Click here for the full Fixture List 

Not sure which hike matches your capability? Choose your Grade!

Every hike the club is putting on will be graded in the fixture, so you can predict how strenuous it may/may not be - Use the grades below to help give you an idea:

• Grade 1 - Very easy (e.g half-day walks)
• Grade 2 - Easy (e.g. half / full day walks)
• Grade 3 - Moderate (physical fitness advisable; e.g. full day walks and moderate backpacking trips)
• Grade 4 - Strenuous (physical fitness essential; e.g. longer backpacking trips)
• Grade 5 - Very strenuous (requires a high degree of fitness; e.g. backpacking expeditions)

It's in the details Try to note the details of the backpacking trip in the fixture, as some will span more than one night and there may be some special prerequisites (e.g. tent, valid passport or a head for heights).  If you have questions on caves and huts, you can have a look at our  Cave and Hut Database

The right hike for you Your safety and enjoyment on our hikes is foremost in our leaders' minds! So, expect to be questioned about your level of fitness and your backpacking equipment by a leader when booking your hike.  They will give more detail concerning the difficulty and the required equipment, and it is up to them to decide whether you can participate or not.  We want you to enjoy your hiking, but taking on something too difficult too soon can be very discouraging, and can lead to risky circumstances.  Instead, assess yourself by starting off with easier hikes and progressing towards harder ones as you become fitter, more comfortable and more experienced.

It is the preorgative of the leader of any hike to use their judgement and discretion to allow or disallow a participant to join their hike.

Committing to your hike When you phone to book on a hike, please feel free to leave a message if the leader cannot be reached on your first attempt. So He/She can contact you.  Once you have been accepted, treat it as a commitment because withdrawing affects transport arrangements and denies other members the chance to participate.  Arrangements are usually finalised by the Wednesday before a weekend hike, so do not try to book on a weekend hike later than Wednesday.  Ideally you should book at least one to two weeks before the event.

Communication Normally minimal correspondence is needed to book on a hike and finalise transport arrangements.  The leader may ask you to contact the person you will be getting a lift with so that you can arrange a pick-up point, get directions and discuss transport costs and other arrangements.  In example, your lift may plan to stop at a restaurant on the way home, and you will need to take extra money for this. For most hikes there can also an entry and / or overnight fee.  The leader will advise you of these costs and occasionally may require payment in advance.

Transport

One of the benefits of belonging to the Club is that there is the possibility of you sharing the cost of transport.  Please note the following:

1. You are expected to contribute your portion of the fuel cost, which will be determined either by sharing the cost of filling the vehicle up again on your return, or by calculation based on the distance travelled, the average fuel consumption and the total number of people in the vehicle.  The driver will usually give you some idea of what the cost will be, and will advise you if this will be different for you based on where you are meeting your lift.
2. It is imperative that you contact the driver in advance to discuss arrangements, costs and directions to the rendezvous point.
3. You must expect to be dropped off after the hike at the same place you were collected unless you make prior arrangements with the driver. 
4. If the driver lives up-route, you will probably need to get yourself to his / her home.  If you need to leave your vehicle there, check parking and security with the driver in advance and if you are not happy with these, make other arrangements.
5. You are expected to reciprocate and provide lifts for other members yourself from time to time, assuming you have your own vehicle.
6. Vehicles are expensive items and you should treat other people’s with the greatest respect,as you can be expected to cover such repairs. Take care not to scratch paintwork or damage upholstery with buckles, walking poles or other equipment. 
7. Road damage and mechanical repairs – including punctures – are risks of vehicle ownership and passengers should not be expected to assist with these unforeseen expenses.
8. The Club will not be held liable in the event of an accident, damage or theft.  You share transport at your own risk.
9. Organise your own gear in such a way that it is easier to pack it into the vehicle you are traveling in. 
10. Bring a clean set of clothes to leave in the vehicle so that you can change into these at the end of the hike can be useful.

What to bring?

Most of the items listed here should be carried by each hiker, although certain items (e.g. tent, stove, pots, lamp and spade) can be shared with a hike buddy.  A leader is entitled to inspect equipment before departure to determine if it is appropriate for the hike to be undertaken and for the expected weather conditions.

Backpacking Equipment

Backpacking equipment is very expensive and you will probably need to purchase your own over a long period of time. Being warm and comfortable makes a big difference when you are out in the elements. Your priorities should be a comfortable pair of boots, an appropriate, good-quality backpack, a warm sleeping bag and a fully waterproof rain jacket. 

Talk to us! Seek advice from experienced Club members rather than shop sales people.  Members have had personal experience with equipment, whereas most sales people have not!

• Comfortable backpack (full, padded hip belt of correct size)
• Hiking boots (must have full ankle support), Gaiters are optional but can reduce the burrs, stones and soil that can flick into your boots
• Sleeping bag (hollow fibre or down for winter, preferably with a cowl top)
• Hiking stove (gas is simplest and safest)
• Stove fuel (e.g. puncture / twist / screw-type gas cylinder)
• Gas lighter (matches are not very practical and can be a litter problem)
• Pots or billies for cooking
• Mug, bowl, knife, fork and spoon
• LED head-lamp
• Ground sheet
• Hiking mattress (closed-cell / self-inflating / blow-up)
• Water bottle / hydration bag (must be accessible without removing backpack)
• Water bag (e.g. 5 litre wine bag with tap) for use in camp
• Small spade (for toilet and trenching)
• Large plastic bags / sack-liners for clothes and sleeping bag
• Small plastic bags for dirty / wet clothes and rubbish
• Hiking tent (4-season with aluminium poles) - unless sleeping in caves.
• Map (Natal Drakensberg maps can be purchased at most Berg entry points)
• Compass and / or GPS
• Basic First Aid Kit (see separate list)
• Walking rope (optional; 20-25 metres of 7-9 millimetre diameter static climbing rope, but ordinary ski rope will do; this can be used to raise or lower backpacks on ledges, provide hand-holds in tricky places, etc, but is not for climbing on; one such rope per party should be sufficient for most situations)
• Walking pole/s or stick (optional, but very helpful when crossing rivers)

Clothing

There is a lot of good-quality technical clothing on the market.  It is expensive, but well worth it when your life depends on it!.  For summer hikes many beginners use ordinary cotton T-shirts.  However, cotton is unsuitable for cold, wet weather and is referred to as a “death fabric” because it can absorb many times its own weight in water and is slow to dry.

• Shorts, hiking tights or long pants (not jeans-type, as these tend to chafe) (2 pairs)
• Shirts (short / long-sleeve; preferably technical, self-wicking fabric)
• Underwear (proper sports underwear can prevent chafing)
• Warm tracksuit / polar fleece longs and top (for sleeping)
• Hiking socks (wear thin inner, and thick outer pair)
• Hat that shades your head, neck ears and face well & Buff (a versatle item that can keep ears warm, sun off and be used as a sweat band)
• Sunglasses
• Costume and towel (a sarong can be lighter and dries quicker)
• Fully waterproof rain jacket (rain pants optional)
• Polar fleece / soft-shell jacket for walking in
• Sandals / light shoes (e.g. Crocs / wet shoes) for campsite (these can also be useful for crossing rivers and can be carried outside the backpack for this purpose)

Toiletries

Do not use bath soap or gel in streams, even if it is biodegradable.  Besides creating an unsightly mess, it reduces water surface tension and causes water beetles to drown, as well as lowering the water quality downstream.

• Toilet roll (in sealed plastic bag)
• Face cloth
• Comb
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Insect repellent (e.g. Tabard, Peaceful Sleep)
• Sunscreen and lip balm; skin moisturiser for long winter hikes

Additional Items for Winter Hikes

• 1 pair sports socks (for sleeping)
• Balaclava and scarf
• Waterproof gloves / mitts
• Walking longs (preferably technical; cotton jeans are unsuitable)
• Warm long-sleeve tops (technical / polar fleece)
• Thermal underwear (polar fleece / polypropylene)
• Sleeping bag liner / inner (polar fleece)