DRAKENSBERG
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Mountain of the Dragons
South Africa’s mightiest
mountain range with its spear-like peaks – reminiscent of the saw-toothed spine
of a gigantic dragon.
Where Adventure
beckons..........
DRAKENSBERG WILDERNESS PHOTOS ©
WILLEM PELSER
“HIKING THE WILDERNESS IS NOT ABOUT SURVIVAL. RATHER IT IS BEING EMBRACED BY MOTHER NATURE, THE ACCEPTANCE OF A WORLD RADICALLY DIFFERENT THAN CIVILIZATION”
HIKING EMERGENCIES ON THE TRIAL
This is not a substitute for a proper first aid course or mountain and wilderness survival training. Statistically, besides common blisters, burns, insect bites, scratches and sprains, most people will never be affected by altitude sickness, hypo- or hyperthermia, malaria or bilharzia. However, you will not be affected only if you are aware of how to avoid the dangers.
Analysis of survival cases has proved that mental stress associated with emergencies – especially with being lost and alone – produces fear and anxiety. In turn, these psychological stresses detrimentally affect judgment and attitudes. The prepared hiker can certainly curb, if not eliminate such stresses.
Obtain adequate information about your route by reading guides and relevant hiking pamphlets thoroughly.
Each member of the group should carry a map. If you don’t have enough to go around, make more copies.
Know how to use your equipment. Be familiar with the use of a compass, reading maps, lighting a camp stove, setting-up a tent, fixing a broken backpack frame, preparing foods, using a first aid kit, treating snake bites and purifying water. It is the responsibility of the hiker to prepare himself with such knowledge before setting off.
Build into your schedule ample time between overnight points. Taking into consideration stops en route for rest, nature study, food and water, the hiker should average at least 2 to 3 km an hour. Remember, however, that more time will be needed for steep climbs.
Discuss plans of action for all foreseeable emergencies with members of the party. Make sure that each member carries his own water, snacks, emergency rations and first aid kit.
In an emergency, stop immediately. Review the situation thoroughly, consider possible solutions by analyzing the weather, terrain, available resources and time of day, and only then plan a course of action which best suit your available energy, health and resources. Above all, stay calm and stay together.
Getting lost
If you lose your way on a trail, retrace your route, returning to some clear indication of the path. Make certain that you have not overlooked a change in direction. If you find yourself completely lost, stay put. Usually if the hiker does not wander aimlessly, he will not be far from the trail. Signal for help audibly and visually.
Dense smoke, produced by green leaves or grass in a fire, will generally be seen from far away. Don’t start a veld fire! If you have not wandered far from the trail, there is a good chance of other hikers or officials responding. Air searches can be assisted by placing a large, bright object, such as your space blanket, in a conspicuous place.
Air, Water, Shelter and Food
These are essentials for survival. You can live for three weeks or more without food, three days without water, three hours without protection in hostile weather and 3 to 5 minutes without air. It is, therefore imperative that the hiker is familiar with techniques to provide these essentials if faced with a survival situation.
Water
If you become lost without sufficient water, conserve body fluids by moving only in the cool of day, taking as little as possible and keeping your mouth closed.
Study the immediate terrain, searching for clues to water sources, such as dense reeds or thickly marked, converging game trails. Large movements of animals, including birds, during sunrise and sunset usually indicate the directions in which water can be found. Dig beneath the surface of dry riverbeds, especially near the base of big rocks and cliffs where an abnormal amount of vegetation is growing, or at the base of large sand dunes on the shady or steep sides.
Many of the water securing techniques of the Bushmen can teach modern man how to survive. For example, if you find water by digging, preserve the hole with a bark lining and bury a grass bundle with two reeds projecting. The bundle acts as a sieve, and the reeds act as a straw. Dew or moisture from rocks and plants can be gathered, using a cloth to gently mop up moisture and then wringing it into a container. During the rainy season, collect water by digging a hole and lining it with a groundsheet or poncho.
The probabilities of having to resort to the extremes described above in order to find water while hiking is very slight. However, the possibility that water on the trail is contaminated with bacteria or disease-causing viruses is increasing. All water not originating from high mountain areas should be sterilized by boiling for at least 3 minutes, by adding water purification tablets; or by using one of the lightweight filters on the market: be sure to follow the instructions carefully. The use of tincture of iodine is one of the simplest, safest, most rapid and effective methods of water sterilization. It is superior to other common chemicals used to sterilize water.
Shelter
When building a shelter, avoid expending excess energy. A cave or natural depression is far superior to a complicated wooden structure. Your shelter must minimize body heat loss and maximize body protection. Choose an area protected from the wind. Avoid valleys, streambeds or areas close to rivers. Avoid camping near anthills as snakes are often prevalent there. Also avoid fig trees, as the figs are often infested with flies and insects teem around them. Urine on paths leading into your campsite will help to discourage wildlife visitors.
Food
In an emergency, food is your least important worry and excess energy should not be expended searching for edible plants and animals. Many plants in southern africa are toxic and should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure of their identification and edibility.
We as hikers, explorers,
and adventurers have the absolute duty to respect and protect our Wildernesses.
Nobody else will do it for us. Take ownership!
The End.
Safe Hiking.
References and Acknowledgements
Book - “Walks & Trails in Southern Africa” – J Levy
Photos - Willem Pelser
Compiled by - W Pelser
