Hiking is not only healthy for your body but also for your mind and spirit.
It’s the best all-round form of exercise. It strengthens the large muscles in your body, while burning fat and stimulating the feel-good chemical hormones of adrenaline and endorphins that boost your mood and energy levels. All this while surrounded by nature and taking in beautiful landscapes around you.
Why hiking is incredible for your entire body
- Going up and down hills gets the heart pumping, creating a great cardio workout.
- Like most cardio exercises, hiking helps reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even some cancers.
- Hiking is a weight-bearing exercise that builds muscle mass and helps prevent osteoporosis.
- Hiking can help you manage your weight.
- It is a joint-friendly form of exercise that can keep arthritis sufferers feel more limber and mobile.
- Being outside in the sunshine provides the body with vital vitamin D.
- For those with type 2 diabetes, hiking can possibly reduce, or even eliminate, your need for insulin. Talk with your doctor about how exercise may reduce your need for medication.
- Hiking offers psychological benefits, often contributing to a feeling of relaxation and enhanced well-being.
If you have any type of hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor before hiking. Even if you are healthy, climbing vertically can be a whole new ballgame. You will utilize very different muscles than you do on flat surfaces.
The hikes that we have selected for our customised tours not only vary in location but also intensity and required fitness level. They are all set in breathtaking locations, mainly in the Drakensberg Mountains. Most of the hikes are possible with very little hiking experience and limited physical preparation. We set a very comfortable walking pace where you will get to enjoy the amazing scenery around you.
It is however advisable to do some preparation and a few day hikes before you join us on tour. Especially if you buy new hiking boots or shoes for your African adventure tour.
The Tugela Falls hike on our Shelly Beach (Protea Banks) tour is strenuous. It is a long-distance hike at steep gradients with no tree cover, out in the sun. You will need to be an avid and daring hiker for this one. The final ascent to the top of the escarpment to reach the falls involves climbing chain ladders that are securely attached to sheer cliff walls. The sight at the top of the falls enjoying a picnic looking out at the world below is well worth it, an experience of a lifetime.
Making it a memorable experience
- Avoid sunburn and sunstroke. The African sun is brutal, sunblock and a sun hat are essential for hikes as well as making sure you stay well hydrated. We will provide our guests with their own water bottle and carry extra water on the hike in case the rivers and streams aren’t flowing well. Yes, you can drink from several streams and rivers on our hikes.
- The right footwear makes a big difference. Water resistant footwear with adequate ankle support and great grip is always recommended on remote hikes to avoid sprains, strains and soggy socks. Be sure to wear-in your shoes/boots before you join us on your exciting trip.
- Get into walking and hiking before your trip, to make the hikes easier and most enjoyable.
- Avoid overindulging the night before. We hike early in the morning, especially in summer.
- Wear comfortable season appropriate clothing.
- A comfortable day backpack is essential.
- A day backpack is required for your rain jacket, a warm top, food, snacks and water, camera and binoculars, water shoes for river crossings, sunblock and other essentials.
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