What is Hiking?

There’s more to hiking than just putting one foot in front of the other. This you can do at home, at the office, a walk around the block … BUT … once you have experienced hiking, you will never look back.

A certain degree of fitness is necessary, and it is important to wear good hiking boots with a thick pair of socks - possibly two pairs.

Hiking alone in South Africa is not advisable but there are several hiking clubs to choose from, depending on the areas in which you wish to hike. Part of hiking with a club is the camaraderie. At night, sitting around the camp fire and chatting about the day’s hiking events is all part of the experience.

Hiking takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and into the country where the air is clear, the environment interesting, and the tranquility can be savoured. It is an extremely good de-stress activity. Its great to swim in a natural rock pool, or just relax those weary legs in the cool waters of a stream. Hiking requires perseverance to complete the route but the satisfaction at the end of the trail cannot be put into words – it must be experienced.

Hiking can be enjoyed by all ages. We cater for all fitness levels and age groups. Sunday hikes are divided into Slow, Medium-Minus, Medium-Plus and Fast groups, which means you pick a group according to your age and fitness level. The club also has a very active Adventure hiking section, which is becoming very popular and this group is growing in size and popularity. Hiking is not a walk in the park, it means hiking over rough terrain, sometimes bundu bashing (not always paths or trails), and some really steep ascents. THis is where perserverance and stamina come into play, but the reward once on top is worth the effort, as some magnigicent vistas unfold, and the hiking generally becomes easier. The descent is often more difficult than the ascent as the strain is put on to the knees. Difficulties and successes are enjoyed not only by the individual but the whole group. Hiking is exhilarating and everyone, at some stage in their lives, should experience the highs, the lows, the enjoyment, the disappointment – whatever – but hiking is fantastic.