Hi all! I’m a cape townian that’s lived in the states for the last two years and as a result have fallen in love with backpacking through the national parks. I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on how I can maintain my addiction when I come back home.
I did the whale trail before I left and loved it but would prefer not to have to reserve a year in advance and pay an arm and a leg each time I want to get out in the mountains.
I would also prefer to backpack rather than slack pack - something more remote and satisfying about it.
I am also currently a solo female traveller, happy to find any companions on here (beware - I like to take photos of all the pretty things and I find bugs extremely fascinating) or elsewhere but as of right now I’m all alone.
I find if you are looking for unguided backpacking without booking speciifc routes long in advance SA can be a bit limited.
What allows for unguided overnight camping is areas designated as willderness areas. The three I know in the Western Cape are:
Cederberg Wilderness Area (Grab a slingsby map and have fun planning all sorts of adventures )
Boosmansbos Wilderness Area
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
These are all fantastic and within a couple of hours of CT. The wilderness areas do all have party size minimums for safety (3 people I think), so unfortunately solo hiking is pretty much out in SA if that’s something you enjoy.
The other option would be to join the mountain club in CT, they have access to a number of hiking properties, but I can’t speak much to it as it’s always had a failrly elaborate joining process I’ve never found the time for.
Not a huge amount of options for the style of backpacking the US seems to offer, but what is available is all stunning! Will be great fun to explore for the first time.