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Mountain Club of South Africa, Cape Town section (MCSA-CT)
The MCSA engages in all manner of mountaineering activities. Our focus is on the responsible and sustainable use of the mountain resources that belong to all of us. Join us, to... Explore - Discover - Connect - Protect
View our current and past news here
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Why join the MCSA-CT section?
We facilitate access to the Western Cape’s natural heritage in a dynamic and supportive manner, and organise over 200 meets every year, with something for everyone. If you'd like to join the most experienced and prestigious hiking-climbing-conserving-outreaching-rescuing-training club around... More
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December 2011 Search & Rescue training exercise on Table Mountain
“We were privileged to have as guest instructor Laurent Schneitter, a highly experienced
rescue technician and international IRATA Assessor. As always, the core skills emphasised were those of mountaineering and rock climbing, which is our skill mainstay, with a constant striving for excellence, safety and continued learning.” Read on (and see our 'Search & Rescue in Action' article on this page)
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UPDATED: What numbers to call in an emergency?
Once a situation has been assessed calmly, and it does prove necessary to call for help,
you want the right numbers at your fingertips. More. |
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We're out there... reaching out
Our outreach program has been ongoing for many years. We like to share the joys of nature and believe that whoever learns to love our mountains, will take care of our mountains. We sponsor transport, food and cold drinks and members donate boots, back packs, clothing and water bottles. We currently have two outreach hikes every month and each November we get a huge group together for a Christmas Party. More
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Hypothermia – how to avoid, recognise and treat
This potential killer can set in very quickly – yes, even in warm weather.
More from Mountaineering Ireland and avoid becoming a victim. |
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Search and Rescue in action
Brent Jennings, senior technical trainer with the MCSA-CT, has produced a comprehensive
article on Search and Rescue, complemented by Andy Nixon’s stunning pictures. More
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Table Mountain Klipspringers
Along with the controversial attempt to remove the Himalayan tahrs from Table Mountain, SanParks reintroduced klipspringers. Help them to monitor the populations of larger mammals (grysbok, klipspringer, tahr, fallow deer, etc.) on the mountain. Glynn Alard asks for all sightings and information - including date, locality and numbers - as well as any photographs (this one was taken on 12 Nov 2010 near the Victoria and Alexander dams). Contact him at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
/ 021 713 7518 / 082 455 2919.
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FOR MEMBERS ONLY: four of our prize-winning books reveiwed
Pop into our library before an evening social or during club office hours to have a look at these and our latest captivating reads and DVD's. More for reviews of four of our prize-winning books.
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FOR MEMBERS ONLY: UIAA membership - what’s in it for me, as ordinary member?
Why not see if you can make better use of your MCSA membership, in particular our affiliation as a member to the UIAA (International Union of Alpine Associations). Even at the most basic level, it is remarkable what discounts are available to card-carrying members at overseas camp sites and climbing shops. You would do well to plan your next overseas hiking/climbing trip with this in mind! More
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FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Valuable club archives
The Club's archives (including publications, newsletters, hut registers, climbing & expedition records, mountaineering history, photographs & newspaper clippings) are housed in the University of Cape Town’s Manuscripts and Archives Department. You will be given access on production of a valid membership card. More
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Global warming made visible?
Can you spot the ‘ant’ top, right in this picture? That is a climber on a penitente (ice pinnacle) in the fast-receding Rongbuk Glacier. For more information and shocking images (compared to 80 years ago), click here and then on Comparative Photography. At the bottom of the page, enlarge this photograph to see the height of the penitentes in relation to the climber, as well as to the glacier and surrounding peaks!
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In one of the previous rounds a panel of experts selected suitable sites, but don’t think it was all about the biggest or grandest. What they considered is how a nominated site impacts on & is viewed & experienced by human beings - both currently & historically.
Below, in bold, are the three most important listed criteria used (the other two related to even geo-location and diversity distribution):
Unique beauty - candidates had to be clearly defined natural sites, neither created nor significantly altered by humans for aesthetic reasons. Enough said! Or, how about this - Table Mountain is the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it - Mensa, meaning “the table.”
Ecological significance (in terms of either stand-alone eco-systems and/or their significance for human beings). For one thing, the mountain's weather systems & resultant sweet, fresh water is what drew early inhabitants, seafarers & colonists. In fact, this city would never have come about had it not been for Table Mountain - the natural harbour of Saldanha Bay offered far superior shelter, but no fresh water. Table Mountain uniquely refers not only to the famous flat-topped front face, but to its two ‘side-kicks’, as well as the whole spine of peaks & valleys behind it. It is a living monument to a scale of biodiversity not seen anywhere else on earth. And it is geologically older than the Alps, Rockies or Himalayas.
Historical legacy (relation that human beings and/or indigenous populations have or have had with the site). A rich & dramatic history stretches back all the way to the indigenous tribes & early clashes between them & settlers. There are numerous examples of human endeavours & triumphs still visible today - albeit not (yet!) very well known or treasured - most of it related to the water & wood provided by the mountain. Located at the tip of Africa, it was like a giant inn sign to weary seafarers en route to the east, as it still is today to those approaching Cape Town from the sea. And, of course, many people play, explore and impact on Table Mountain, and began doing so millennia ago.
Double click on Table Mountain on the Finalists page & see more.
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