Hiking in Mpumalanga is one of the most uplifting and exhilarating experiences. It gets the blood pumping, it clears out the cobwebs that are steadily growing in the mind, and it is the perfect time to reflect on your world and think things over.

But above all else, hiking can be an action packed adventure that forces you to navigate difficult terrain, climbing over rocks, through broken trees, up steep mountains and down challenging inclines. And whenever you get out there to take on a hiking trail, there is always the chance of being injured, even if the trail you chose isn’t particularly different.

What risks are involved with hiking?

Accidents happen. You could lose your footing, step wrong or slip on a bit of wet moss. And when this happens, and you find yourself twisting an ankle or taking a tumble, you need to make sure that you know what to do next, to minimise the damage and to get help.

It is not only accidents that can have you injured when out on a trail. Hiking anywhere in South Africa includes a few risk factors:

Hiking Risks include:

  • Getting lost on the hiking trail
  • Medical problems such as having a heart attack or a stroke
  • Extreme fatigue that prevents you from continuing or returning
  • Dehydration and heat exhaustion
  • Animal attacks
  • Snake and insect bites
  • Being trapped by things like floods, fires or aggressive thunderstorms
  • Crime

Preparing yourself for a safe hike

To avoid possible risks, or to make sure that you are fully prepared for any eventuality, there are quite a few things that you can do.

  • Make sure that you are as informed as possible about what to expect on the trail. If you are hiking a trail that doesn’t have a lodge or an office on site, make sure you have a map.
  • Have a look at what is going on in the region and focus on things like the animals in the area, the types of snakes you might encounter and what type of weather you can expect.
  • Find out when the sun rises and when it sets, so that you can properly plan your day.
  • To make sure that you have a proper plan, find how long the trail is.
  • Have a look at technology that can be used should you not have cellphone reception. Things like panic buttons can be lifesavers.
  • Never, ever hike at night unless you are hiking with a large group. Not only is a trail likely to be more difficult to walk at night but you are also making yourself vulnerable to criminal activity and possibly dangerous nocturnal animals.
  • Never hike alone. Always try to have a group of at least 4 people. There is most certainly safety in numbers.

Hiking Safety Tips

  • Don’t go off trail
  • Take note of danger signs
  • Try to preserve your cellphone battery
  • Stay hydrated
  • Keep a constant look out for criminals and other safety hazards such as snakes
  • Make a note of your landmarks and pace yourself, it’s not a race
  • Don’t take valuables with you, and if you do take a camera with, don’t make it noticeable
  • Carry pepper spray
  • Have an emergency number programmed into your phone
  • If you are confronted by a criminal, don’t fight them, especially if they are armed. Things can be replaced, your life can’t be.

Bermanzi offers safe hiking in Mpumalanga for those weekend breaks away from the city. With our comfortable accommodation in Macadodorp and our beautiful hiking trails, you can experience the best that the area has to offer.