Visitor trends and mountain tourism dynamics at a storm shelter in the Hex River mountains, Western Cape, South Africa (2008–2023)

This study explores the mountain trends of visitors to Perry Refuge, a storm shelter in the Hex River mountain range, Western Cape from 2008-2023. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the observations of visitors to the refuge regarding route choice and other features. Most of the literature was gleaned from the Journals of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA), the entity responsible for the construction of the shelter. The methodology comprised securing the shelter records (the logbook) and then ascertaining the key features and trends of mountain tourism dynamics. The results indicated there has been a massive increase of visitors between the 1960s and the recent present. Post the Covid-19 lockdowns, there was also a major increase in visitors. Women comprise around one-fifth of all visitors. There has been a trend away from organised club meets to bespoke and private trips. Route choices still accord with the relatively easiest route out of the area, especially towards Waaihoek and the Ceres farms. Regarding activity choice, there have been noteworthy developments in arete-climbing and trail running to access the refuge. Environmental observations were generally minor, the most important being that parties are still running out of water on the ridge route between Waaihoek and Perry Refuge. A number of parties reported route-finding difficulties during the second timeframe. Recommendations include taking measures to ensure sustainable wilderness hygiene measures given the significant increase in visitors.