If you’re properly kitted out, winter is a wonderful time to go hiking. The secret is to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you have the best winter hiking experiences:
Choose trails with fireplaces or cosy shelters, pack a beanie, a down jacket, gloves and some gluhwein “¦ then set off to experience white peaks and clear, starry skies. Wilderness trails in the Drakensberg, Cederberg or Cape Fold Mountains are ideal, or sign up for one of these mountain hikes and enjoy the winter wonderland.
The Matroosberg (2 249 m), a couple of hours from Cape Town, often has snow. There are chalets and campsites on a private nature reserve, so you can do day hikes or take a tent and sleep under the stars. www.matroosberg.com
The Highlands Hiking Trail, a new three-day slackpacking trail from Lady Grey to Kenmure House in the New England district of the Eastern Cape, is a shorter, lower-altitude alternative to the Wartrail Skywalk (which is also a fabulous winter hike). Expect wonderful vistas, cosy guesthouse accommodation and an interesting section along the historic zigzag reverses of the disused railway between Lady Grey and Barkly East. tiny.cc/HighlandsHikingTrail
The Cederberg Heritage Route has opened up the Cederberg Wilderness Area, once the preserve of hardy mountaineers, to hikers of all levels of experience. The four community-run hiking trails range from three to five days and include visits to rock-art sites and an (optional) ride in a donkey cart. Accommodation in the mission villages is rustic, so pack your winter woollies or visit in spring and enjoy the spectacular wild flowers for which the area – one of the showpieces of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site – is famous. www.cedheroute.co.za
Giant’s Cup Trail is a scenic five-day hutted trail which contours around the foothills of the Berg. It’s a good alternative to a full-on expedition to the top of the Drakensberg in the snow, which requires mountaineering experience, self-sufficiency and appropriate winter gear. tiny.cc/GiantsCupTrail
Cool gear
Carry a head torch in your daypack. Good value, lightweight options include the Petzl Tikka2, from R229, the Black Diamond Spot, from R495 (www.mountainmailorder.co.za) and the LED Lenser H7 Head Fire Light, from R140, www.capeunionmart.co.za
Top tip
There’s nothing like a hearty meal to warm you up. Take a ziplock bag of freeze-dried meat, lentils, veggies and brown rice seasoned with curry or spices and bring everything to the boil in a cooking pot. Put on the lid, wrap in a towel and bury the pot in your sleeping bag. Half an hour later, you’ll have a piping-hot stew!
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