| It was the holiday season again, and my family | | | | enough water.o Sunscreen - a good sun |
| and I were ready for some adventure. We set | | | | protection lotion is a must for the hot South |
| off on a five day hiking trip on the Garden Route, | | | | African sun.o Water - enough water for the |
| the perfect set-up for the South African holidays. | | | | duration of your hike.o Sleeping bag: Invest in a |
| All geared up... | | | | good, comfortable, high quality one. You might |
| Anyone who has been on a hike before would | | | | pay more, but believe me, it will be worth every |
| know that there are two essential things when | | | | penny.o Backpacks: Make sure that your |
| hiking: the first being that you need to pack very | | | | backpack is your perfect fit. It needs to be light, |
| light, and second, and almost more importantly, to | | | | have space for all the essentials, and fit your |
| have the most comfortable and durable pair of | | | | body like a glove. |
| hiking boots. | | | | The Otter hiking trail... |
| But other than that, I thought I'd be kind enough | | | | Although I've done the Otter trail before with a |
| and add a list of some of the things that you | | | | couple of friends, it was the first time I did it with |
| need to remember on your trip: | | | | my family, which included my parents and older |
| Clothing:o Footwear: Something that I've learned | | | | brother and sister. The Otter is by far one of the |
| the hard way can easily become your enemy on | | | | best known hiking trails in South Africa. We |
| the first day. It really is essential that you wear | | | | started our hike at the South African National |
| them before actually going on the trip.o Head | | | | Park's Storms River rest camp. |
| gear: Trust me, a hat comes in handy.o Clothing: | | | | Most of the hike follows a rugged trail along a |
| A good light polar fleece jacket is a must. | | | | rocky shoreline. My sister, Nell, fell twice, the |
| Mornings and evenings can get quite nippy, | | | | second being quite the funny sight to see. Her |
| especially in the mountains. | | | | whole behind and legs were covered in mud. She |
| Food and drink:o Snacks: I find myself almost | | | | was of course far from impressed and moody |
| always hungry when hiking, so energy bars, | | | | for the rest of the day. But when you are in the |
| cranola bars and glucose sweets have been a | | | | open air like this, with such absolute beauty |
| great helpo Lunch: This all depends on the length | | | | surrounding you, having a bad mood doesn't stand |
| of the hike. For longer hiking trips, pasta would be | | | | a chance. |
| perfect. It's not only light when carrying, but it's | | | | On the third day my parents seemed rather tired, |
| the perfect energy booster for a hike. Of course, | | | | but both were adamant to finish the hike. I think |
| make sure you don't bring the whole month's | | | | my brother, Michael and I seemed to be having |
| worth of supplies, because then you will carry | | | | the easiest time of all. I was mentally prepared |
| heavy!o Drinks: Always stay hydrated, so a | | | | which helped, and Michael, well he is the more |
| squeeze bottle is handy. | | | | experienced hiker. |
| Optional:o Chairs: My dad always insist on bringing | | | | At the end of day five, we were exhausted, but |
| his small, three legged camping chair. Although not | | | | absolutely beside ourselves when we arrived at |
| essential, it has been quite comfortable, especially | | | | Nature's Valley. I think the Otter is a trail I'll |
| if your behind is sore after a few days walking. | | | | definitely hike again. The fauna and flora of this |
| Essentials:o Emergency kit: So far we have been | | | | part of the Garden Route is stunning to say the |
| lucky not having to use the emergency kit, | | | | least. You walk through forests, up to the coast |
| except for a plaster here and there, but rather | | | | and then find yourself standing at the bottom of |
| safe than sorry. Make sure your kit is packed | | | | a waterfall. |
| with all the essentials: plasters, ointments, | | | | At the end of the day you worked hard, but |
| headache & nausea tablets and of course | | | | relaxed and rejuvenated enough to make this a |
| rehydration sachets for those that do not drink | | | | good a holiday adventure well worth the effort. |