Aug 11 2013

Hiking Trail In South Africa: The Otter Trail

Cape Town Trail

The great Otter Trail in Cape Town, despite turning 50 earlier this year, is one of those beautiful hikes in the world which is rarely known to the world. This 42 km long hike, going past the exquisite South African beaches and crossing over 11 rivers, is a delight for people who like adventure in aesthetic lands. Challenged by numerous tourists every year, this adventurous trial goes past South Africa’s lesser known Garden Route. It engulfs the mouth of 11 rivers in its entire stretch starting from the Storms Rivers Mouth and ending at the Nature’s Valley. This 5 day long trail is a way for few to alleviate themselves from the stress, while many come here to enjoy the serene beauty and experience the challenge it throws up. The spectacular trial follows the marvelous coastline of South Africa’s Tsitsikamma National Park in the Eastern Cape. The grand Indian Ocean, clattering at the rocks, is among the few sounds one can hear in this area. The marvelous caves, cliffs and waterfalls, especially the multi-layered fall near the beginning, along with numerous rivers silently embracing the sea, make the location even more picturesque. Dolphins, seals and whales, along with the very rare Cape clawless otter, are few creatures that are not hard to locate during the hike. You’ll also find not one but numerous rare species of birds. The virgin forest and the widely known South African fynbos, spread along the beaches and over the cliffs, will stun you even more whereas the wildlife flowers are too good to avoid. The walk goes past numerous steep ascent and descent, while crossing 11 rivers, which demands great skills, planning and abilities, so you have to be physically as well as mentally ready to take up this hiking trial.

The Otter Trail

Overnight Trail

The trail with four overnight destinations has accommodation hut for only 12 people, which gets booked up pretty fast. So it is strictly recommended to make the bookings well in advance, like many others who book around a year ahead. There is no provision to get necessary items on the trail, so you must carry everything you’ll need, such as eatables, utensils, crockery, cutlery, flashlights and sleeping bags, along with cooking stoves. Ensure that all your belongings are packed in a waterproof carrier, as you might get wet more than often while crossing the river or in the rain. An overnight stay at the Storms River Mouth RestCamp – the starting point of the trail – is something you should look forward to, as this is one of the best camp grounds in the world. The rib feast and the South African wine are a few essentials you should have in the cheap restaurants at the Storms Mouth River RestCamp.

Tsitsikamma National Park Trail

Be advised to take up the trail in a group of 3-4 people, an early start is suggested for this, which should start by registering for the Otter at the Tsitsikamma National Park entry gates. The documents which you’ll get from here, especially the instruction manual to safely cross the rivers, the tide tables of rivers, and the route map are few things which you’ll really find useful during your 5 day long journey. Hopping past the huge boulders, there are little chances of getting lost, as the way is nicely marked with directions. There are 4 mandatory night camps, with hut facility for 12 people, and cold shower. You have to prepare your own meals and tenting is strictly prohibited. Dry stock of wood is supplied by Sanparks and is kept underneath the huts. Stream water can be used to drink but it is advised to treat it beforehand.

Hut to Hut Hiking

The first 4.8 km till the first mandatory overnight camp is pretty easy to hike. The second day begins with an uphill climb to Olienboomkop passing through the virgin forest. The journey is of 7.9 km before you make it to the second overnight camp at Scott Hut where Geelhoutbos River flows into the river offering quality swimming space in the fresh water. The third day journey ends at the Oakhurst huts crossing the Elandsbos and the Lottering while covering 7.7 km. The fourth day journey is the longest of all stretching over 13.8 km to the André Hut before crossing the dangerous Bloukrans River. It is advised to reach the river at the time of low tide, as mentioned in the manual provided at the beginning of the trail. The river is pretty hard to cross otherwise, so it’s better to wait for next 12 hours for the tide to get lower, instead of trying something else. After the night stay at the André Hut, the last day’s journey goes past the Swing River, while crossing a plateau en route to Nature’s Valley and stretches to around 6.8 km. There is a restaurant in the Nature’s Valley – the only restaurant of the valley – where you can get the Otter certificate and a ‘shot’ to celebrate the completion of your hike. You can get a shuttle or any other ride back to the starting point of the trail, while there are provisions to spend a night in the Valley as well.

South Africa Hiking Trail

The clambering and slippery rocks make the journey even more difficult but it is worth in gold to be part of this great expedition. The permit is not easy to get for the Otter Trail and you must have a little South Africa information to get the permit. There is no online registration process for the trail and the booking has to be made well in advance as the camping seats are quite low. Only 12 hikers are allowed to start each day. There are no refunds and you can’t replace others for your reservations. The booking fee of 4 nights in camp for this astonishingly rejuvenating trail is $95 for foreign nationals, while $53 has to be paid as conservation charges separately. It is extremely important to plan the season and timing of the trip, as harsh weather makes things difficult. The tide table has to be followed carefully, and high precautions have to be taken while hiking the Otter Trail. It rains a lot in this area and crossing the river might also make your belongings wet, so waterproof bag is a must have for you. There is hardly any mobile phone reception on this trail, with little exceptions. The escape points are many on this journey, but it’s better to keep track of things before taking up the expedition. Keep these points in mind before taking up the trail to this peaceful abode of wilderness and enjoy a great trip.

Featured images:

Rohan is a freelance travel writer with a passion for traveling all around the world. He is currently working with ContinentTours.com and has written extensively about tourism in Africa and in many other continents.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/08/11/hiking-trail-in-south-africa-the-otter-trail/

Aug 04 2013

Trail On Kakum National Park

Canopy Walkway

Featuring Africa’s only canopy walkway, the Kakum National park is the best place to visit in the entire Africa if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Located in the coastal region of Ghana, the park is famous for its preserved virgin forest. Covering an area of 145 sq mi, the park was first established in 1931, but it earned the status of a national park in 1992, after a survey of avifauna. The factor that sets it apart from other preserved parks is its establishment, which was done at the initiative of local people instead of State authority responsible for preserving the wildlife in Ghana. The 350 meter long canopy walk, connecting seven tree tops and hanging 40 feet above the forest floor, allows you to experience the profound wildlife while swaying above the ground. It provides a better view of the moist flora of the forest which otherwise is not possible; thus it is a particular favorite among tourists. The forest is also known for the dense population of African elephants inhabiting in Ghana. Other creatures existing in the forest, such as butterflies, birds, monkeys, giant bongo antelope and yellow-backed duiker, are also quite famous about this national Park. The park, by the funding from CI, has been exclusively developed to incorporate a rainforest, a secondary forest and a bird watching pond for tourists, making it to support three ecosystems.

What lies beneath the surface?

Kakum National Park is not that easy to trek, and you need an expert with you all the time. Precautions have to be taken throughout the trail, as numerous dangerous animals and poisonous snakes exist here in abundance. The canopy walk is really a delight for tourists and is among the main reasons behind people visiting this place. However, its aesthetic wildlife is what makes this national park a renowned name in the world. The canopy walk gets flocked by people in the day, so it is better to be here in the morning. The moist forest with the butterflies and birds can also be experienced best during early morning from the canopy walk, so get there as early as possible in the morning. As many as 250 species of birds and over 500 species of butterflies, as well as staggering types of large mammals, make the Kakum National Park a delight for nature lovers. The Afafranto Campsite within the Kakum National Park allows you to camp here for an unforgettable night. Mosquito nets and sleeping kits have to be arranged on your own, but you can rent then within the park quite easily. The accommodation for the camp is little, so it is better to book in advance to avoid rush.

What you can’t afford to miss?

When traveling to the Kakum National Park, you should visit Mesomagor – a nearby village – famous for its Bamboo Orchestra. This unique Orchestra uses bamboo instrument to produce melodious music blended with local traditional dance. The village also offers quite a few options to try the Ghanain cuisine. Drinking the local gin and visiting the cocoa farms are among the unique experiences you can have in this village. The Kakum National Park is famous for its medicinal plants and, with the help of an expert guide, you can learn a lot about these plants on your trail. There are other numerous hidden areas in the forest which have to be visited with an expert assistance. The Kakum Rainforest Café is the only place within the national park where you can refresh yourself with drinks and food. It is equally famous on the park due to the unique fruit juices and Ghanian dishes that it serves. You also have an option to order International cuisines here.

How to reach?

Cape coast – the regional capital – is the easiest way to approach the Kakum National Park. The tro-tro service of shared taxi in Ghana is the cheapest way to reach here, while you can also get a cab from Cape Coast for the one hour journey. The nearest international airport is in Accra, located around 129 km off the park. Taxis are plentiful from Accra to the Kakum National Park at quite cheaper rates. Rental cars, particularly 4×4 minivan vehicles, are also pretty easy to get, but as the number of such rides are low, a lot depends on bookings as well. You can get an accommodation to rest in Cape Coast at really cheap rates, while food is also not much expensive in the area. There are sufficient hotels around Cape Coast to cater the needs of tourists, which include quite a few 3 star and 4 star hotels. So don’t mind to relax back in a hotel in Cape Coast after your trial, or prior to it. You can visit this abode of great wildlife throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the monsoon season. Winters hardly get harsh here and summers are often too hot.

Other tips

The foremost thing you’ll need for a trial on the Kakum National Park is an expert help who can guide you better through the forest. So it’s better to look for an experienced guide instead of spoiling the entire fun. If you intend to camp here, then you should get your own sleeping kit along with mosquito nets and mosquito repellents. The nature has immensely bestowed its charm in this area, so don’t mind spending a little more time here. There are a few other places neighboring the Kakum National Park that you must check out while travelling here. This includes the Elmina Castle, Cape Castle, and a coastal town called Winneba.

Rohan is an avid travel writer with a passion for traveling in the African mainland. He has written extensively about African travel and tourism in many other countries. He has recently gone to a trail on Kakum National Park, where he got the inspiration to write this article.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/08/04/trail-on-kakum-national-park/

Jul 18 2013

National Hammock Day

grand trunk hammockGrand Trunk Hammock Review

Happy National Hammock Day a little early.

In honor of National Hammock Day, I reviewed the Grand Trunk hammock. Boy things have sure changed in the hammock industry. I was amazed by how easy it was to set up the Grand Trunk hammock. I was able to get it up and ready for sleeping within 15 minutes. And that was on my first try. I’m sure I’ll get faster with time.

Sleeping on the Hammock

But the big test came a little while later. How comfortable was it? Well so far, I’ve only napped in it. And it was incredibly comfortable. I slept like a baby. It’s been awhile since I’ve slept in anything suspended from a tree, so I was a bit apprehensive. Will it flip? Will it hold me? Will I end  up with a stiff neck. The answers were no, yes and no. Everything went well with the trial hammock nap. I can’t wait to try it overnight. But I knew there wouldn’t be a chance for that to happen before National Hammock day, so a nap was an adequate trial.

Best Uses for Grand Trunk Hammock

Where can you use a Grand Trunk Hammock? How about these suggestions?

  • backpacking – It’s way lighter than old-school hammocks.
  • car camping – Tents are so 1990s. Try a hammock on your next camp-out.
  • overnight ticket sales – Okay, most ticket lines don’t have a pair of trees nearby but if you’re waiting for the annual Personal Transportation Vehicle Show to start, you can pitch your hammock in Community Park.
  • boating- Just like intrepid sailors of old, you can hang your hammock between the spar and the mainsail, (okay, I have no nautical background, so I may have made those terms up) and sleep with the ocean breeze rocking you gently to and fro.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/07/18/national-hammock-day/

Jul 13 2013

5 Amazing Trails Around Kansas City Missouri

If you really want to soak up the beauty of Kansas City then you almost have to visit the local trails. There are several throughout the county and below we have detailed five of the city’s best trail ways.

White Tail Trail: White aloe creek conservative

best trails

great trails

This trail has been described as an “urban forest,” which one can only assume means that it takes on the essence of the tranquil forest but is conveniently located in the city. For a particularly beautiful view, check it out after a big rain as the water seems to bring it all to life. Here the brooks truly babble, and you can find little waterfalls, and busy streams throughout. Even without the rain the trail is a 1.3 mile natural beauty where you can jog with deer and other local wildlife making the experience unique.

Riverfront Heritage

Some people are looking for more out of their run than just a good sweat and if that’s you then Riverfront Heritage may be the spot for your outdoor cardio. The trail consists of a 15 mile pedestrian and bike path that winds through the oldest and most historic parts of bi-state Kansas City. The park links communities, park areas with unique venues and public artworks that make the city pop. You can find historic markers along the trail that tell the story of the region’s early history. For example the Riverfront Historic West Bottoms with Freedom Mall, tells the story of the Slave Exodus, and the evolution of the frontier railroad system. The project began in 2002 and parts of it are still being completed. Once finished, access points will be in Berkley Riverfront Park, City Market, Westside Neighborhood, Downtown KCK-Huron Park, Downtown KCK –Armstrong Avenue, and West Bottoms-James Street.

Blue River Parkway and Minor Park

A little on the bigger side, this park and trail is a 10 mile multiple route path primarily used for running, mountain biking and hiking and you can even use some parts for horseback riding. Much of the route is through the woods so during hot spring and summer day you can keep cool in the shade.

Cave Springs Trails

The Cave Springs historic site and nature center is made up of three separate loops that each brings something special to the table and you can even get a guided tour of them to make sure you don’t miss anything. Loop 1 is about 1.5 miles and consists of a butterfly garden, a cave, spring and concrete enclosure, waterfall, two old bridges and a pond. You can also view the old lake bed and cabin ruins. The other two trails consist of the same sights but from different perspectives, giving you a different look at history.

Trolley Track Trail

For a trail that caters to everyone in the family, check out Trolley Track! The trail is named after late senator Harry Wiggins and was, at one point, the city’s last site of the streetcar line, formerly the Country Club Route. It is incredibly convenient for most residents as it is located in the highest density residential area of central city and has night lighting in many areas. The path’s wide layout is great for families with strollers, the elderly or those needing a pavement that is easier on the knees as the asphalt makes for a gentler commute.

Dr. Scott Darling is the head of the Skin & Vein Center in Kansas City and has practiced dermatology for over 12 years. The Skin & Vein Center is attached to Liberty Hospital, and performs a broad range of treatments for skin and vein conditions.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/07/13/5-amazing-trails-around-kansas-city-missouri/

Jul 11 2013

Top Eight Beginners Mountain Biking Tips

mountain bike ride

mountain biking

Tips for Beginning Mountain Bikers

Regardless of whether you’re trying to lose weight, get your adrenaline going or simply find a new hobby, mountain biking ticks all of the right boxes. It’s thrilling, addictive and surprisingly strenuous.

Unfortunately however, it’s also known for being incredibly challenging. And the steep learning curve is something that leaves many beginners with both scraped knees and a sense of frustration.
Should you find yourself venturing onto a mountain bike for the first time, here are eight straightforward tips for getting off to a good start.

Wear a Helmet (Seriously)

bike helmet

Wear a bike helmet!

If you’re new to mountain biking, it’s important to get one thing straight; you’re going to fall, a lot. Mountain biking isn’t like regular cycling where most falls can be avoided by riding safely. Falls are a part of the sport.
If you don’t want to kill yourself in the process, a helmet isn’t just recommended, it’s straight up common sense.

Look Ahead, not at Obstacles

When you first start riding, it’s only natural to be a little obsessed with avoiding obstacles. After all, riding into a tree or rock can be pretty painful. Unfortunately however, looking at such obstacles can easily turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
This is because the more you look at them, the less you are looking at the track ahead of you and the more likely you are to fall. It takes time but try to keep your eyes firmly on the track ahead at all times.

Learn When to Stand

Over time, choosing between standing and sitting becomes instinctive. For beginners however, it can be a source of endless confusion. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re tackling a bumpy course, standing is usually the best choice. This is because standing allows your knees and elbows to absorb the track rather than your rear.
If the track is relatively smooth, on the other hand, sitting is usually preferable as it burns less energy and allows you to encounter far less wind resistance.

bike in waterfall

Walk bike when needed.

Don’t be Afraid to Walk

When it comes to mountain biking, there’s nothing more satisfying than tackling, and subsequently handling, a new terrain or obstacle. Unfortunately however, push yourself too hard, too soon and you’re more likely to find a hospital than a sense of accomplishment.
Take your time, learn the ropes slowly. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to walk. When you see something that scares you, get off and walk around it.

Learn to Brake

If there’s one thing that you’re going to want to master pretty early on it’s how to brake properly. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as straightforward as it first seems.
• Whenever possible, try to ease into the brake slowly, the faster you break, the more control you lose.
• Be careful when using the front brake exclusively; do so over the wrong terrain and you run the risk of flipping over.
• Whichever brake you use, try to place your weight over the corresponding tire. Doing so will greatly increases its braking capacity.

mountain biking trail

Happy mountain bike trails

Don’t Grip Too Tightly

Another common mistake among beginners is to grip their bike far too tightly. This is a mistake because the tighter your grip is, the less flexibility you have and in turn, the more susceptible you are to injury.
Aim to keep your elbows bent, your body loose and your hands unclenched. The looser you are, the more control you’ll have and the better your body will be to absorb the inevitable shocks.

Shift Gears Before You Need To

Try to get into the habit of shifting gears sooner than you need to. Downshift when you see a hill coming up, up shift when you see a slope. Wait until you’ve actually reached them and you’re making things needlessly difficult on yourself.
Aim to take the pressure off your bike before it’s actually applied.

Start Slowly

Finally, probably the most common mistake that beginners make is simply going too fast. You don’t need to master the sport your first day. Mountain biking has a steep enough learning curve as it is without making it steeper by going faster than you’re comfortable with.
Start off slow, learn to handle the bike and learn to predict the track. You can speed up gradually over time. You’re not in a race, yet.
Author Bio:
Today’s guest blogger, Anthony Black, is a marketing executive at Reid Cycles, a leading manufacturer of cheap mountain bikes in Australia. He likes to make use of social media in his free time.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/07/11/top-eight-beginners-mountain-biking-tips/

Jul 05 2013

Before And After Hiking – Preventive Measures Against Ticks

Many of us love outdoor activities and we often make it a point to head outdoors at least during the weekends with our family or friends. One outdoor activity that most of us do is hiking and although it may be a beneficial activity, it is a risky one too. A common risk that most of us hikers encounter are tick bites which are not only itchy, but dangerous too as they carry deadly diseases. Sadly, ticks not only feed on the blood of animals, but humans as well and this makes it necessary to protect ourselves before we go hiking. After all, ticks should not stop us from enjoying the fresh air, beautiful sunshine and breathtaking scenery.

Preventive Measures Before Hiking

These preventive measures can help you reduce the risk of getting bitten throughout the hike and bringing ticks back home with you.

boots help protect against ticks

wear protective boots

1. Tick Proof Your Hiking Gear

To keep ticks at bay when you go hiking, proof your hiking gear with permethrin. Permethrin must never be used directly on skin, so be careful to only apply it on your hiking boots, clothing and camping equipment. Fortunately, permethrin will continue to be effective on your gear even after you get soaked in rain, so you need not have to worry about reapplying.

2. Suit Up In Long Pants With Hiking Boats

To make sure that ticks do not find their way into your clothing or boots, wear long pants when you go hiking. The pant legs must be tucked into your socks before wearing your hiking boots. In tick abundant areas, you can also wrap your ankles above your socks with duct tape to seal it. Your shirt must also be tucked into your waistband whenever you hike.

3. Avoid Straying From The Trail

Ticks are mainly found in areas with high vegetation where they can easily jump on passing hosts. So when you leave the trail and walk through rich vegetation, the risk of catching ticks will be greater. There are hiking trails for a reason, so never stray away from them.

Preventive Measures After The Hike

After your hiking trip, you must make it a point to ensure that you did not bring ticks back home with you. Several ticks on your clothing and camping gear poses a great risk of introducing a tick infestation in your home. In the event that you discover a tick infestation in your home, do not hesitate to have your home treated by a pest control professional.

1. Wash And Dry Hiking Clothes In High Heat

Remove all your clothing and put them directly in the washing machine. Wash them with warm to hot water, but never neglect to dry them in high temperatures. Ticks can survive in hot water, but they will die when exposed to hot and dry air.

2. Steam Clean Or Expose Your Camping Gear in High Heat

You can opt to steam your camping gear with extreme heat or leave them exposed directly under the hot sun to kill any ticks you may have brought with you.

3. Check Yourself When Taking A Bath After Hiking

After undressing to take a bath, check your body for any ticks that may have gotten on you. They can hide in your hair, behind your knees, in your belly button, under your arms and even between your legs.

Citations:
Attached Images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://mrg.bz/Oem4cP

Valerie Williams is a freelance writer specializing in natural pest control solutions. Click here to learn more about different pest control tips and preventive measures against harmful insects while hiking.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2013/07/05/before-and-after-hiking-preventive-measures-against-ticks/