Trekking

Nestled in the northern Transkei region, Mkambati is an 8000-hectare, isolated region of South Africa that is often overlooked by travellers. Spend a day exploring the Msikaba River and its forested ravine towards the spectacular Superbowl, a towering 100 m natural amphitheatre. Spend another day rock-hopping the 10 km coastline and the Mkambati River. This snaking river contains numerous swimming holes and waterfalls, highlighted by Horseshoe Falls, a rare double-tiered waterfall that tumbles directly into the Indian Ocean. Every day, as you wander through the grassy plains, you will be surrounded by wildlife. Whether it's the vulture colony, the troops of baboons or the herds of wildebeest and gemsbok that run freely throughout the reserve, you will be amazed at how close to the natural world you are.

Set on the banks of the Umzimvubu river is the bustling village of Port St. Johns. Once a busy trading port, for a time, Port St. Johns seemed to have vanished from the map. It became a place where hippies went to hide. Today, it is a funky village that preserves the traditions and simple pace of life in the Transkei. Isolated beaches, rivers and rolling hills blanketed with subtropical forests shape the landscape of Port St. Johns. Additionally, there are many daytrip adventures to explore, highlighted by Magwa Falls, an 80 m waterfall that plummets straight down into the canyon below. Sundowners on the abandoned airstrip, terrifyingly set atop a mountain provides a brilliant perspective of the region. Sipping a beer while overlooking the town, river, and Indian Ocean is a great way to end the day. From this perch, you will appreciate the immensity and isolation of the Transkei region.
Port St. Johns is a great starting point for the 5-day Transkei hike that concludes in Coffee Bay. Both a guide (recommended) and the transportation of your bags can be arranged in town.

Glaskogen Nature Reserve is not a national park, so the nature is not untouched. Old forest with trees older than 200 years is mix with open farmland, which has been agricultural for centuries. However, Glaskogen has a lot of the same attractions as the protected parks. The many lakes are popular for canoeing and kayaking, and the hiking trail system is expansive (more than 300 km of trails) with campites.

Store Mosse (Big Marsh) is the largest marsh area in southern Sweden. The national park covers almost 77 km2 of bogs, lakes, forest and pastures. It's a great place for bird watching, particularly from the lookout tower at the visitor center. There are several walking trails (more than 40 km in total), partly on board walks over the bog.

Tiveden is a forest-covered and dramatically rocky national park with many deep blue lakes. It's a very organized park with campsites and several well-marked trails. Expect lots of roots and rocks on the hikes. The campsites are all located near one of the many lakes, and are well-maintained with shelters and fireplaces with free pre-chopped firewood. Some campsites have composting toilets and there is even a lake beach at the campsite Entré Vitsand.

Some of the best hiking in West Africa can be done in the green rolling hills of Plateau Region. It's some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the country. Hikers can choose between a vast range of landscapes, coffee and cocoa plantations around Kpalimé (pronounced with a silent "k"), the mountain vistas at Badou or liana-laden rainforests in between these two towns. Two of the country's highest mountains, Mont Klouto and Mont Agou are both just dozen kilometres from Kpalimé while the small village of Kouma-Konda offers walks through the Missahohé Forest, famed for its huge variant of butterflies. Heading to Badou, the most exciting hiking destination is the 35m Akloa Falls, 11 km south of town, where it's possible to take a refreshing plunge into the pool below the falls.

Mt Great Orme (207 m) rises above the seaside town of Llandudno. During winter the slopes are used for skiing with several ski lifts. In summer the many visitors reach the summit by either the scenic tram or simply just drive up here in their car. But the proper way to explore the Walsh coutryside is of course on foot. The walk from Llandudno town to the summit doesn't take more than 2 hours and there are plenty of side trips to add, like to the ancient church of St. Tudno. If you are coming down on the other side (southwest), you will get panoramic views over the bay.

Before you venture into the Scottish Highlands for the first time, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. But then you get there... and man, it's pretty. Staggering mountains, cold rivers, dark lakes with perfect reflection, heathered ranges and fields with fury Scottish highland cattle. It's wild, untamed and raw - a bit like the Scots themselves. It is possible to take in a fair bit from the comfort of a car or a bus, but as with most places you need to get out there to really experience the Scottish Highlands. There are plenty of walks, from short hikes to weeklong treks, while cycling, mountain biking, kayaking and skiing are other options. But no matter where you choose to go, you will be rewarded with some splendid scenery.

Just north of the border between Arizona and Utah, there is a wonderful area filled with canyons and red rocks. Here, you'll find Buckskin Gulch. Apparently, it's the longest slot canyon in the world. It's about 32 km (20 mi.) long, and most of it is a narrow canyon where the walls in one place reach as high as 150 m (492 ft.) up on each side.
There are a few hazards, snakes and floods. Snakes you can always deal with, but the flood is worse. Always check with the nearby ranger station about the weather before entering. They can also give you lots of good information about the whole area. Most people park their vehicle at Wire Pass and walk from there.

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places in the continental United States. But the surrounding area has the same beauty, but a remoteness and quietness to it that makes it the perfect place to go. The mountains are dotted with beautiful mountain lakes, dramatic views, and great wildlife. The area has a big population of bald eagles, black bears, and coyotes. The best thing about camping in the Sierras is that you can camp for a month and not run in to another person.