A 28-year-old hiker was rescued from Lion’s Head on Saturday, 10 January 2026, after she slipped and injured herself on a loose, sandy section of the trail above the first ladder, according to Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR).

Slip on Loose Section Above First Ladder

WSAR teams responded alongside SANParks Table Mountain National Park rangers after the woman went down on the route. The call-out happened on one of the mountain’s busiest paths, where sections of the track can shift underfoot.

Paramedic Treats Patient on the Trail

A Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic assessed the hiker at the scene and treated her before the rescue team started moving her. Once she was stable, crews carefully assisted her into a stretcher for the trip down.

Terra Tamer Wheel Helps Speed Up Descent

To manage the steep, uneven trail, teams used a Cascade Rescue Company Terra Tamer wheel attached to the stretcher. WSAR said the wheel helped rescuers carry the patient down to a waiting vehicle faster and more safely.

From there, she was transferred to an ambulance and transported to hospital for further medical treatment. WSAR said the incident was concluded at 13:29 on Saturday.

Teamwork Praised, Hikers Urged to Take Care

WSAR thanked the responders for their “skill, professionalism and teamwork” after the operation. The organisation is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations that partner on search and rescue missions.

With Lion’s Head drawing crowds through summer, rescuers are reminding hikers and runners to watch their footing. WSAR said the trail can be loose and slippery in places, so people should take extra care on the descent, wear appropriate footwear and stay cautious near exposed sections.