When was the last time you picked up a travel magazine, or browsed pictures of South Africa online, and simply marvelled at the exquisite beauty of our country?
From the gorgeous mountains of the Drakensberg and the green midlands of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the lush coastline and its gorgeous blue waves, it is difficult to not fall in love with the immense natural diversity of our country.
South Africans are anything but short of ways to get exploring. Hiking, for many, is the best way to see all that our country offers. After all, what other adventure is going to help you slow down, touch the long grass with the palm of your hand as you walk past, or stop to sniff the flowers? Hiking has proven time and again to be good for both your mental and physical health. It is great for ridding the body of stress, for rejuvenating a tired body and mind, and for getting physically fit!
The best way to enjoy all of the benefits that it has to offer is to make sure that you are getting the most from your time outdoors. And this is what you need:
Heading to the mountains?
Eastern South Africa offers some remarkable hiking trails through mountains and gorges. Bermanzi is just one example of a mountain hiking retreat. If you are heading off to the mountains during the winter months, you must pack a puffer jacket, a good pair of sturdy boots, and a winter coat, especially if your destination of choice experiences frost or the occasional dusting of snow.
Accommodation
Camping? Looking for a self-catering lodge? Perhaps you want something a little higher end? Hikers have a myriad of accommodation choices to pick from and each has its own selection of attractive benefits. Camping, as well as self-catering, will allow you more privacy as well as more flexibility. Basically, it will let you choose when you want to eat and what you want to eat, without the worry about missing the mealtimes!
The trails
Just walking the trails is not the only way to enjoy most of them. Instead, depending on where you are headed, you might have the option of biking. Running or jogging is certainly not against the rules, although these options don’t offer the opportunity to enjoy a lazy, reinvigorating stroll. You should also find out if the trail is suitable for dogs. Bringing your furry friend along will do you as much good as it will do your best friend.
