With a few public holidays to look forward to in the next couple of months, many South Africans are putting in additional leave from work and browsing around for specials on holiday accommodation, plane tickets and other travel packages. It's indeed a lovely time of the year and the perfect weather for hiking in the Drakensberg.
You won't need to be a wilderness specialist to go hiking in the Drakensberg, or any other area for that matter, but if you are a newcomer to this fantastic outdoor pastime, the next couple of tips and suggestions might make your first hiking trip even more unforgettable!
One of the most important products on you hiking list is a decent back pack. Buy a rucksack with a waist belt to help you carry the backpack's weight on your hips and not on your backs. Remember that, even the lightest back pack can feel incredibly heavy after a long walk and an aching back added to that might turn your hiking experience into a horror. A back pack must not be over tightened but you should be able to keep it steady and close to the body with suitable support.
When packing your back pack you need to keep in mind that the heaviest items should be close to your back near the middle of the pack. Generally your sleeping bag would go in first, followed by your meal supplies for the hiking trip. An unbalanced rucksack is almost as unsafe as an unbalanced trailer and you will end up having to fight with the backpack the entire route to keep if from throwing you off balance.
Don't pack moist items in your backpack, especially for extended periods. Shake water off your camping tent before packing it away.
The next item on the list is your clothes. Cotton does not dry quickly and holds water close to your skin and is therefore not perfect hiking fabric. Purchase hiking shorts that are water repellent and will dry quickly. Lykra shorts are also a good option and will avoid thigh chafing on more sensitive skin. Your clothing should be kept in a waterproof bag in your backpack - putting on wet clothes on a hike is not something to look forward to!
It is not recommended to take 12 sets of clothing on a hike, but if you have minimal clothing for your excursion try to wash the clothes as frequently as possible. Dirty clothes are generally warmer as the gathered oils reduce the loft and heat is conducted away from the body. In summer months, a broad rimmed hat is non-negotiable. Sunglasses and suntan cream should be used in addition to the hat in order to avoid an unpleasant sunburn on your sensitive face area.
Should you be considering on hiking in the Drakensberg in winter months, you can consume food with a lot of fat content before you go to nap - this will keep you comfortable during the night.
Hiking is a very pleasant pastime. Take the necessary precautions and have an exciting time with nature!
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