Five people who were trapped on Sentinel Peak in the Drakensberg were safely rescued after heavy snowfall left them cut off from the outside world, emergency services reported.
Multi‑agency operation from Witsieshoek base
Search and Rescue teams from Gauteng and the Free State, together with ER24 paramedics and volunteers, established a forward operating base at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge before moving towards Sentinel Peak. Rescue vehicles were fitted with snow chains and a SHERP all‑terrain rescue vehicle was used to negotiate the difficult, snowbound terrain.
The team reached the group at a site called Sentinel Parking, roughly 7 kilometres from the forward base. Because of deep snow and poor conditions the return trip took about two hours.
| Detail | Reported |
|---|---|
| Number rescued | 5 |
| Forward base | Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge |
| Distance to Sentinel Parking | ~7 km |
| Approximate travel time in conditions | 2 hours |
Condition of the group and immediate response
On reaching the stranded hikers, rescuers assessed their condition, provided food and warmth and escorted them down the mountain. Emergency responders reported the group were in good spirits and had no immediate medical concerns.
“Don’t use your phone as a torch,”
The Search and Rescue Association of South Africa's Kyle Nesbitt urged hikers to prepare for severe weather and carry at least 48 hours’ worth of food as well as appropriate cold‑weather and wet‑weather gear. He also advised hikers to have an emergency plan and to conserve cellphone battery life, stressing that a phone may be the only means of communication in remote areas.
Teams said the situation could have become increasingly dangerous had the rescue been delayed, given the deteriorating weather and dwindling food and water supplies reported by the stranded party.
Practical advice for mountain users
This incident underlines the heightened risks on the Drakensberg during winter and severe weather events. Practical measures recommended by the Search and Rescue Association include:
- Carry at least 48 hours of food and water per person.
- Pack dedicated cold‑weather clothing and waterproof layers, including a suitable sleeping bag and thermal insulation.
- Plan routes with realistic turnaround times and brief someone at your trailhead about your itinerary.
- Conserve cellphone batteries: use flight mode, carry a power bank and avoid using the phone as a torch.
- Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before departure.
Rescue teams highlighted the value of having specialised equipment available. The SHERP vehicle, which can traverse deep snow and rough ground, and snow‑chain fitted vehicles allowed responders to reach the site safely despite challenging conditions.
Implications for visitors and local authorities
The Drakensberg is a popular destination for hikers and overnight trekkers. Incidents like this place pressure on volunteer and professional rescue resources and demonstrate the need for hikers to be self‑sufficient in unpredictable weather. Local authorities and mountain operators routinely warn that weather in the highlands can change rapidly and that winter storms can make routes impassable.
No further injuries or missing persons were reported in this incident. The rescue was concluded once the group had been brought down and received further checks by ER24 paramedics.
Mountain users planning trips to the Drakensberg should monitor weather advisories and consider postponing non‑essential outings when heavy snow or storms are forecast.
Reported by emergency services and the Search and Rescue Association of South Africa; operation coordinated from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge.
