Safe hiking in Twenty Twenty-THRIVE

As the year ends, I hope you were able to go hiking, even if it was once or a few times only; that through hiking, you were able to escape the daily noise and connect with nature and you still want more!  Being in tune with nature allows you to forget your worries and connect with your inner self. While being in nature can be refreshing, it may also expose you to certain dangers for which you should be prepared.

Our country, South Africa,  with its beautiful mountains, beaches and waterfalls, boasts a range of the most beautiful hiking trails and routes in the world. This post aims to give you advice to ensure you enjoy the splendour that this country has to offer while remaining safe.  

Safety in numbers

While hiking solo can be good for your soul, there are safety issues to consider and given the number of mugging incidents at some trails, it is not advisable to hike solo. It is not only about the danger of being attacked by human beings or animals, but there may be other risks that can be better mitigated in a group setting. And while in a group, sticking together is key. It is advisable to take the pace of the slowest member of the group, but this may sometimes not work. Depending on the group size, the fast hikers may be in front while the slow ones remain behind, but with a strong hiker among them. There also must be a way of communicating between the slow and fast hikers.

Communication

I once had an experience during a hike in the beautiful rainforest of Magoebaskloof where our group of 10 ended up being divided into four groups. The group had initially been divided into two – slow and fast. Typically these divisions just happen without a plan. And because when hiking, one sometimes gets into a meditative state, I found myself at some stage, being alone while I had been walking with two other people while the other two were in front. When I called out, the people in front responded and waited for me to catch up with them; in my mind, I believed that the two I was walking with probably waited for the other group. Needless to say, there was a comedy of errors on that day, with people circling the same area several times and others having to go look for them. That was a big lesson in communication. And I owe a brother from Harambe Hiking Club a big apology for our entire group’s revolt towards his advice at the time. It had been a long day, and emotions were very high.

The orange whistle is not just an accessory. It is a means of communication.

When I started hiking, the issue of safety was always in my mind and among the first things I bought, was a whistle with a compass. And I still can’t really use a compass. But that whistle has been blown so many times. Some backpacks have built-in whistles on the sternum/chest strap for easy access.  And I know some hikers are not even aware of that. I know this because it took a while for me to notice that I had one and, therefore, no longer needed the one I used to attach to my bag with a carabiner. According to Scoutwiki, the international distress signal is to blow three blasts on the whistle, and keep repeating this for one minute, then pause for a minute, then repeat for another minute. You must repeat this until you get help.

Another way of ensuring good communication is the use of two-way radios to ensure the group stays in touch. This means you must consider the range and ensure that you’re always within that range. Also ensure that the batteries are charged enough to last until you finish hiking.

Know the trail

It is important to research the trail you intend hiking and get as much information as possible. If available, make sure you have a map and can use it. Having a good GPS device and knowing how to use it is even better. I once had an experience where our group missed the trail just at the beginning. And this, after another group had the same fate the day before and had warned us of the possibility of getting lost and how to avoid that. How smart of us to get lost even after that caution. And while we were aware that we are lost, we went on to hike 10 km before deciding it was best to return to where we started, knowing very well that we may not even have a place to sleep as it was a multiday hike. The Drakensberg is known for inclement weather and hikers know to aim to be at the next hut by 14:00 for their safety. We walked the other 10 km with black clouds forming above us, and we had to dig even deeper to make sure we arrived before it started to rain. And lady luck was on our side because yes, we made it and before we could begin to reflect on our lack of wisdom on that day, the heavens started pelleting down some serious hail.

In the bush, nature is king!

Weather

We all know nothing is as unpredictable as the weather, but knowing the expected weather is crucial to staying safe on a hike. While there is gear to protect you during stormy weather, there is always a chance of slipping and getting injured. There are terrains you don’t want to face in the rain! Hiking in extreme heat can also affect your pace. When it’s extremely hot, make sure you have enough water to avoid dehydration. South Africa generally has a diverse climate, so research the area you intend exploring as there are areas that experience rain in summer while others experience it in winter, and others experience winter snow while others don’t.

The ladder may be slippery if it rains

First aid kit

I cannot over-emphasise the importance of this. I never went hiking without a first aid kit, regardless of how short or near. Today, I have the nerve to go on multiday hikes without one. Reason? Complacency or stupidity! I recently had a rude awakening when a friend got injured during a hike. I didn’t even have a muscle spray. And neither did other hikers that passed us. What happened to preparing for emergencies? Please get yourself a proper hiking first aid kit and make sure it has an emergency blanket. It is also important for all group members to disclose their medical conditions and carry their medication.

I think it is important for all hikers to do a basic first aid course to know what to do in emergencies. And I know I’ve promised myself to attend one since forever.

Finally

These are just the basics; understanding the trail you intend to explore will give you an idea of what you will need for your safety. I will provide you with some numbers to contact for emergencies. Just remember:

·       Research your trail

·       Start as early as possible and avoid late starts

·       Understand the weather

·       Have navigation tools and map

·       Have communication tools (cell phones, whistle, two-way radios)

·       Dress appropriately

·       Rest where necessary

·       Never leave an injured person alone

·       Pack your backpack accordingly

·       Don’t skimp on hydration and food/snacks

·       Prepare for emergencies (first aid kit, ropes, repair kits, extra socks)

·       Always carry a torch and lighter/matches

 

Emergency numbers

• 112 (any emergency)
• 10111 (police)
• 10177 (ambulance)

Mountain rescue

·       KwaZulu-Natal – 031 307 7744

·       Western Cape – 021 948 9900

·       Gauteng – 074 125 1385/074 163 3952

As everybody seems to concur, 2024 - with all its blessings and beauty - was a bit rough for most of us. For the first time in many years, I had to be content with hiking locally only, and only a few times. I am looking forward to more hikes in Twenty Twenty-Thrive. 

Please remember to be gentle with yourself and stay safe. 

Td