Missing polish tourists rescued after harrowing Mpumalanga hike

Search and rescue teams, including helicopters, located two missing Polish tourists in the mountainous terrain of Mpumalanga after they went off‑trail while hiking. The hikers were reported missing late last week after failing to return from their trek in a remote section of the province’s scenic hills.

According to Mpumalanga search authorities, the couple had ventured into an area they had not fully mapped and lost their bearings. Their last-known GPS signal raised alarmbells and prompted a coordinated response involving local wilderness guides, emergency services, and community volunteers.

On Saturday, rescue teams finally made contact with the tourists. According to the emergency response centre, both were in a “stable but fatigued” condition and were airlifted out of the rugged terrain for medical evaluation. Their exact location had made ground access challenging, necessitating the use of helicopters for extraction.

Authorities say the hikers were dehydrated and required first aid, but no serious injuries were reported. They were given food, water, and warm clothing before being transported to a safer location. Plans are underway to reunite them with their tour group once they are cleared medically.