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South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

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This is how you Fish • Hiking the Fish, a new publication by Struik Nature, will tell you everything you need to know about hiking the Fish River Canyon Trail in Namibia: day-to-day descriptions of the route, paperwork at the border, what to pack and more. We chatted to the authors, Henk Blanckenberg and Lizet Meyer.

Stories in stone • Interpreting Earth by geologist John Compton is a gripping overview of humankind’s encounters with Table Mountain over centuries, and the role the mountain played in the development of geology as a field of study.

John’s “cable car pitch” of the geological timeline of Table Mountain

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The expert choice • Our contributors share the equipment they always pack for a hike.

That little something special • You already have the basics - hiking boots, a backpack, cooking utensils and a tent - but you want to spoil yourself before your next hike. These items will scratch that itch without breaking the bank.

Famous last words • It’s always wonderful to hike along the coast or in a forest, but when you have to struggle through sand and over sun-baked rocks, you end up with a much better story to tell around the campfire.

Earn your Zen • Rustig is a farm in the Magaliesberg about a 45-minute drive from Joburg and Pretoria. Don’t let the name fool you... You’ll only achieve a state of calm once you’ve crawled up the mountain on all fours!

The Free State’s green and gold • When you ask about the Ribbok Trail in Golden Gate, most people tell you about its tendon-straining slopes with names like Hartbreek, Moedbreek and Kniebreek. But it has plenty of other rewards to sweeten the suffering.

Quiet time with quiver trees • On this two-day trail in Goegap Nature Reserve, you’ll have lots of time to listen and look. The landscapes of Namaqualand and Bushmanland come together and turn the veld into a kaleidoscope of colour.

Pretty, prettier, Phiring • Hidden in a valley between the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the Echo Caves outside Ohrigstad is a small farming community called Phiring. It’s a birding mecca and the scenery is spectacular. Come along on a guided hike!

Linger in the Langeberg

Don’t mess with Arangieskop • Hiking 20km over two days doesn’t sound too hard, but on the Arangieskop Trail in the Langeberg you’ll spend most of the first day climbing and most of the second day going down! It tests you until the very last step.

Sundowners in paradise • Boosmansbos is called a “wilderness trail” but don’t let the name scare you off - it’s one of the easier hikes in the Langeberg, taking you through an exquisite landscape of mountains and wildflowers.

Live large in the Langeberg • If you're game for steep climbs and descents, the spectacular five-day Swellendam Trail will take you deep into a mountain wilderness with only birds and frogs for company.

Everybody loves the Otter • Adventurous river crossings, a beautiful coastline, forests, fynbos and an abundance of swimming spots the Otter has it all. No wonder this 56-year-old trail is still one of the most popular hikes in the country!

A whole world of wonder • On this luxurious slackpacking trail in the Overberg, guides and chefs treat hikers to the very best - and the fynbos also puts on a show!

The wildest place on the Wild Coast...