Five hikers rescued from snowbound Drakensberg peak after cold snap

A group of five hikers is safe after being rescued from Sentinel Peak in the Drakensberg mountains. The group became stranded on Monday night when a sudden onset of heavy snow made it impossible for them to descend the peak.

The situation grew increasingly urgent as their supplies of food and water began to run out. Rescuers from Gauteng and the Free State joined forces with ER24 paramedics to launch a complex recovery operation.

The Challenging Journey Up

To reach the group, teams established a base at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. They utilized vehicles equipped with snow chains and a SHERP all-terrain vehicle to navigate the deep snow and frozen roads that had paralyzed the region.

The final seven-kilometer stretch to the parking area near the peak took nearly two hours due to the brutal weather. Upon arrival, rescuers provided the hikers with warm clothing, food, and essential medical assessments.

Kyle Nesbitt of the Search and Rescue Association of South Africa noted that the hikers were in stable condition despite their ordeal. He emphasized that the situation could have deteriorated rapidly if help had been delayed.

Winter Safety Warnings

Following the successful rescue, Nesbitt reminded the public of the dangers of winter hiking. He advised that anyone entering remote areas should carry at least 48 hours worth of emergency supplies and have a clear evacuation plan.

This incident follows another recent mountain rescue in the Garden Castle Nature Reserve. In that case, a hiker was found alive near Rhino Peak after disappearing in sub-zero temperatures, requiring immediate hospitalization for exposure.

Disaster management teams across South Africa remain on high alert as severe winter weather continues to impact travel and safety across several provinces.