Emergency
Mountain emergency? Call Wilderness Search and Rescue first. They coordinate everything else.
Call WSAR — 021 937 0300Your location
What to say
- Your name
- Your location — use the peak or trail name
- Nature of the incident
- Whether anyone is injured
Tell them: 'Mountain rescue request' — they handle the rest.
Emergency contacts
- WSAR021 937 0300
Wilderness Search and Rescue
Mountain emergency — they coordinate everything else. Call first.
- 112112
Emergency (any network)
Works without airtime or a SIM. Use if no other number connects.
- Fire and Rescue021 480 7700
Fire and Rescue (City of Cape Town)
Fire on the mountain or serious road accident. This is the cell phone number — 107 only works from a landline.
- Netcare 911082 911
Netcare 911
Private ambulance. Faster response in some areas.
- ER24084 124
ER24
Private ambulance. Faster response in some areas.
- SAPS10111
South African Police Service
Crime or a hiker who has not returned. Not for medical emergencies.
- NSRI087 094 9774
National Sea Rescue Institute
Coastal trails or water-related emergencies.
112 works on any phone, even without airtime or a SIM. Use it if no other number works.
More safety information
First aid for Cape Town hikers
Call Wilderness Search and Rescue first. These notes are while you wait.
If WSAR is coming
What to do while you wait for the team.
Water on Cape Town hikes
How much to carry and whether streams are safe.
Numbers verified June 2026. Report an outdated number: hello@walkaweh.co.za