A hiker’s guide to arriving in one piece Posted on 15 March 2021 From local legends and everyday mountaineers to tourists, many South Africans flock to the mountains to get a slice of the high life. Not everybody, however, comes prepared. By Robyn Simpson No matter the difficulty or duration, no hike should be met with jeans and Tomy takkies. The country has seen one too many hiking tragedies for our liking, and so, here are a few tips on how you can hike safely. Pick your poison Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Cape Town offers some lung-busting, leg-burning trails that require a certain level of fitness and training. Make sure you do your research and pick a hike suitable for you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heinrich Knoetze Photography (@instacptguy) Dress the part You are meeting up with Mother Nature people! Slops and sarongs just won’t cut it. We’re not saying you need top-of-the-range gear, but suitable takkies, thick socks, sunblock and a hat are always recommended. A backpack with a jacket or windbreaker is never a bad idea. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hiking South Africa (@hiking.southafrica) Groups are good If you’re experiencing an existential crisis, attempting to run away from home or are hiding from your spouse, don’t turn to the mountains to retreat. Hiking is always safer when done in groups. If you want a moment alone with nature, be sure to tell someone about your whereabouts and how long you should be out and about. This way, if six hours pass and you went on a three-hour hike, you have someone to send backup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fatima Sait (@fats_on_a_mountain) Fuel your body Hiking is physically demanding. Make sure to always have water and a snack at hand. Quick-energy-goodies including nuts, biltong and bananas are guaranteed to keep you going. Picture: Unsplash A basic first-aid kit You’re heading off-the-beaten-track. Suncream, plasters, mozzie spray, antibiotic ointment and water purifying tablets will make for a well-rounded emergency kit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lifesystems (@lifesystemsuk) Stay on track Fortunately, most popular trails have been very well marked. Take a moment to check out the maps placed along your route to ensure that you stay on your planned path. If you start feeling a little lost, turn back and head the way you came. Try and be mindful of landmarks – just in case. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jean-Pierre Roux (@jeanpierre.roux) Keep an eye out for critters Long pants and socks aren’t recommended as a fashion statement. Trails are often home to snakes, spiders and other creepy critters that might not be too welcoming. Avoid bites, scrapes and stings by paying close attention to what lies ahead. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arthur Jambon (@the_unreal_arthur_jambon) Be a nice hiker Practice correct hiking etiquette. This includes downhill yielding for uphill, refraining from destroying natural surroundings in any way, and not littering (to name a few essentials). CapeNature emphasises these three C’s: Courtesy, Communication, and Common Sense. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cape Town Couple (@the.mountain.locals) For an in-depth dive into safe hiking, check out CapeNature’s considerations, information, and protocols. In case of emergency, keep these numbers saved on your cell: Table Mountain National Park Security: 0861 106 417. General emergency services number: 10177 Emergency Services , Cape Town: 021 480 7700 Picture: Unsplash Related Posts 7 countries that celebrate Easter differently to South Africa 2 April 2023 Here's how some nations are observing the Easter holiday in colourful, epic and sometimes head-scratchingly... read more 5 amazing picnic places around Pretoria 26 September 2022 Pretoria and its surrounds have no lack of beautiful parks, fields and reserves where you... read more 20 things to do on rainy days in Cape Town 18 August 2022 There's plenty to do on rainy days in Cape Town and all of these activities... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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