African Wildlife & Environment Issue 84 2023

GOOD READS

Put on your hiking boots!

value both to residents of the Mother City, as well as to visitors to this most attractive of destinations on the African continent. The collection features 40 trails, fanning out from the south coast to the west, mostly involving single-day trips with one overnight option. Ranging in duration from two to seven hours, the hikes cater for all ages and levels of ability. The introductory pages provide expert advice on gear, food and planning. Each hike featured includes an accurate, up to-date route description, a map of the trail, and directions for getting participants to the start. In each case an upfront summary outlines the

Du Plessis, Nina & Willie Olivier (2023). Hiking Beyond Cape Town Soft cover, 15 x 21 cm, 176 pp, illustrated in colour throughout with photographs and maps. ISBN 978-1-77584- 843-1. Struik Nature, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town. RRP R290. Willie Olivier is the acknowledged doyen of hiking in southern Africa, and has explored its highways and byways on foot, by road and by four-wheel drive over the past 50 years. He is the author of numerous books on hiking and touring in South Africa and Namibia. Daughter Nina is now married and lives in Gordon’s Bay with her husband and two children, She writes:

distance, duration, grade or difficulty, and elevation of the hike, as well as other details.There are also excellent photographs and observations of the scenery, plants and animals that may be seen along the route. I got the sense that Nina has personally walked most, if not all of the trails described. She thanks her ‘hiking buddies’ for ‘turning every trail into an adventure.’ This is a great little book that will add great value to people interested in exploring new places to hike within easy reach of Cape Town.

“From a young age I was encouraged to appreciate the beauty of natural landscapes by my parents. Exploring mountains, forests, shorelines and hidden valleys became a source of joy and discovery, and hiking quickly emerged as my preferred way to experience the world. For me, hiking is not merely a hobby, but a holistic pursuit that encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being. The health benefits of hiking have played a significant role in my dedication to this pursuit. Amid the tranquil beauty of nature I find respite from the stresses of everyday life. Hiking allows people to unplug from the digital world, immerse themselves in the present moment and revel in the serenity of natural surroundings.” This publication is aimed to introduce the myriad trails and tracks that await hikers, young and old, novice or experienced, beyond the confines of Cape Town. As such, it will be of

4 | African Wildlife & Environment | Issue 84 (2023)