AS A CHILD I WAS ALWAYS WANDERING OFF TO ADVENTURE

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

A DECADE ago, travel blogger and influencer Rose Bilbrough, who goes by the handle @gotravelbug, left Joburg for the Garden Route.

It was a place that stole her heart at 17. Aside from it inspiring her tourism journey, the Garden Route was also where her love for backpacking, hiking and walking started. And she is the Garden Route’s spokesperson on their digital platform.

Although the injuries sustained in a car accident in 1992 had a knock-on effect on her hardcore hiking trips, she hasn’t forsaken hiking altogether. Every now and again, she does a long hike but, most of the time, she keeps the duration shorter.

She shares her backpacking journey with us.

How did your love for backpacking start?

As a child I was always wandering off to adventure up a hill or into a valley, mostly with mates. But the army in 1985 was what changed my mindset for life, they chased us up a mountain for “hardcore” training, I loved every minute of it. At 18, I joined a hiking group.

Can you share your 5 tips for a successful backpacking trip?

It’s important to start a hike prepared. I normally start preparing six weeks ahead of a long hike.

Comfort! Comfortable broken-in hiking shoes, clothing (¾ leggings are great) and a backpack. Your feet are your most important asset on a good hike. Make sure your toenails are taken care of. Hiking shoes should always be one size bigger than your normal size. Take a pair of soft shoes with for after the hike.

Less is more! There is only one thing that you can have more of on a long hike and that is dry clean socks. Plan your clothes, food, water, toiletries and days carefully. My hiking gear works out to about 12kg. I’ve never done a hike where there is electricity.

Put everything in black plastic first before you put it into your backpack. There is nothing more horrible than wet gear, especially a sleeping bag. Good rain gear is a bonus and clothes that dry easily. Remember you can wash small items on a hike. Hang them on the backpack to dry.

A good medical kit of the basics, especially for chaffing and blisters. Dehydrates and water purifiers is always a great idea.

Extras: A sun hat and suncream. A walking stick is a bonus at times. Good old fashion Isotonic Game as a drink mix. Stay away from too much sweet stuff. Snack, instead of eating meals as you walk: A good nut mix is a great idea. Biltong and dark chocolate. Try and carry some fresh stuff, your tummy will be happy. Remember the evenings can be cold. Take lightweight items such as jackets.

What are some common misconceptions around backpacking?

That you don’t need to plan. Plan your gear, clothes, food, water, emergency kits and communication. You are heading into the wilderness, be prepared.

What is your advice for South Africans who want to start backpacking?

Join a local hiking group, it’s always good to start with people that have been doing it for a while. You meet like-minded people and build new friendships, too.

Which are the best locations in South Africa to plan a backpacking travel trip?

Wow, there are so many.

I loved the Drakensberg mountain hikes, there is nothing more enchanting than those big mountains. The chain ladder hike was the most challenging but the most spectacular.

Mpumalanga’s hikes are gorgeous! If you love the bushveld try one of the hikes in the Kruger National Park. My personal favourite was the Fanie Botha hiking trail near Sabie.

The Garden Route has oodles of gorgeous hikes, from mountain to coast. The Otter Trail is a must-do for anyone who loves long hikes.

The Overberg has the whale trail and many other coastal/ fynbos hikes.

Golden Gate hiking trail in the Free State plus Clarens has loads of short hikes. This was a very dry hike for me. Make sure you take loads of water.

Try this App for hiking trails near you: www.alltrails.com/south-africa