HIKING TRAIL HINTS

“THOU WEAR’ST UPON THY FOREHEAD THE FREEDOM OF A HIKER IN THE WILDERNESS”

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

HIKING TRAIL HINTS

Safety is of the utmost importance and disregard for a few commonsense rules can turn a trail into a tragedy. In most cases where fatalities or serious injuries have occurred in the Wilderness they could have been avoided.

Bear the following in mind – they will not only ensure pleasant hiking, but could also save lives.

The party should always be led by the most experienced person.

Plan each day carefully. Start off as early as possible if you have a long day ahead of you, if the terrain is difficult or unfamiliar to you or in hot weather.

Keep in mind that there is considerably less daylight in winter than in summer.

Large parts of Southern Africa receive rain in the summer and thunderstorms are common in the afternoon. Try to reach your destination before the rain sets in.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

Hike at a steady pace. Three kilometers an hour is a good average. For every 300 meter you gain in altitude an hour can be added. On steeper sections it is advisable to shorten your stride slightly, while maintaining your hiking rhythm. Avoid frequent breaks – rather have short rest stops and use the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings.

Keep the party together. A member lagging behind is an almost sure sign of trouble, exhaustion or exposure. Establish the cause of the problem, assist the person by spreading the weight of his/her backpack and keep him/her company. In large groups it is advisable to appoint someone to bring up the rear. If you do this you will always know who the last person is.

Keep your energy levels up by eating snacks – peanuts and raisins, glucose sweets, chocolate and dried fruit – between meals.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

If you encounter bad weather, or if the route proves too demanding physically, do not hesitate to turn back if you have not reach the halfway mark of the day’s hike by midday.

Misty conditions occur frequently in the mountains at high altitudes. If mist sets in seek a suitable shelter and stay put until it has cleared.

Be aware of the dangers of flash floods. Never cross a flooding river. Fortunately most South African rivers soon return to their normal flow after flooding. Either wait until the flood has subsided or make a detour.

Some routes necessitate frequent river crossings. At times it might be possible to boulder hop across, but avoid long jumps with a heavy pack which could result in a slip, and not only a soaking, but also injury.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

If you are uncertain about a river’s depth, always probe it without your pack. If the river is shallow undo the hip belt of your backpack and loosen shoulder straps for quick unloading.

Float packs across deeper rivers.

Avoid crossing rivers near the mouth unless there is a definite sandbar. These rivers are more likely to be shallow and slower where they are wide. Steer clear of bends, where the water is usually deeper and the flow stronger.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

Avoid the dangers of lightning by staying clear of prominent features such as trees ridges, summits, shallow caves and large boulders. Find an open slope; sit on a ground pad or a backpack, preferably on a clean, dry rock, with your knees drawn up, feet together and hands in your lap. If you are in your tent during an electric storm, sit in a crouching position and avoid touching the sides.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

Always carry two water bottles. Remember that smaller streams are often dry during the winter months in summer rainfall areas and dry during summer months in winter rainfall areas. Unless ample water is available along the route it is advisable to ensure that you always keep a reserve supply of water.

Water-bottles should always be filled from safe, fast-running streams above human habitation. Water below human habitation should be regarded as unsafe and should not be drunk before it has been boiled.

Water suspected of being infested by bilharzia, cholera or other waterborne diseases should be boiled for at least 5 minutes. This method is preferable to using commercially available chemicals. Strain water through a handkerchief to remove debris before boiling it.

COBHAM DRAKENSBERG

In the event of a veld fire, try to find shelter in a kloof or ravine rather than going up a slope. Avoid waterfalls and take care to minimize unnecessary risks.

Always carry a whistle. It can be used to attract attention should you get lost. Remember the international SOS – three short, three long and three short whistles.

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.