Katie Jackson thought she knew the trails around Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, but a violent encounter in 2023 shattered that sense of security. In her essay, she recounts the attack in harrowing detail and reflects on how our instinct to see nature as safe can leave us vulnerable, even on a sunny morning hike. Jackson balances the fear with the love of the outdoors, sharing how she continues to explore while staying vigilant. Tap the link in our bio to read her full essay on the hidden risks of hiking. ✍️ : katietalkstravel 📷️ : leahhoefling #getoutside #outsidemagazine #stayingsafe