| One of the best things about South Africa is the | | | | programmed in your phone.o Stay on designated |
| diversity that the country offers its own | | | | paths. You are more at risk of attack if you |
| residents. Who needs to go to Australia for the | | | | stray off hiking trails. Trails guarantee traffic and |
| surf when our own beaches offer some of the | | | | the protection of other hikers and rangers, if you |
| surfing hotspots of the world? | | | | stray off these you are more vulnerable. |
| Rocky Mountains? We have hiking in the | | | | Safe hikingo Never hike alone. This is a repeat, |
| Drakensberg. Ski slopes? We have the best | | | | but applies here too. Accidents happen to even |
| waterskiing in the world. Wild bears? We have Big | | | | the most seasoned hiker and you do not want to |
| Five safaris. | | | | be left at the bottom of a steep slope for days |
| With so many incredible outdoor activities in South | | | | while people look for you.o Put the slowest hiker |
| Africa, you never have to leave and you can still | | | | in the front. Slower hikers at the back can get |
| have a new and exciting holiday every single time. | | | | left behind and lost. If you are worried about this |
| But, (isn't there always a but?) with these outdoor | | | | affecting the pace of your group, try and |
| activities come some risks. Whether you are | | | | organise to go with people on your fitness level.o |
| hiking, wake boarding, boating or driving through | | | | Don't change layers constantly. You will exhaust |
| the Kruger Park on safari, you need to know how | | | | yourself changing sweaters constantly and the |
| to take care of yourself. | | | | fluctuating change in your body temperature is |
| So we have put together some tips on how to | | | | not healthy. Not to mention you will annoy |
| stay safe while making the most of what South | | | | everyone.o Take regular breaks. It is easy to |
| Africa has to offer. | | | | forget to drink water while you are on the move, |
| This week we take a look at hiking and | | | | admiring the scenery. Regular breaks ensure that |
| everything you need to know to stay safe on | | | | everyone stays hydrated.o Watch where you are |
| South Africa's slopes. | | | | going. This may sound ridiculous but staring at the |
| What to pack | | | | trees (or the hot hiker in front of you) is very |
| There is a reason boy scouts have the motto "be | | | | dangerous. Tripping and spraining an ankle can be |
| prepared". In the event of an accident on a day | | | | disastrous, so be aware of your surroundings. |
| hike, you need to be prepared to avoid tragedy. | | | | Take pictures on your water stops - multi-tasking |
| It's as simple as that.o Lots of water - 3 to 4 | | | | at its best. |
| containers for a long hike.o Basic first aid kit - | | | | Safe hiking with your dogs |
| containing at the very least bandages, tape, | | | | Hiking with man's best friend is fantastic, but also |
| antiseptic and a painkiller.o Warm top or jacket, | | | | requires a little extra thought.o Always bring |
| spare socks and a blanket - even in summer.o | | | | water for your pet and a bowl that they are |
| Pocket knife and rope.o Torch and whistle.o Small | | | | comfortable drinking from.o While it may be fun |
| flashlight and matches.o Map or compass and a | | | | to let your pet roam, over inquisitive animals could |
| field guide so you can check before you sample | | | | get bitten by a snake, slip down a ravine or get |
| that mushroom.o Sunscreen and a hat.o Food - | | | | lost. If your dog is a bit excitable, consider keeping |
| that will provide you with energy-giving carbs, but | | | | him or her on a leash.o Dogs easily overheat, so |
| not require cooking. Think sandwiches, dried fruit | | | | try and hike with them during cooler times of the |
| and dry cereals for a whole day with an extra | | | | day. If you are going on quite a long, difficult hike, |
| portion.o Cellphone programmed with emergency | | | | it may be better to leave them at home.o Don't |
| numbers. | | | | forget to bring a bag to dispose of your pet's |
| Safety against crime | | | | waste. |
| While every effort is made to secure our national | | | | General tips for safe hiking |
| parks and hiking trails, the reality is that some | | | | Researching your planned hiking spot and planning |
| isolated criminal attacks do occur, so you need to | | | | your route is always a good idea. Having a rough |
| "be prepared".o Never hike alone. You are a clear | | | | idea of the terrain and amenities will help you with |
| target when walking in a secluded area alone. Try | | | | knowing what to pack. A plotted route can also |
| and stick together in a group of at least three | | | | be registered with the ranger station, ensuring |
| people.o Remember your car. When you hike, | | | | that you can be found quickly should something |
| your car is often left for long periods of time in | | | | go wrong. |
| an isolated spot. Hide all your valuables and make | | | | When you hike, it is important to know your |
| sure everything is locked.o Avoid carrying | | | | limitations. Going further than you are able means |
| unnecessary valuables. While you want your | | | | you could collapse from exhaustion and cause a |
| camera and need your cellphone, you don't need | | | | host of problems for your fellow hikers. |
| your engagement ring or iPod - so leave them at | | | | Make sure that someone at home knows that |
| home. Keep the valuables you do have on you | | | | you and your group are going hiking, where you |
| hidden as much as you can.o Project confidence. | | | | are going and what time you should be back. |
| Look people in the eye and walk tall.o Criminals | | | | They are your alarm signal should something go |
| prey on the weak, so do not look weak.o Carry | | | | terribly wrong. |
| mace. If you are nervous about your safety on a | | | | In the event of a fire breaking out while you are |
| hike, carry a mace spray or a walking stick with | | | | hiking, the main thing to do is to stay calm. Find |
| which you can defend yourself and always make | | | | out more about how to handle a fire while hiking. |
| sure that you have the park rangers' number | | | | |