Water on Cape Town hikes
How much to carry
| Hike length | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 hours | 1.5L | 1L |
| 2–4 hours | 2.5L | 1.5L |
| Over 4 hours | 4L+ | 2.5L |
Silvermine and some Constantiaberg trails have refill points. Table Mountain and Lion's Head do not — carry all your water from the trailhead.
Stream safety
Mountain streams on Table Mountain look clean but can carry bacteria and parasites from animals upstream. Do not drink untreated stream water.
Water treatment
- Water filter or purifier (removes bacteria, protozoa, most viruses)
- Iodine or chlorine tablets (effective against bacteria and protozoa)
- Boiling for at least one minute (kills everything — not practical on most hikes)
Signs of dehydration
- Thirst — you are already mildly dehydrated by the time you feel it
- Dark yellow urine
- Headache or dizziness
- Reduced coordination or poor decision-making
- Cramps in the legs or stomach