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So you’ve prepared kit, clothing, meals, locations, routes and you are good to go. Hold that thought, we are not done yet. It’s very important to enjoy your morning, evening and lunchtime rest periods and a good cuppa often does the trick! You don’t have to always put up with the usual drinks of water and sports drinks. Coffee or tea are not only comforting drinks but they can also give you that additional boost of nutrients and energy. Coffee has been scientifically proven to boost energy levels and keep our brains sharper through the help of caffeine. It is also rich in antioxidants. Tea, on the other hand, helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, boosts the immune system, and helps a lot in relaxation. Whether it is for breakfast, afternoon tea, or to cap off the night, here are a few coffee and tea recipes for you to try next. Turmeric Tea – this super-drink brings about several health benefits: reduces arthritis symptoms, boosts the immune system, anti-inflammatory, and helps manage irritable bowel movement. Makes 2-3 servings 1 tbsp. ground turmeric powder pinch of ground cardamom Pinch of cayenne Pinch of black pepper 1 tsp. honey ¼ cup of milk powder At home, mix your turmeric powder with milk powder and all remaining spices and sift properly. Put the mixture in a zip-top bag with the honey packed separately. Once you are ready for a drink, mix all your ingredients in a small pot with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir the mixture into boiling water until properly dissolved and pour. Cinnamon Spice Latte – aside from coffee’s health benefits, adding cinnamon spice to your favorite roast not only enhances its taste, and helps regulate your blood sugar. It is packed with fiber, calcium, manganese, iron, and vitamin K. Makes 1 serving ½ tsp. ground cinnamon Pinch of ground nutmeg 2 tbsp. powdered vanilla creamer 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar ¼ cup milk powder Prepack all ingredients in a zip-top bag, except for your cinnamon which should be packed separately. Boil your water, pour the mixture of nutmeg, creamer, sugar, milk powder on your favorite coffee brew and stir until dissolved. Dust cinnamon on top. Amazing! Chai Tea (an AWT favourite!) – known for its blend of delicious flavors and spicy aroma, Chai Tea is perfect for your outdoor experience as it helps alleviate body pains and aches. As it contains ginger, it also helps in reducing nausea. This makes 6 servings 3 tbsp. black tea leaves 10 whole cloves 1 tsp. dried lemongrass ½ tsp. ground ginger 5 cardamom pods 1 tsp. black pepper 2 cinnamon sticks broken into small pieces Before going out, grind all ingredients in a spice grinder or a blender, except for tea leaves. Once coarsely ground, add tea leaves and store them in a zip-top bag. Remember to pack a small leaf tea strainer (£2.50 from Amazon) for this recipe. When you are ready for your cuppa, using the strainer, put 1 tbsp. of tea mixture in 1 cup of water and bring to boil and serve afterward. Lush! Hot Cocoa – clearly not tea or coffee but hot chocolate is always perfect for outdoors, especially at night, so we couldn’t resist a recipe. Hot cocoa improves your mood through its taste, flavanols that also improve symptoms of depression. Also, hot cocoa contains antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties. Makes 6 servings ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup powdered sugar 1 cup of milk powder 1 tsp. cornstarch ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon Mix and sift all ingredients at home and store them in a zip-top bag. To prepare outdoors, stir 5 tbsp. of the cocoa mix into a small pot of boiling water and serve. Your next outdoor drink doesn’t always have to be bland. You can use these recipes to put some delicious flair into your drinks. We highly suggest that you try these at home first before packing them up for outdoors – this would help you decide which one is your best bet. We can’t blame you if you decide to pack all these recipes though. Not only are these tasty, but they are also guaranteed to be healthy. Try mixing other ingredients of your choice to add variety to your outdoor drinks list. A few slices of fruit on your tea or a pinch of your preferred spices on your coffee might just do the trick.

See ACCREDITATIONS page Our ventures have always been of the very highest standard, and we are continually looking to improve those standards in order to ensure we are able to work closely with you to deliver the venture that suits the needs of your group. We are very proud of our safety record and the satisfaction of our clients. Africa Wild Trails has committed to an independent assessment of all operations. BS 8848 Corporate Compliance Africa Wild Trails is BS 8848 compliant: Following this assessment by the Adventure Activity Associates, we are very pleased to say that all Africa Wild Trails operations are BS 8848 compliant, meeting the high standards required by the British Standard for organised and managed ventures, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK. This award highlights our commitment to putting safety first in all aspects of our work. BS8848 2014 is published by BSI Standards Limited, under license from the British Standards Institution, and came into effect on 31st March 2014. The consumers guide to BS8848 2014 can be obtained here: https://www.bsigroup.com/LocalFiles/en-GB/consumer-guides/resources/BSI-Consumer-Brochure-Adventurous-Activities-UK-EN.pdf Expedition Providers Association (EPA) Africa Wild Trails is a full member of the EPA: The Expedition Providers Association is the only awarding body of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s Quality Badge (LOtC QB) for overseas expeditions. To be a full member represents, by independent inspection, proof of Quality and Safety across Africa Wild Trails operations. This differs and is justifiably more robust than all other LOtC QB accreditations. By choosing an EPA member for your venture, you can be confident that they have been assessed against BS 8848 and that full members hold the LOtC Quality Badge for overseas expeditions. Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (LOtC QB) Africa Wild Trails holds the LOtC Quality Badge: The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) is the managing and overall awarding body for the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, which recognises providers offering good quality learning outside the classroom and managing risk effectively and is a nationally recognised indicator of good quality educational provision. The LOtC Quality Badge is the only national award combining the essential elements of provision – learning and safety – into a trusted accreditation scheme for all types of learning outside the classroom provider. The Department for Education guidance on Health & Safety on educational visits recommends that schools look for the LOtC Quality Badge when choosing external providers of educational visits.

You have chosen your next trail destination, booked the necessary travel arrangements, and packed up your kit. All set? Not so fast... Like handpicking the perfect kit and clothing for your trip, it is critical to ensure that you have packed up enough snacks to keep you going during the venture. While it is easy to think of chocolate bars, crisps and biscuits etc as the definition of snack, choosing the right type of snacks should be well thought through. Your trail snacks should be nutritious, easily packed, and have a balance of the nutrients required to get you through your activity. Your snacks should have an optimal balance of carbs, protein, and fat. It is a common misconception to stock up on just your carbs as it is the quickest source of energy, however, you should understand your body’s need for the right amount of fat, protein, and other nutrients at the same time. So, what are the best snacks to take along on your next trail? Let’s find out. Trail Mix and Nuts Never underestimate the power of nuts! Nuts are considered as powerhouse snacks because they are an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates. Nuts also contain potassium - a key electrolyte that is lost in the body when it sweats. Trail Mix on the other hand, is the next level from just the traditional nut option. Adding a bunch of dried fruits and seeds boosts the nutrient content of your snack. Always choose components that have good sources of healthy fats like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to protect the heart and help reduce body inflammation. Dried Fruits Dried fruit packs have many health benefits and contain multiple vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium to name a few. Dried fruits are also loaded with fructose which is a natural fruit sugar that gives fruit that nice sweet taste. Nutrition/Energy Bars Besides the fact that these snacks are handy and almost non-perishable, it has become the norm to pack these for a day or multi-day trip, and for good reason. They are packed with all the necessary nutrients needed for a quick energy boost. Nutrition bars are not meant to replace meals, but rather they act as 'fillers' in between meals. Dried Meat We’re not talking about your typical cheapo petrol station beef jerky, but the healthier options. The natural and healthier option is broken down into simple ingredients: dried meat, herbs and spices. Dried meats are high in protein but low in fat with a long-term shelf life. If you are buying and not making your own, pay attention to the sodium content though, while it is good in small portions, sodium can be very bad for your health if consumed in large contents. Snack Plan Ensure your planning includes your snacks! Consider the distance, ascent, descent and duration of the trip and plan your snacks accordingly. Definitely take more than you think you will need as you will either consume the lot or have an excess which you could give to someone else in your group or a passer-by who may not have planned quite as well as you did...

Earth as we know it is approximately 4.6 billion years old. Billions of years worth of history that even to this day, scientists are still trying to unravel. From the Jurassic era to Stone Age, to the earliest form of humankind, towards the present, experts have masterfully compiled pieces of history to ensure that critical information is preserved, shared, and explored throughout. The Cradle of Humankind (Cradle of Humanity) is one of the most important sites for us humans. It is a paleoanthropological site found 50km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Gauteng province, approximately 90 mins drive. It is believed to be the place where humankind originated. The location gained prominence by sheer coincidence of discoveries leading to what we know today as one of the eight World Heritage Sites found in South Africa. The site occupies 180 square miles and contains a complex variety of limestone caves with the Sterkfontein Caves being the most visited, and most popular among all caves within the site. History In 1924, an anatomist named Raymond Dart found a skull of a juvenile primate inside a box together with other fossil-bearing rocks sent to him by a quarry manager from Taung. Dart dedicated his research in providing more information about this discovery, describing the fossil and named it Australopithecus africanus (“southern ape of Africa”). Unfortunately, few scientists took his claims seriously. It was not until 1936 when a Scottish doctor and paleontologist named Robert Broom, discovered the first fragments of an adult australopithecine in Sterkfontein, today’s most visited cave in the Cradle of Humankind. The discovery of the “Taung Child” by Dart and “Mrs. Ples”  by Broom further piqued interest within the scientific community leading to further discoveries of human fossils. Because of these discoveries, experts were led to believe that humankind was born at this location. UNESCO World Heritage Site In 1999, “the cradle” which was originally composed of fifteen caves within the site, was initially listed and inducted as a part of the World Heritage list. Declared by UNESCO as “one of the most important in the world for understanding the evolution of the modern man from his ancestors”,  the inclusion of the site in the list signifies the cradle’s cultural significance. A vast number of hominid fossils, the oldest of which date back 3.5 million years ago, along with the earliest known human tools, have all been found at the site. All of these discoveries over the years have established South Africa as the cradle of humankind. Two of the ten criteria met by the site to be declared as a Heritage Site were: To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living, or which has disappeared. To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. The Cradle’s Caves, Topography, and Climate Rain occurs mainly in the summer season together with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures range from -12 degrees to 39 degrees Celsius with an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. Lightning strikes across the area are frequent, which may have been a factor of how the early human has developed control of fire. The Sterkfontein Caves is the most famous tourist destination amongst the 15 caves found within the Cradle of Humankind. It contains the Australopithecus africanus and an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton. Other fossil sites within the site are: Bolt’s Farm – fossils of antelope, baboon, and rodents as old as 4 million years. Swartkrans – evidence of the earliest controlled use of fire in the world, Paranthropus robustus, Homo ergaster fossils. Minnaar’s Cave – animal fossils including one of the earliest discoveries of a Jackal skull. Cooper’s Site – known for its diverse content of fauna including the Paranthropus robustus Kromdraai – the first specimen of Paranthropus robustus was discovered in this site in 1938. Plover’s Lake – Middle Stone Age deposits and fossils have been excavated recently inside this cave. Wonder Caves – from the term itself, spectacular cave formations can be found here together with frog, lizard, and bird fossils. Drimolen – this cave houses 92 hominid specimens. Motsetse – this site includes a saber-toothed cat fossil. Gladysvale – plant remains dating back 3 million years ago can be found here along with two hominid teeth. Haasgat – a variety of early monkey fossils can be found in this cave. Gondolin – since 1979, approximately 90,000 fossils have been discovered in this cave including a large molar tooth of a Paranthropus robustus. Makapans Valley – this area was only included on the Cradle of Humankind in 2005 which houses a variety of animal and hominid fossils. Taung – along with Makapans Valley, Taung was declared as part of the Cradle of Humankind in 2005. It is the site where the “Taung Child” was first discovered by Raymond Dart. It is strongly advised for any people visiting the caves, or the Cradle of Humankind as a whole, to wear comfortable shoes (preferably trekking/hiking shoes). Visitors are also advised to leave handbags or any luggage behind due to the number of tight spots and pathways to be encountered during a visit. In addition, exploring these caves is not suggested for those with claustrophobia, asthma, or acute chest problems.

Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park or as it was formerly known, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. The area was originally a hunting ground for the royals of the Zulu kingdom such as Dingiswayo and Shaka. The reserve was initially established to protect the white rhino population of South Africa, which at that time was and is again, critically endangered. History In the late 1950s up until the 1960s, the game reserve was home to Operation Rhino headed by the world-renowned conservationist Dr. Ian Player. Operation Rhino was a highly successful conservation effort to save and protect white rhinos from hunters and poachers. This initiative led to the successful conservation of white rhinos across the world and most of its practices are still being observed to this day. From having 25 rhinos at the start of Operation Rhino, the game reserve now has the highest population of both black and white rhinos across Southern Africa. Geography and Climate Spanning a massive land area of 960 square kilometers consisting mostly of hilly landscape, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is divided into two (2) main areas: Hluhluwe This section of the park has hilly ground where the altitude can range from 260 – 1,770 ft. above sea level. The coastal scarp forests are supported by its high ridges in a well-watered area with valley bushveld at the lower areas. Situated in the northern area of the park, Hluhluwe is rugged and mountainous with stunning sections of forests and grasslands. Umfolozi Found at the southern part of the game reserve, this area is particularly situated between the two Umfolozi Rivers: Mfolozi emnyama or Black Umfolozi and Mfolozi emhlophe or White Umfolozi. This section of the park is generally hot during the summer season and is mild to cool during the winter season. The topography in this section ranges from lowlands of the Umfolozi river beds to steep, hilly country which includes both wide and deep valleys. Vegetation in this area consists primarily of grasslands, acacia savannah and woodlands. The climate in this area can be classified into Dry Season and Wet Season. Dry Season – May to September Very little to no rainfall in winter with chances of occasional rain showers due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean coastal region. Heat is less oppressive in the summer season with skies being mostly cloudless. Summer ends in May which means less rain and the humidity drops. June until August presents more pleasant temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius that drops to 11 degrees at night. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing if traveling during these months and AWT will always provide a comprehensive kit and clothing list. With September comes spring season; temperatures gradually rise with an average of 25 degrees Celsius. Rain will also start dropping in September with occasional thundershowers. Wet Season – October to April It’s very hot and humid during this period with near-daily rains in the afternoon. Heavy thunderstorms are also to be expected during this season. October and November have common afternoon rains with occasional rains all day. Temperatures range from 16 degrees Celsius in the morning to 26 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. December to February months tend to be extremely hot and humid. Storms occur mostly in the afternoon with average temperatures being higher than usual. March and April are when things cool down; temperatures range from 17 degrees in the morning to 27 degrees in the afternoon. Wildlife in the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park Hluhluwe–Imfolozi is the only state-run park in the Kwazulu Natal region home to Africa’s Big 5: Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo. In addition to the Big 5, the game reserve has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some animals found in the reserve are the Hippo, Cheetah, Nile Crocodile, Giraffe, Hyena, Impala, Bushpig, Warthog, Kudu, Wildebeests, Jackal, African Painted Dogs, and so much more. For birdlife fanatics, this area is home to approximately 340 species of birds. It is the only place in South Africa where yellow-throated, orange-throated, and pink-throated longclaw species are found together. Access Whilst a traditional safari in open safari vehicles is the norm here, many people choose to take their own vehicles into the park and self drive. When Africa Wild Trails groups go to this area we tend to go on foot, into the wilderness area which is legally protected and devoid of vehicles, buildings and humans… A trail in the wilderness area is an exceptional experience and one that gets us extremely close to nature as we sleep out around a campfire, under the stars during the night, relaxing and listening to the sounds of Africa. During the day we quietly walk the game trails, tracking elephants, rhinos and other species whilst learning about local flora, fauna and conservation efforts. With its rich history, vast biodiversity, and jaw-dropping landscape, the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is certainly one of the most fascinating game reserves to visit in the world. I would certainly list it as a dream destination in terms of wilderness hiking, safari and wildlife exploration and conservation. A chance to immerse yourself in nature, to see Africa’s Big 5, a rare sighting of the African Painted Dogs, and many more, this location is definitely a must-see.

South Africa is an inspirational destination for those who want to discover the most spectacular wildlife, culture, communities, mountains, rivers, coastline, hiking, biking and nature conservation good practice. Popular sites include the Kruger National Park, Umfolozi Wilderness area, Table Mountain, Zulu War Battlefields and many more breathtaking attractions. But knowing about the popular sites to visit is just half of the story. The other half would be ensuring good risk management so that everyone in your group has an amazing and safe experience. Malaria is endemic to certain parts of South Africa which can be alarming for both locals and visitors. There’s no sense in traveling to these parts of the world and being unprepared by not knowing key facts about the places you visit and how to protect yourself from Malaria. Listed here is some information you can review so that you and your group can enjoy South Africa with Africa Wild Trails, without worrying about Malaria. Knowing the destination Locations are often marked as “high”, “intermediate”, and “low” risk areas for malaria. With this knowledge, you can have a basic idea of what precautions are required before visiting the destination. The risk areas in South Africa include: the north-eastern parts of Limpopo (along the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe) the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park but excluding Mbombela and immediate surrounds) the far northern areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal Visitors of Kruger National Park may worry about this, however, while the park does fall in the malaria risk area, the transmission risk would be considered low to moderate, depending on the specific camps visited for overnight stays. Knowing the malaria risk periods Did you know that Malaria is seasonal in South Africa and that there are low-risk periods and moderate/high-risk periods in the country? The moderate/high-risk period is usually from November until May of the following year with a peak of high risk between January and April. The other months such as June, July, August, September, October are low risk. Knowing who is being targeted Mosquitos have their favorite meals and scents too… They have a nose for scents such as lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia and other compounds emitted in sweat. Warm sweaty people are a clear target for Mozzies! Research shows that those of us with Type O blood are tastier to mosquitoes and noted that certain species of Mosquito landed on the skin of people with Type O blood nearly twice as often as they did on the skin of people with Type A blood Fragranced deodorant, soaps and perfumes are also very attractive to our annoying little mozzie friends, so if you really want to get serious about deterring them, bin your nice smelling toiletries and take unscented ones. Knowing what to do There are things that you can do as a precaution to avoid being targeted by a mosquito. Small things that can make a big difference such as wearing long-sleeved trousers and shirts, applying insect repellent to the skin and using a mosquito net are some ways. For higher risk areas, malaria prophylaxis must be used to ensure that you cannot be infected. During ventures with Africa Wild Trails you will often be sat around a fire at night time, and the smoke from the fire is very good at keeping mosquitoes and other insects away. These are some of the basic ways you can do to avoid being infected with malaria. It will not take much time, it will not take much effort, and it won’t cost you much money. This way you can enjoy your journey in South Africa without worrying about malaria. If you want to learn more about traveling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure! Please ensure you visit your Doctor or Travel Nurse for professional advice and guidance before traveling to any malaria area.

Who Are They? The San or Saan People who are also known as the “Bushmen”, are the indigenous people of Africa and believed to be the oldest inhabitants of Africa. They are known to be the descendants of the first modern man or Homo sapiens. Their name “Bushmen” came from the Dutch term “bosiesman” which means “bandit” or outlaw”. This was given to them during their battle with the colonists. Although some considered the name as derogatory because of its meaning, others, on the other hand, are proud because they interpret it as a reference for their bravery during their fight for freedom from colonists. When Were They Discovered? They have been living in Africa for almost 20,000 years now. But if you talk about their gene pattern, they date back 80,000 years, and that’s why they are considered the first descendant of the world’s first human. In 2012 there was even a discovery of a set of tools at Border Cave in KwaZulu-Natal which is believed to date back to 44,000 BCE wherein the tools discovered are identical to the tools being used by the modern San. Where Do They Live? The San or the “Bushmen” are the original inhabitants of Africa. They are semi-nomadic meaning they move from place to place seasonally depending on the availability of resources such as food and water. In the old days, they could roam from place to place freely until the 17th and 18th century when colonists started building their farmlands in the fertile areas of Africa. The San people were forced to go to areas of Southern Africa not suitable for farming such as the Kalahari Desert. Now the San or “Bushmen” are found in several countries of Africa such as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Angola, and South Africa. What Do They Do? These people are hunter-gatherers. The males hunt for animals while the females are tasked to gather plants, fruits, insects and ostrich eggs. The San or “Bushmen” have no official leader, they make decisions as a group where male and female are equal. Whenever there is a disagreement, they take long discussions until they resolve any complicated issue. Why Are They Important? The San or “Bushmen” has a unique culture, from their rock-art, hunting methods, survival skills, knowledge of medicinal edible and toxic plants, music, dance and beliefs that are the source of what the world has today. How Are They Today? Many San or Bushmen are having very hard time of it today. Over recent history many have evicted from certain territories to make way for mines and modernization. Today there are only an estimated 100,000 San or “Bushmen” people left in Africa, some are still hunter-gatherers and others are living in cultural centres where they make a living by showing off their incredible hunting and survival skills. The sad fact is that after tens of thousands of years, the San or Bushmen culture may be lost completely in the next 50-100 years, only to be found in the history books.

A lot of people these days are engaged in hiking, backpacking, kayaking, mountaineering, and many other outdoor activities available. We do it for adventure, camaraderie, challenge, exercise, competition and just the desire to get out into nature. You may be able to manage a short hike or an overnight camping trip near where you live, but if you want to explore deeper, go into unfamiliar territory, for a lengthier period or run an international venture for a group, going it alone is not an option. Mother Nature may be beautiful but can also be unpredictable and unforgiving and that is why you must find a good venture leader who really knows what they are doing. When considering a good venture leader, always remember the following qualities. Knowledge Having qualifications from appropriate organisations that relate to your venture is vital. Another thing to look out for is local knowledge. Just because someone is a well-qualified venture leader does not mean they have good local knowledge. A venture leader with practical, technical and logistical knowledge in all aspects of the venture is a must. Should you be taking part in activities your venture leader is not qualified in, then he/she should put in place these qualified sub-leaders for you. Experience The more experience a venture leader has, the better. This will determine their decision-making ability for any given event during an expedition. Not everything can be learned through books and often a decision is based on what they have experienced rather than what they have read is much preferred. Better to select a seasoned leader to guide you as they would know what is best for your venture. Standards What standards is your venture leader adhering to? If your venture leader is part of a small or large organisation, they should be adhering to specific standards that relate to the type of venture you are panning to undertake. If the leaders operations have not been subject to assessment by a professional organisation, then we would always suggest a reconnaissance trip to the location you plan to take the group to. This is always money very well spent. Medical Incidents and accidents are not common, nevertheless you must have a venture leader who is a qualified first aider or expedition medical. The risks on an international venture are different and often higher than those of our daily lives. These include the weather, the terrain, travel, activities and often wild animals. If an incident happens good first-aid treatment is essential. You should expect your venture leader to have further plans in place regarding an overland route to hospital and knowledge of medical centres and hospitals in the area. Cautious A leader with a cautious attitude is someone who will be taking time to consider all the aspects of your venture and ensuring that the group is well prepared, engaging in appropriate and risk assessed activities. Greater risk is part of new activities and international ventures but these risks must be managed by your leader and the venture leader must also be experienced enough to dynamically assess and manage new risks that occur during the venture itself. Fun What is the sense in taking part in an international venture if you are not going to have fun as well as achieving your set goals? Yes, each venture has it’s own purpose but whatever the ethos and purpose of your venture it is important to have a leader who can make it fun as well. When you consider your group will be spending many days or weeks with the leader, it’s best to avoid robotic, stern and cold leadership styles. Who leads you and/or your group is ultimately up to you of course, but there is no alternative for knowledge, skills, experience, a cautious attitude and a sense of fun!

Camping is a great recreational activity held outdoors that can benefit us in so many ways including our physical, social, and mental wellbeing. It is fun, enjoyable, and challenging but it could also be uncomfortable if one is not prepared or one does not know what to do. Most people think about where to camp, whom to invite, what to eat and what activities they should prepare for the camping adventure. But many tend to forget the most basic and most essential part of camping, choosing the right tent. A tent is one of the most essential items of camping equipment and usually, campers take this for granted not realising that not all tents are created equal. Whether you’re planning a simple camping activity in your backyard, a sweat-breaking backpacking trail outing or a challenging survivalist camping trip, at the end of the day, you need to have a good night’s rest to get back that lost energy and relax those aching muscles from the whole day’s adventure. There are many types of tents that you could use depending on the situation or activity. Before selecting any tent for a specific camping adventure, always remember to ask the 6 W’s. W #1 – WHY? Why are you going camping? There are many different reasons for going camping. Some people go on expeditions, some go camp because of a school activity, others need shelter when attending concerts, others do it for family bonding, and others may do it just for fun in the local woods and hills. It is important for you to answer this question because depending on the purpose, a specific type of tent may do the job better. W #2 – WHERE? Where is the camping location? Knowing the place you are heading to and likely weather conditions is essential for getting the correct tent. The terrain is an important factor too since the comfort you will be needing inside your tent will somewhat depend on the environment around you. Considering whether the place is rocky, sandy, snowy, grassy, full of trees or just plain flat soil would help you decide on which tent to take. W #3 – WHEN? When is the trip going to happen? To know when to camp is to know the kind of season you are going to encounter. The likely climate and temperatures at the location will tell you what type of tent to buy. Ensure you have done lots of good research online, in relevant books as well as seeking out others who have been to the region you intend to go. Always plan for the worst case scenario weather-wise and you won’t go far wrong!. W #4 – WHO? Who is camping? Knowing the number of people and what type of people are going camping is also important. The comfort may depend on the height of the tent and the total space it can offer. You might find that sharing with your friend could make things a little awkward over a longer period. Therefore, buying two one-person or two two-person tents might be a much better idea. Talk this through with your friends so you are all on the same page! W #5 – WHAT? What other stuff are you bringing? Knowing what should be inside the tent is very important. Certain things should be sheltered such as food and other valuable things. Determining these things can help you find a specific tent with more or less storage capability depending on how much space is needed. The porch of a tent is also a very good place to keep your pack or boots instead of inside the tent so have look at ranges with porches. W #6 – Weight Finally, get the weight right. If you are driving to a camp location the weight doesn’t really matter, but if you are hiking then 1 or 2 kgs to much will make a huge difference during a days hike. Ensure your tents fits inside your backpack or can be strapped onto the outside of it. See our Backpack Blog for advice on this. Buying a tent is an investment so it is better to do your research regarding the characteristics of the available options. The most important thing is knowing what you really need to be comfortable and productive during your next outdoor adventure. SLEEP WELL..!

When you think about deadly, dangerous snakes, the first thing that might come to your mind is their venom. However, many people are unaware that there are non-venomous snakes that are equally dangerous. One example is the African Rock Python (Python sebae), notorious for its nasty temperament. The African rock python is the largest snake in Africa. It is also considered to be among the six largest snake in the world together with the Burmese python, Indian python, reticulated python, green anaconda, and amethystine python.  The African rock python has two subspecies namely, the Central African rock python and the South African rock python. The patterns on the scales of the two subspecies can be used to differentiate them. There is a well-defined large blotch in front of the eye of the Central African sub-species, while the South African sub-species has frontal scales broken into 2-7 scales. The body of the African rock python is thick and heavily built. It is covered with coloured blotches and colour may vary between olive, chestnut, brown, and yellow.  It has a triangular head and curved, sharp teeth. African rock pythons reach an average size of 3.5 meters during adulthood; however, there have been reports of these snakes reaching 4.8 meters to 6 meters. They can weigh between 30 to 55 kilograms, but exceptionally large African rock pythons may weigh up to 90 kilograms. This large snake can be found all over sub-Saharan Africa. As their names suggest, the Central African rock python is found across central and western Africa while the South African rock python is found on the southern and eastern range. In terms of its habitat, it can live in forests, grasslands, semi-dessert, Savannah, rocky areas. It is also found in edges of lakes, swamps and rivers, or where there is a permanent water source. African rock pythons prey on a variety of animals. This snake kills its target by constriction. It grips the prey and coils around it tightly until the prey either dies from crushing lack of air, or cardiac arrest. Because the snake has flexible jaws and skin, it can easily eat large animals whole by opening their mouths wide. It can eat large rodents, warthogs, fruit bats, monkeys, lizards, and even antelopes. It can even prey on other predators such as crocodiles, and cubs/puppies of hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and jackals. The African rock python is currently not considered at risk of extinction, however, there are present threats like hunting and loss of habitat that should be monitored and controlled. The African rock python is often hunted for its skin, which is used for a variety of leather goods. It is also hunted for the pet trade. Keeping rock pythons as pets is one of the primary reasons for human attacks. People keeping them as pets are at risk, especially with their unpredictable nature. There have been several accounts of these rock pythons attacking people and children. While large African rock pythons would have no difficulty swallowing an adult person, accounts of these snakes attacking humans in the wild are said to be exceptionally rare.

Do you know that the white rhino is not white in colour? The white rhino is actually a slate grey colour. It got its name when English-speaking settlers in Africa misheard the word “wijd” (Afrikaan for Wide) with “white” rhino. It is just one of the five species of rhinoceros on earth. The other three are the Javan, Indian, and Sumatran which can be found in Asian swamps and tropical forests. The last one is the black rhino which can also found in Africa like the white rhino. The term ‘rhinoceros’ means ‘nose horn’ which pertains to the majestic horns growing from the rhino’s snout. The white rhino has two horns, just like the black and Sumatran rhino while the Javan and Indian only have one horn. The rhinoceroses are some of the largest animals in the world, but the most massive one is the white rhino. The white rhino can reach 1.8 meters tall and its weight can reach up to 2,500 kilograms. What is incredible is that even though they are humongous in size, they are not predators that eat other animals for food. White rhinos are herbivores as their diet is composed of plants and grass that’s why they usually hang out in the long and short grass savannahs. They eat at dawn, dusk, and night because they spend the daytime hours sleeping in the shade or in muddy pools to cool down as mud typically protects their skin from the sun’s heat. They can survive up to five days without water but if water is available, they drink twice a day. Unlike the other species of rhinos, white rhinos may live in a group which is called a ‘crash’, composed of a female and her calves. But sometimes, adult females called cows can also be seen together. Male rhinos, called bulls, prefer to be left alone unless in search of a female for breeding. Males are also very territorial and would mark their land area with dung. What many may not know is that there are two subspecies of the white rhino: the northern white rhino and the southern white rhino. There are only two remaining northern white rhinos, and around 20,000 Southern white rhinos on the planet. This is a critical number their conservation status is ‘Near Threatened’. But what is more alarming is that rhinos do not have any natural predators. The main reason for their near extinction is illegal poaching by humans for their horns. Some cultures believe that these white rhino horns have medicinal properties even though this has been scientifically disproven. This has led to horrific poaching of white rhinos. In 2018, it was an unfortunate day for Mother Earth when the last male northern white rhino named Sudan passed away. This leaves only two remaining northern white rhinos in Kenya which are both infertile females. Currently, there are many efforts to see if it is possible to save the northern white rhino through artificial reproduction. This proved successful for the southern white rhino and many people hope that it could help save the survival of the northern subspecies.

Many people may not be familiar with the term ‘paracord’ but for sure you’ve seen them in the outdoor section of department stores, or maybe you even have one as a bracelet or a keychain. Paracord is short for parachute cord which is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope. It was called such because originally, the paracord was used in suspension lines of parachutes. However, the uses of this cord have now evolved and it’s being utilised for many purposes. Paracord was even reportedly used during the 82nd Space Shuttle Mission by astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope! If you’re going on a venture abroad or heading into space, you may want to consider bringing some with you. Here are a few ways you can use this multitasking piece of your kit. Rescue Because the paracord is a lightweight rope, you can easily carry it with you, maybe braided into a belt, a bracelet, a keychain or in just rolled up in your pack. In emergency situations, this rope can be used as a rescue line if someone has fallen too far for your to grab them, is in trouble in water, or stuck and needing help for some other reason. First Aid The paracord can be used to make a sling, splint, or tourniquet in case of an accident. This can help secure the broken bone or stop blood loss before emergency responders arrive at the scene. The inner threads of a paracord can also be used as a suture to stitch up wounds in severe emergencies. You can even create a makeshift stretcher using a paracord to transport people. Protection A paracord can be used to create a trip line or even a makeshift barrier in case you need to spend the night in the outdoors. This can help disorient potential predators and prevent them from entering your campsite. If you have a pet with you like your dog, you can use this as a leash to prevent your dog from wandering while you are asleep. Another use is to tie up bag zips so it makes it harder for people to steal your kit. Gathering and Cooking Food You can use the inner threads of the paracord as a fishing line by using a drink can tab as a hook and putting worm or grub as a bait. If you need to catch a lot of fish, the paracord can also be fashioned into a fishing net so you won’t need to worry about honing your spear-fishing skills! The paracord can also be used to create a snare or a trap when hunting for food on land. When cooking, you can use it to hang your pots over the fire. You can even use it to hang your food on top of the trees so hungry predators will not steal your food. Shelter The paracord can be used in putting up your tent and securing it to the ground. By braiding it for extra strength, it can also be used to make a hammock by tying two ends of a tarp with paracord on two trees. In case of rain, you can use this to secure tree branches together to make a roof over your head. You can also use the paracord to tie your items to a tree to get them off the ground and away from insects. If you want to learn more about wildlife and travelling to Africa, send us a message today. We’ll tell you all about how you can plan your adventure!