rules as the mountain can be dangerous to those who are unprepared or inexperienced.

Ten Basic Rules of Mountain Safety

1. Don’t hike alone; four is the ideal number. Join a hiking club if you do not have a partner to go with.
2. Choose a hike leader and walk at the pace of the slowest member.
3. Know the route. Choose your route carefully and stick to it. Allow yourself enough time - start early. Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back. Take a map or a guide book or someone that knows the way.
4. If lost - don’t split up. Rather try to retrace your steps. Remember that climbing down is more difficult than climbing up.
5. When forced to stop because of bad weather, stay together and remain in one place. Find the closest shelter from wind and rain. Stay in one place, keep calm, try to make yourself visible with means of a mirror or bright object. Know the weather before you go.
6. Always take waterproof clothing, even in mid-summer, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer. Weather changes rapidly.
7. In case of injury, take time to assess the situation. Then send two people for help and let the third remain with the injured person. If possible, mark the position on a map and send it with those going for help.
8. Stick to well-used paths, which will be indicated on the Park's hiking map and read the warnings on this map. Don’t take shortcuts and especially don’t wander into ravines. Respect nature: Keep your litter in your bag. Do not pick the flowers. Do not feed the animals or leave food behind for them to find in the bins. Fires are only allowed in designated picknick spots.  
9. Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay. Watch the weather and time, and turn back before you start running late or if bad weather threatens.
10. Take a fully-charged cellphone. Some parts of the Park do not have cell phone reception, but you will always be able to reach a place where you can use a cell phone more quickly than you’ll get to a landline. Numbers to save are the following: Mountain Rescue Cape Town (10177 or 021 948 9900), Attacks or Suspicious Behaviour (086 110 6417).

Three Rules for Personal Security

As Table Mountain is an urban park, please exercise the same common sense and security precautions that you would anywhere else in the world.

• Do not attract unwanted attention by openly displaying cash, cameras or other valuables.
• If you are confronted by a criminal, don't resist. Handover your goods as resistance might incite a mugger to violence.
• Program emergency numbers in your cellphone before your hike. Mountain Rescue Cape Town (10177 or 021 948 9900), Attacks or Suspicious Behaviour (086 110 6417).

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