Bitten by the wanderlust bug? Keen to stretch yourself to the limit? And with a wealth of things to do right here in the good old S of A, you needn’t blow the budget with a break like this either. Kloofing, rafting, mountain climbing, abseiling, caving, canoeing, hiking: you can do it all right here on our doorstep. Our Check List will help you stock up on the essentials.
- A backpack. Whether you need a great big one for a week-long sojourn or a snug and compact one for day trips, a backpack is your number-one must-have on an adventure holiday.
- Hiking boots. They’re rough and they’re tough and they’re made from good stuff. Wet, dry, uphill and down dale, a good boot will soon become your best friend.
- Hiking socks. You can’t pay enough attention to your feet on a holiday like this. Don’t think common-or-garden socks will do the job when you’re going to be spending a lot of time walking. Dedicated hiking socks are thick, absorbent, thorn resistant and comfy.
- A tent. Keep an easy-to-roll one in your backpack at all times – that way if you’re caught unaware by bad weather or unexpected nightfall you’ll have shelter.
- Raingear. You’re prepared to rough it but a strong shower can turn the happiest camper into a grimacing grouch if you have no respite.
- LED torch. Night-time excursions, wild jungle explorations or even just responding to the call of nature in the dead of night – all the better when you have something to light the way.
- Thermal blanket. They’re incredibly light, really inexpensive and could save your life – literally. The weather is notoriously unpredictable even in the middle of summer, especially if you’re hiking up in the mountains. Pack one of these – it won’t take up any space in your backpack.
- Digital camera and plenty of memory cards. You’re going to want to take photographs of everything so have the equipment you need to do your memories justice.
- A serious sunhat. Because the sun is seriously dangerous. And because you don’t want to be suffering sunstroke when you’re out in the countryside.
