Every year, scores of people get into trouble on Table Mountain. It is critical that you prepare yourself correctly and that you respect the mountain.
Weather
The Cape is notorious for changeable, wet and windy weather. Nowhere is this more noticeable than up on Table Mountain. You should be prepared for cold at all times, and should be vigilant in your watch on changing weather conditions.
Water
Laken Futura
Always take plenty of liquid along with you on your hike. I always walk with a minimum of 1.5 litres — even on short hikes. There are plenty of streams on the mountain depending on the time of year, but you will not always feel inclined to drink from the often brackish water.
In hotter weather it is wise to also take a water bottle filled with a commercial isotonic sports drink, like Game or Energade.
Food
Take a snack, even on a short walk. An energy boosting snack whilst enjoying the view from the top will allow you to enjoy your walk to the end. Dried and fresh fruit, peanuts & raisins, biscuits and chocolate all make it into my bag at times!
In winter I have taken to carrying a flask of tea or hot chocolate which is a real warming treat on a cold wet hike!
Clothing
Always, always carry warm clothing. I always have a thick, warm high-collared fleece top in my back-pack. If there is any doubt, I carry wet-weather gear (a jacket or a light shell), thermal gloves and a beanie. I almost always hike in shorts, even when it is going to be fairly cool – unless I know I will be walking on a narrow track through scratchy Fynbos.
Route
Know your route, or hike with someone who does. Let someone know where you are going, and how long you plan to be — and then stick to your route! If at any stage you feel uncertain, trust your instincts and turn back. Carrying a map is not a bad idea, I recommend the Slingsby Maps range. Always remember that it is often far more difficult to come down than it is to go up – ask Tigger!
Some routes should not be attempted by the inexperienced! A simple Google search for the India-Venster Route on Table Mountain will illustrate this: people regularly have serious accidents or fall to their deaths on the mountain. The Right Face—Arrow Face Traverse is dangerous, and the Ledges area is extremely dangerous. Get someone experienced to guide you on these routes.
Crime
This is South Africa. You are safe nowhere. Do not leave anything visible in your car, and make sure it is locked. Do not be seen piling your valuables into the boot / cubby-hole as you prepare to set off. Take as few valuables with you as possible, and be ready to hand them over quickly and without a fuss. I leave my wallet at home, and hike with my credit card and single car key.
PLEASE NOTE: The authorities have claimed that the crime on Table Mountain is “under control”, and as a result, have stopped some of the measures that were implemented at the time of all the muggings. This is a shameful fabrication: muggings are still happening regularly — and what’s worse, they are no longer being publicized!
Fire
It still astounds me to see people smoking on the mountain. Please be careful not to do anything that might spark off a fire.