Today we''re stoked to have Jason Acar, a writer for the awesome SA adventure guide books Dirty Boots , telling us all about a new craze in outdoor adventure in South Africa: Slackpacking. Sounds like my kinda hiking!
We were born to hike. It is one of the oldest activities participated in by the human race, and in days long gone, it was actually essential to survival. Hiking was done to find food, shelter and a safer place to call home for ancient man. Travelling with all their belongings, they would trek over sublime natural landscapes stopping once in a while to catch their breath and admire their accomplishment.
This trend continued through the ages, with many hikers in recent times packing backpacks to the brim, loading them onto their shoulders and heading into the unknown. Multi-day trails are the ultimate rush for the outdoorsman. This was for a person who seemed immune to bad weather, had an ability to access deep hidden strength to carry every piece of living equipment they needed, and a natural instinct that allowed them to easily navigate even the densest wilderness.
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| On top of the City: Table Mountain Trail (Supplied by Dirty Boots. all rights reserved) |
Yes, the old ways may still give you a thrill, or maybe you just believe that distance plus heavy equipment equals the "true test" of outdoor spirit. The truth is, time changes all things, and hiking is one such activity that has evolved over time.
Now don''t get us wrong, traditional hiking in South Africa is a mind-blowing African adventure that takes you closer to nature than almost any other activity, and everybody is encouraged to give it a try. A new form of hiking, labelled “slackpacking”, is doing just that as it makes this activity more accessible, and in some ways more enjoyable, for everyone from the experienced hiker to the unfit amateur looking for adventure tours.
What is slackpacking?
It’s simple really - slackpacking is hiking without the truck load of equipment. Slackpacking allows you to hit a multi-day trail without worrying about setting up camp, instead it shifts the focus onto the enjoyment of nature and conquering the trail. In most cases, all you will need for the day is your water, lunch, waterproofs and camera.
The lightened load allows you to cover more ground and provides you with extra time to enjoy the surroundings. Once you have completed a certain stage of the trail, you will be picked up in a vehicle and driven to a place of luxurious accommodation. Here you can enjoy an ice cold drink, chat about your adventure, fill up on a delicious meal and rest your tired muscles on a comfortable bed.
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| Kayaking: The Dolphin Trail (Supplied by Dirty Boots. all rights reserved) |
Once morning rolls around, you will be transported back to the point where you stopped the night before, and you may continue your journey. This form of hiking has become increasingly popular, with many people attempting longer trails around the globe, which they aim to complete over a certain number of years.
On top of this, you will be accompanied by a guide. The benefits of this means that you will not have to navigate the journey yourself, and the guide will be knowledgeable on all the interesting sights and information regarding your surroundings.
Some of the most famous trails for slackpacking in South Africa include:
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| Suspension Bridge on the Dolphin Trail (Supplied by Dirty Boots. all rights reserved) |
Table Mountain Trail: Many people have climbed to the summit of one of South Africa''s most famous landmark, but slackpacking over a few days allows you to fully appreciate this sleeping giant. As an added bonus, slackpacking Table Mountain also allows you to enjoy the city life in the evening. Expect sublime scenery from every angle on this trail.
Oyster Catcher Trail: Coastal hiking at its best is what you will get here. The hike stretches from Mossel Bay to the Gourits River and is widely considered one of the best in the country.
Boesmanskloof Trail: This extremely popular route winds through a majestic valley between Greyton and McGregor, with pools below the Oakes Falls for you to enjoy on those steaming summer days.
Dolphin Trail: This trail down the Tsitsikamma Coast starts at the same point as the well-known Otter Trail, but is an easier option (great for starting out). You can expect interesting environmental information, superb birding and two majestic, yet relaxed, canoe stages.
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| Boesmanskloof Trail (Supplied by Dirty Boots. all rights reserved) |
About the Blogger
Jason Acar is a vastly experienced journalist with an interest in experiencing adventure all over South Africa. He currently writes for Dirty Boots, a website with the most extensive list of African adventures around. With Dirty Boots, you will find anything from skydiving to Orange River rafting.
1 Response to Slackpacking - The Ultimate African Adventure
Now here is someone who understands the good things in life. Wake up on Table Mountain - what a privilege.
By Frank Dwyer (4 years ago)