Take advantage of the weather and go on hiking trips!

Let’s just be honest for a minute. A big part of why you visit the gym a few times a week and try to eat responsibly is not only for being healthy in itself (or for looking great in tight jeans), but also to be able to use your body. And there is no better time to do that than the beginning of summer, when the weather is warm (but not too warm), the year is coming to a close and everyone wants to be outside.

Especially for those of us who live in cities, getting in touch with nature every once in a while really restores your chi. Trading the traffic noises and skyscrapers for the songs of the birds and the view from the mountain is the thing to do.

Hiking is one of the most fun best outdoor activities for the warmer months, be it a solo mission or a group/family outing. Here’s why.

It’s (mostly) free

South Africans are spoiled with a cornucopia of public hiking trails of varied difficulty levels, and one can more often than not find a route close to your doorstep.

Minimal equipment needed

For a day hike, you really don’t need much more than a pair of hiking boots/trainers (depending on the terrain), loose clothes, a backpack, hat, sunblock, a (full) water bottle and some snacks.

Except for longer outings

From multi-day mountain excursions, forests, savannah, canyons, desert treks to coastal trails, South Africa really does have it all.

If you want to make memories, embarking on any of said trails with friends/family is a great way to strengthen bonds and build awesome memories. Also, you can practice your photography skills!

Let’s not forget the health benefits

For fitness junkies, there’s some seriously challenging hikes out there, which could even involve some swimming and climbing. If you want to get out of the city and skip the gym for a few days or an afternoon but not give up the gains, hiking really is the perfect compromise.