Maegan-Leigh JacobsIn the spirit of the international day, the annual ‘Take A Hike Day’ event taking place at Table Mountain this month will remind hikers and nature lovers of the importance of protecting and conserving this New7Wonders of Nature site. This year, ‘Take a Hike Day’ will be hosted by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) from 15 to 17 November 2023.
Take A Hike Day is an international event that invites the public to walk or hike up the mountains while picking up litter and refuse along the way. The event aims to engender a love for the outdoors and an understanding of keeping the terrain free from litter.
‘This will be our fourth time hosting this important event and we hope that Capetonians will again show the overwhelming support we’ve seen in previous years,’ says TMACC’s Executive Director of Finance Selma Hercules.
‘Our organisation is co-custodians of the mountains and we understand all too well the importance of caring for and maintaining the site. We must preserve it for future generations, and this is why we are excited to again host visitors for this good cause,’ Hercules added.
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The mountain clean-up is set to take place from 7:30 am to 3 pm and will begin at the Platteklip Gorge hiking trail towards the top of Table Mountain, where you will be able to discard your trash in bins at the Twelve Apostle Terrace, below the Shop at the Top.
Everyone who takes part will receive water, and a bin bag at the start of Platteklip Gorge while they will be issued a snack pack and free ticket down when they hand in the trash. You are free to choose any of the other trails too. Hikers have until 5 pm to hand in their trash.
‘We call on everyone who loves Table Mountain to join us. Think of it as turning your trash into a free cable car ride,’ says Hercules.
When planning their hike, hikers should consider factors such as changing weather. As we all know, the Mother City’s weather can change almost instantaneously, no matter which season of the year. One of the best things to do is check the weather the day before and the morning of your hike to ensure it’s safe.
Some extra tips from Selma Hercules:
- Check-in and check-out; tell somebody where you are going and how long you expect to be.
- Stick to the route and the demarcated pathways.
- Every party should have a leader. The larger the group, the greater the need for one.
- Keep together and hike at the pace of the slowest. Do not split up and go in different directions.
- Do not wear jewellery or take other non-vital valuables with you.
- Watch the weather and time and turn back in case of impending bad weather.
- Know what to do in an emergency.
- Save the relevant emergency numbers on your phone
- Download any of the available outdoor safety apps, which could help locate you in the event of a mishap.
The details:
- Dates: 15 to 17 November 2023
- Start location: Platteklip Gorge hiking trail
- Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm (you have until 5 pm to hand in trash)
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Article compiled and published by Tauhira Ajam for Cape Etc.
Feature image: Unsplash
