Hiking safety

Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 10:45 Written by Helga McLeod Friday, 19 March 2010 09:03

South African holidays - sights and activities - Hiking in South Africa

South Africa is a destination designed for the hiker.  We have the most gorgeous landscapes that can only be appreciated on foot and our hiking trails are famous around the world. 

Hiking safety

Pack according to your safety checklist (below) for your safety items in your backpack.

Always perpare a Trip Plan before setting off. A Trip Plan should be left at home in case of emergency and information should include:
the route, the date and time of departure plus any other relevant details.

If you get lost, stay where you are. Do not try and trace your steps back. If you travelled alone, find a shady and protected area close by and stay put. If you got removed from your group, stay put and blow your whistle 3 times loudly (agree beforehand that this will be your sos code).

Stick to the trail!

Always walk as fast as the slowest person.

Always keep the whole group together.

Always carry a whistle around each hiker's neck.

If you get lost, stay calm.

While you walk, keep an eye on the surrounds for landmarks - in the case of an emergency phonecall it will be helpful to tell someone that you are next to a river/clump of trees etc.

Happy hiking!

Safety items in your backpack:

Cell phone/s with charged batteries! Numbers to store on your phone:

Any Emergency - from Cellphone 112
 
Fire - 021 535 1100
 
Flying Squad - Police 10111
 
Mountain Rescue 021 948 9900
 
Sea Rescue - NSRI 021 449 3500
 
Tourist Assistance - Police 021 418 2852

First-aid kit

Food and water. Energy bars are good.

Whistle

Map and compas (with a printed version of where you are suppose to be).

Pocket knife and multi tool.

Rope or cord.

Matches/lighter - be careful in nature with making fire anywhere.  Pack your circle of rocks first and if the fire is for signal purpose, have your damp leaves/twigs by your side to add to the fire when the time comes.

Flashlight or headlamp - plus batteries.

Spare clothing - extra jacket, warm beanie and socks.

Sun protection - hat, sunscreen and more sunscreen.

Space blanket 

Plastic bags - keeping your cellphone dry.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites