Seek and you will find ‘The Ad

Explore the picturesque Western Cape with the Cape Camino. Photo: Adobe Stock

Seek and you will find ‘The Adventure Within’ through epic SA playground

Make the most out of your 2020 adventure diary by starting small and sticking to it.

Seek and you will find ‘The Ad

Explore the picturesque Western Cape with the Cape Camino. Photo: Adobe Stock

As sure as the promise of a new sun and new moon; so do seasons change, life speeds by and all the things you wanted to do take a backseat unless you learn ways to find (and harness) the adventure within.

Like with most things, it all starts with planning and being a little ahead of the curve. (Disclaimer: Any boss should look away now.) Start by having a big-picture view of your annual calendar; highlight all the public holidays with a big fat khoki pen and ta-da…you see the gaps and are now at full liberty to take them and submit all your leave requests well in advance.

Jokes aside: “You are what you do”, so if you want more adventure and spontaneity in your life… go get it!

Couple hiking together in the wilderness. Photo: Adobe Stock

Start small and dream big

Start small. You don’t necessarily need a lot of money, a pile of leave or the will to travel to exotic, far-flung places. Adventure can be found within — in your state of mind, the way you approach weekends or new seasons (yes, I’m noting my own advice here) — and to “break the bubble”, you may need to develop some new adventure habits.

Luckily for you, we live in a country that willingly offers up its mountains, ever-stretching oceans and other outdoor spoils as part of its epic playground offering. Living an adventure-centric lifestyle in South Africa also doesn’t mean you have to quit your job to become a full-time travel blogger… so instead, start small by seeking out targets that add more adventure into your life on a daily basis.

How about a healthy dose of some mountain magic?

The magic of our mountains is always a great place to start when seeking perspective and a change of scenery. Perhaps it’s the slight intimidation of a new and imminent challenge, or the humbling sense of accomplishment once reaching the peak that we seek, but regardless of the reason why we climb, there’s a guaranteed appreciation of the journey and the surrounding nature, that serves as a constant reminder long past any aching muscles.

For the regulars of Cape Town’s peaks, don’t forget the rest of South Africa beckons and my two bucket-list top spots in Cederberg and the Drakensberg are begging for a visit.

Both boast vast wilderness and a unique “untouched” wild, hikers will be met with their idea of paradise at both sites. Soaring temperatures in summer and bone-chilling winter evenings are made all the more worthwhile thanks to the network of trails that connect craggy peaks, hidden wooded valleys, crystal-clear streams and rock stacks (a reminder that there are others who seek the same replenishing wonder of a star-studded night sky and the ample breathing space that only a place like the Cederberg can supply).

Open to all levels of adventure-enthusiasts, start with various day hike options spanning between one and eight hours, with more information on routes, distance and associated timing at www.cederberg.co.za.

Hiker walking towards Wolfberg Arch in the Cederberg. Photo: Adobe Stock

For the full-on “mountain goats” among us, why not head off for an overnighter atop the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, with an intense climb starting and ending at Sentinel Car Park, and get your Drakensberg adventure passport stamp while you’re at it. All route info at www.drakensberg.org.

One for the top of the bucket-list: The Cape Camino

On the topic of one boot in front of the other and something that’s growing in popularity — both locally and abroad — is the Camino. And whether your reasons are religious, spiritual or neither, the good news is that we have our very own version in the “Cape Camino”.

I recently became one of more than 1 300 pilgrims to have traversed the 160km circular route starting in Constantia and covering mountain footpaths, winelands, beach, fynbos thickets and forests. This guided route offers the chance to find fellowship or freedom from our everyday “noise” and true to the Camino tagline – the route is yours.

Opt to walk your way by covering sections do-able over a long weekend and within the safety of a group. Packages include your pilgrim passport, basic accommodation en-route and some essential gear. More info at www.capecamino.co.za.

Explore the Western Cape with Cape Camino. Photo: Adobe Stock

Walking Wild: Bush experiences best enjoyed on foot

If the idea of the view from the top does nothing for you, why not opt to combo your next bush experience with the opportunity to do so ‘on foot’ for a wholly unique opportunity to experience the privilege of seeing our wild without the comfort of a car.

Buccara Wildlife situated in Graaff-Reinet makes for a great and affordable inclusion into your adventure diary.

With the opportunity to track all plains game, giraffe and buffalo on foot and with their ranger close at hand, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start noticing things you’d never picked up before. You’ll be sure to develop a new appreciation for the wonder of our wild surrounds and the magnificence of a setting sun over the stark Karoo landscape. More information at www.buccara-africa.com.

Rhino Walking Safaris is another one to add to the very top of the list. A unique way to experience the hidden wonders of the Kruger National Park first hand, this concession area within the park, is known for its excellent game viewing, affording guests exciting proximity to animals in their natural environment, always accompanied by an experienced guide with extensive bush knowledge.

Rhino Walking Safaris also has exclusive use of some of the Kruger National Park’s public roads for evening game drives and suggests an adventure combination of their three, four or five day offering. Perfect for one of those spare long weekends. More information at www.rws.co.za.

Walking Rhino Safaris. Photo: Supplied

Modern-day living with its pressures and routines can hamper even the most adventurous spirit,  but whether the post “9-5 outdoor office” and something as simple as a walk on the beach beckons — or perhaps tracking the Big Five and sleeping under a blanket of stars is more your thing — there’s no denying that adventure awaits around every corner for all those who actively seek it.