SANParks.org Forums

Hi all

Im gald to see you cant wait for the the preparations! Ndloti, it very much depends on your budget. I read in the 'weg' that the E3 eclipse was quite good (they tested it on the Olifants trail...and it (only) costed R770 in Sept 2006, so maybe R850 now, and weights 1, 8 kg. If all the waiting members have confirmed, I'll do some comparisons, then Im going to buy my first leightweight solo tent!

Hey, I only have a sense of humor because I have to deal with said okes above.

Cause if I didn't have a sense of humor I would probably have slit my ankles by now.

Is net so WTM.

Without some sense of humour I would have blunt teeth from chewing my wrists. (I have long since been banned from having sharp instruments anywhere near me.)

GS. Do you mean I have to carry my own tent on this thing, as well as Ndlotis armchair?

JIP! Looks like he has caught you there Leightweight is the answer here...

Is this the Forum Sorro Team ?

Net as WTM aanhou op die draad sit (that is the right word?)

(Only if WTM continues to sit on the fence).

WTM, without you we will be an incomplete bunch of hooglians.

Hehe, couldn't wait...so I went to 5 'outdoor' shops! Saw a nice 2 persons tent @ outdoors, called Leightweight 2, weighted 1,8 kg and costed R650 and was mainly made for: mild to extreme South African conditions. Saw a nice backpack (rucksack) of 55l , weighted 2,3 kg and costed R550 - not too bad IMHO. If you start early with buying stuff, you can still get some nice specials! If im buying stuff, its better you buy proper, and would be able to use it on a next trip (eg the 'VIS' hiking trail).

Guys, this stuff is cool!

Ahem, and here I was thinking you were out twisting WTM's arm to join us, or at the very least, to be organising this trail.



I'll weigh last tent purchased tonight and see what it weighs beforemaking any decisions on that one. My air mattress probably weighs more than the tent.

Ndloti, you'll have to carry your own dam armchair.

BH, I can multitask, so im planning the trail, twisting WTM (and the rests' ) arm looking for tents, studying etc ----

And the shopping spree was just a minor distraction?

Okay Bunnyhugger , but will you carry my bag of Krugers heaviest , best combretum imberbe firewood sourced from the nearest tourist shop ?
Remember , no firewood collection in wilderness areas .

You got that right

I really wish I could do the forum group trail outing, but unfortunately I don't think I could get enough time off to be able to go next year. However, I do hope that this becomes a tradition so that I can go in the future.

I have to say that South Africa really seems like a great place to do some hiking and backpacking (or trekking as I believe some Europeans call it). In fact, I would venture to say that SA could become a world-class destination for this sort of activity. Where else in the world besides the Olifants trail can you go backpacking in the African wilderness, without paying a fortune? I've looked, and I couldn't find anywhere else. To me, that experience alone is worth the $1500 for an airline ticket.

I've been around the American hiking/backpacking culture for many years, and I think SANParks has a product that would really appeal to this group once they hear about it.

Hi Cougar,

I'm glad to read your support for such a walk! (And hiking in SA in general) I definitely agree with you about this trail being a super one..

Its sad to read about an enthusiast who likes (this) trail(s). You know what, if there is still space availible by then, we would be delighted to have you with us, so if there is a chance you might be able to come with, do not hesitate to write here . I guess as a first attempt things are going well, and maybe in future it might work out to be a tradition. I like the thinking! I guess I'd be in for a second walk...altough I haven't even done the first one

As an experienced trailist any handy tips?

Regards,

Hi Cougar.

I'm convinced that it could become an annual pilgrimage.



It is a fanastic place. There a re number of trails that one can backpack, ranging from fairly easy to very difficult.



The Mestsi Metsi trail, the Bushman trail, The Sweni Trail are just some of those on offer in KNP. We''l have to twist GS's arm to make those the next in the annual seriesand I'm convinced you will join us on at least a few of them.



I'v never done one of the walking trails but have long been interested. Kruger is great from a car, it can only be plenty times better on foot.

Check out our trip report and we'll convince you to get all yor mates interested in the hiking trails in the KNP.