Backpacking for Beginners. Part expedition, part workshop, what an adventure!
~ Clarens, 12-16 May 2022 ~
Have you ever wondered: How the heck do I start hiking in South Africa?
We shared all the first-time backpacking essentials with an intrepid group of beginner’s and conquered the Ribbok Trail in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Our favourite testimonial?
(that nearly made us CRY!)
“My sister in law had asked me if I was doing this hike to find myself, I laughed in reply and said I was fully aware of who I am. How wrong I was! After 4 nights with Womxn or Wild, I learned about my resilience, community and how I can challenge myself to new experiences even though I am single. It exceeded all expectations, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I laughed so hard and had so much fun. The best surprise was learning that hiking can be more emotional and mental than physical. The views were spectacular. Mel and Carm, thank you for doing what you do, I will definitely see you again. Womxn For Wild curates a singular experience that cannot be fully expressed in words”
We teamed up with First Ascent to guide womxn with a hands-on gear demonstration for ultimate hiking confidence.
Our first all-female outdoor education hub included technical gear presentations, safety drills, advice panels and expert hiking suggestions to get these womxn confident for their next adventure.
We moved mountains!
and they moved us
Our group was sensational! On our first day of the weekend, we scrutinised all backpacking kit, how to buy good gear, voiced our backcountry troubles, highlighted trail safety and ethics, and then put theory into practice! The Ribbok Trail ain’t easy, but these hero hikers braved the sharp ascents and tedious descents with grit and glamour.
At the trail's end, a local was astounded that a group of females had attempted this trail alone. He went so far as to say that this is "a hike that separates the boys from the men".
Just another reminder that a womxn’s place is EVERYWHERE!
