Slackpacking isn’t a cop-out!
Rewarding slackpacking routes in SA
So what if it’s “easy”?
When it comes to nature lovers, there are two types of people in this world – Outdoorsy, and Outsidey.
“Outdoorsy” folk are the Bear Grills aficionados who filter their own water and brave the wilderness with nothing but a knife and a piece of rope. They run around on mountain tops, bathe in rivers (if they bathe at all) and sleep under the stars. They have no need for creature comforts and believe in getting as close to nature as possible. Even if that means ending up with bug bites in unspeakable places and scratched arms to match their blistered feet.
Then you get the “outsidey” people. These are the people who go around in active wear, have the sports watch and waterproof cameras, and wear K-way jackets with Salomon or Merrel shoes to do the school run. These people usually have a great love for nature and wouldn’t mind spending time in it. Picnics, walks and visits to nature spots or game farms are much loved pass times. A quick trot up Table Mountain before burgers in Longstreet and a night in the Winelands? Pure perfection! An 8-day trek across the Drakensberg with nothing but a water bottle and some instant noodles? No thank you!
Now, as fate would have it, Outdoorsy and Outsidey people often end up together. Probably because they bump into each other at the Trappers/Cape Union Mart sales, and while one is buying linen shirts and cute sneakers the other buys collapsable pans and solar flashlights, but they don’t realise this until its too late and the wedding invitations have been sent out. Luckily for these star-crossed lovers, there is a middle ground.
It is called slackpacking, and it’s all the rage.
You might have heard about “glamping” (glamorous camping). This used to be the final word in Outsidey luxury…that was until slackpacking became a thing. A slackpack hike is a hike that combines all the natural majesty of a real hiking trail, with the luxury of a glamping getaway. Most slackpacking routes are one or two nights. You hike during the day, with a light day pack. (Usually only a few kilograms with your snacks, water and maybe a change of socks or a sweater.) At night you are re-united with your gear, which has been carted from one camp to the next by someone in a Hilux.
Your food, bedding, and all other necessities are carted from campsite to campsite by the organizers each day. Depending on which route you’ve choses, you bring your own tents and simple set them up each night without the hassle of having to carry them during the day, or you sleep in permanent tents or chalets. Slackpack hikes usually have full bathroom amenities, some kind of permanent kitchen or food prep spot, and even electricity…unheard of luxury for your average hiker!
South Africa isn’t just famous for some of the best hiking trails in the world. (Think Otter and Amatola…) We also have amazing Slack-packing options:
Cederberg and Garden route trails
With its influx of local and international tourism, and it’s usually temperate weather, the Western Cape is a treasure trove of exceptional outdoorsy as well as outsidey pass times.
We love these Western Cape trails:
Oystercatcher trail
“The Oystercatcher Trail is a slackpacking walking tour on the western side of the Garden Route, near to Mossel Bay. Where you combine the joy of a multi-day hike without the struggle of having to carry all your own gear, cook your own evening meals and staying in basic walking huts.”
Dolphin trail
“The Dolphin Trail is a luxury and fully portered hiking or slackpacking trail along the Tsitsikamma coastline. A beautiful part of the Garden Route. This unique trail allows you to sample some of the coastal scenery seen on the Otter Trail without the hardship of having to carry your own gear and sleep in basic huts!”
Green Mountain trail
“The Green Mountain Trail is a bucket list 60km slackpacking trail in the Western Cape region of South Africa. It is because of the home cooked meals, local wine tastings, transfers, trained mountain guides and overnight luxury accommodation at Wildekrans Country House that the Green Mountain Trail recently received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice – Best of the Best award.”
Eastern Cape slack packing trail
The Wild Coast Meander
This is the ultimate luxury hiking trail. Hotel accommodation catered meals and transfers to scenic spots…This is more slack than pack. However – it is still a wonderful way to experience one of the most beautiful parts of our country and so what if you get to do it in comfort?
Bonding in the great outdoors!
Don’t you just love the idea of nature being accessible to everyone? Get your loved ones hiking and book a slackpack getaway right now…but don’t worry – If you are a hard core outdoorsman, most of the accommodation on these trails have lawns for you to pitch your own tent and you can still choose to have cold showers and eat canned spaghetti!
Also read our article on the best back packers in SA.