ESCAPE: Solo on the Baviaans Canyon Trail — five days slack‑packing
My lungs were screaming, I had no fuel in my tank, and I felt woefully unprepared. I was still getting used to my hiking boots, and I felt about as agile as a panda in bubble wrap. A five-day hike through the Baviaanskloof became a lesson in what to carry – and what to leave behind.
On day one of the five-day, six-night Baviaans Canyon Trail hike through the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, the author found themselves woefully unprepared and struggling with their hiking boots. Their right knee was also causing them significant pain and discomfort. Despite these challenges, they continued on the trail, reaching their first overnight camp greeted by ten smiling group members.
The group consisted of experienced hikers who were equipped with hiking poles and merino wool socks, while the author was still figuring out the best gear for their needs.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
