If you’re planning on visiting South Africa and are an avid mountain-climber you’re in for some amazing summits. The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) 021 465 3412 offers incredible mountaineering opportunities including all types of hiking and climbing for their members and is also involved in mountain search and rescue, training, the conservation of mountain areas and the procurement of access for mountaineering. They are also involved in competition climbing.
Founded in 1891 the MCSA is one of just two mountain clubs in Africa which are affiliated to the world mountaineering body the UIAA. They are located in 13 sections geographically distributed around South Africa and you can contact the section nearest to you and join in their activities.
As South Africa’s landscape really lends itself towards some incredible climbing opportunities, this is a great chance for you to get out of the house and experience the impressive mountains and fresh air. Most climbers participate in various forms of climbing, while some specialise in one form or another. If you’re looking to getting into a bit of climbing the MCSA is the perfect group to contact.
With a support group whose expertise will come in handy on mountain expeditions you’ll feel safe and secure hiking with the group. They only require that you come with a good attitude and a healthy appetite for the outdoors. An affiliation with the MCSA means you can share resources with them – and of course being able to draw on 100 years of experience.
With sections in Cape Town, Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Province, Magaliesburg, Stellenbosch, South Cape, Free State, Hottentotsholland, Amajuba, Namibia and PAarl-Wellington, there is bound to be a MCSA section near you. You can join like-minded people and hike up Cape Town’s Table Mountain or Lion’s Head or head on an expedition up the Magaliesberg range.
Otherwise, if you’re not keen on joining the MCSA, there are plenty adventure operators with great packages to suit everyone’s level of fitness and pace. Here are three adventure operators that offer guides all over South Africa:
The Dirty Boots Guide 021 713 1491
Venture Forth International: 021 556 4753
Nomad Adventure Tours: 021 426 5445
Planning your perfect hiking or climbing trip has never been so easy, just call up the MCSA or one of the adventure operators, tell them what you’re looking for and enjoy the walk/climb/hike.
When hiking there are always a few things you must remember:
Bring lots of drinking water
Wear a hat and sunglasses
Bring a high-factor sunscreen
Have more than enough food
Always let a third party know where you and your hiking group are going
Never hike alone
Never split up with your hiking group
Don’t pick indigenous or endangered flora.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
