The objective for this hike is to complete First-Class Task 8, where you have to plan and lead an expedition covering at least 20km over a minimum of 2 days.

A secondary objective is to give some scouts that couldn't go on other hikes an opportunity to come on this one and gain advancement.

I would also like to show the attendees some interesting places on Table Mountain without having to endure an overly difficult route.

Map of route

Michael Collins -  Age: 17 -  Strong hiker, average fitness - Discoverer

Aaron Collins -  Age: 14 -  Somewhat strong hiker, average fitness - Traveler

Daniel Webb -  Age: 16 -  Somewhat strong hiker, good fitness          -  Traveler

Rephael Korn -  Age: 14 - Average hiker, average fitness - Membership

Lili Collins -  Age: 13 -  Strong hiker, good fitness  - Membership

Kate Ball -  Age: 13/14 - Somewhat strong hiker, average fitness  - Membership

Sarah Ball -  Age: 13/14 -  Somewhat strong hiker, average fitness  - Membership

I have verified that all participants can swim, but there will be no water activities.

• I will treat the outdoors – our veld, rivers and mountains – as a heritage to be cherished and protected, and to be enriched for our own greater enjoyment and for future generations.

• I will learn to understand nature and her ways.

• I will learn how to practice conservation of soil, water, forests, grasslands and wildlife, and urge others to do the same.

• I will treat public and private land with respect, remembering that the use of the outdoors is a privilege.

• I will prevent fires and build my own fire in a safe place, and be sure it is out before I depart.

• I will keep my litter and garbage out of South African waters, fields, woods, veld and roadways.

• Whenever I take from nature for my own use, I will endeavour to return a share of her bounty.

Table Mountain, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to a remarkable array of fauna. Among its inhabitants are the rock hyrax, locally known as the dassie, which scampers among the rocks. Various bird species grace the skies, including the endangered African peregrine falcon and the colorful orange-breasted sunbird. The mountain's slopes host a diversity of reptiles, such as the Cape dwarf chameleon and the Cape cobra. In the surrounding seas, one can spot marine life like dolphins and seals. This unique ecosystem makes Table Mountain a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Table Mountain boasts a rich tapestry of flora, showcasing a stunning array of indigenous plant species. Among its botanical treasures are the resilient fynbos, a unique Mediterranean-like vegetation found nowhere else on Earth, which includes proteas, ericas, and restios. The mountain's slopes also feature patches of lush indigenous forest, home to tree species like yellowwoods and Cape beech. Alongside these, one can find a variety of succulents, such as aloes and vygies, clinging to the rocky terrain. This diverse botanical landscape contributes to Table Mountain's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot, offering visitors a glimpse into the beauty and resilience of South Africa's natural heritage.

Medical Emergency:

I would take control of the situation and instruct in the administration of first aid

If there is cellphone reception I would ensure that the emergency contact is contacted

If there is not cellphone reception I would send a group of three people to find a place where there is signal

We will maintain the buddy system at all times.

If unable to evacuate we will find a safe area and wait for assistance to arrive.

I have First Aid Interest. The first aider for the hike has Scoutcraft, which should cover all necessary skills.

Hypothermia: Symptoms include shivering, slow breathing, mental confusion, and a weak pulse. The key to recovery is to get warm as soon as possible.  Treatment - Warm them up slowly. Remove wet clothing and insulate them from the ground to reduce loss of body heat.  Give the patient plenty of food and water

Fire: 

If there is a fire impacting our plans we will evacuate using the nearest planned escape route.

There will be no open fires lit.

According to AFIS there are no fires on Table Mountain.

Mugging:

If there is an attempted mugging we will comply with the mugger/s to ensure physical safety.

We will make use of the escape routes and contact the emergency contacts.

Bad Weather:

The safest route will be decided from the alternate-safety routes. 

We will follow this route.

If the end location changes, we will be in constant contact with parents to coordinate a safe end.

The hike may be postponed if weather is bad.

Getting Lost:

Due to the clouds there is a possibility of losing the path. To mitigate this, I will check the location with a digital map on my phone periodically to make sure we are on the correct path. If not, we will walk back the way we came and try to find the correct route.

Safety of participants is prioritised.

Emergency Contact: Sebastian Haug (0817300782)

First Aider: Aaron Collins - Experience Level 1

Nearest Hospitals: Life Vincent Palotti Hospital, Mediclinic Constantiaberg Hospital

Emergency Numbers: WSAR - 021 937 0300

CT Call Centre - 021 480 7700

CSO - 086 18 911 18

What constitutes an emergency: Injury, Fire, Risk to wellbeing

Escape Routes: Marked with an orange path on the map above. 

Contact details of all Regional Hiking advisors have been added to phones.