HOW LONG ARE THE HIKES ON WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS?

 

Wednesday Hikes -

An estimade for the slow group would be about 5-7 km,  8-10 km for the medium and medium plus group, and 11-14 km for the brisk group. All of the hikes are typically 4 hours long including short stops. The Wednesday Group will have a lunch break on the completion of the hike.

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Sunday Hikes - 

An estimate for the slow group would be about 7-9km, 9-12 km for the medium and medium plus group, and 12-16 km for the brisk group. All of the hikes are typically 5 to 6 hours long including short stops and a lunch break of around 45 minutes.

 

HOW FIT SHOULD I BE?

 

Obviously one needs a certain degree of fitness BUT the more you hike the fitter you become. Newcomers are encouraged to go with the slow group on their first hike.

 

WHAT FOOT WEAR IS BEST?

 

Footwear must provide good traction, support, be comfortable, strong and able to protect your feet from sharp rocks. Your choice of footwear is a personal one. It is recommended you consult one of the specialist suppliers.

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WHAT DAYPACK DO YOU RECOMMEND?

 

Your Day Pack must be large enough to hold everything you will need on your day hike, fully adjustable and well padded. It is recommended you consult one of the specialist suppliers.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK IN MY DAYPACK?

 

At least 2 litres of water / Energade. High energy snacks, nuts & raisens, bananas etc. plus a picnic lunch. Personal medication/first aid kit. Rain gear. Sun screen. Whistle. Toilet paper. Remember you will be carrying all of this for 6 hours so it should be as light as possible.

 

IS THERE ANY ROCK CLIMBING INVOLVED?

 

Not actual rock climbing but not all hiking routes are on paths. There will be some bundu bashing, maybe a chain ladder or a gully which requires some pulling up and over rocks.

 

WHAT AGE GROUPS DO YOU CATER FOR?

 

It’s not age that matters but fitness and ability. Read the hike description on the program and access your ability realistically. Our member’s ages vary from teenagers to over 80. We have had very strong 8 year olds and have 70+ year old members coping very well with the medium+ level hikes, but these abilities are the exception and not common amongst the general public. Less fit unprepared visitors of all ages, even in their 30’s and 40’s, may find it difficult to cope with even the slow hikes.

 

SHOULD I WEAR LONGS OR SHORTS?

 

Long pants and sleeves prevent scratches and provide protection from the sun. Shorts are probably more comfortable and cooler, it’s your decision.

 

DO YOU HIKE IF IT'S RAINING?

 

The JHC advises you carry rain gear at all times. Very keen hikers hike in all weathers. If the weather is really bad on the day, the leader of the day may call the hike off.

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HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE JHC?

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You can print out a Membership Form directly from this web site (Download Here) or you can request a form from the leader of the day. You must complete at least one hike and have the form filled in after the hike and signed by your leader. The completed form together with proof of payment must be submitted to our administrator.

 

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

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Fees for day hikes are noted in the Program, and must be paid on signing the register at the meeting spot. Membership fees are paid annually. For membership and member application fees click here.

 

HOW FREQUENTLY DO YOU HIKE?

 

There are local hikes every Sunday and Wednesday throughout the year, plus weekend hikes, camps and much more. Please refer to our program.

 

HOW DO I JOIN A WEDNESDAY OR A SUNDAY HIKE?

 

For Wednesday Hikes -

Meet at the hike venue. Refer to the Wednesday Hikes program for the venue, directions and start time. Contact the club Administrator for a copy of the Wednesday Hikes program.

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For Sunday Hikes - 

Meet at the venue or organise a lift on one of the localised lift groups. (Contact admin@jhbhiking.co.za for more info.) Availability of lifts not guaranteed.

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Introduce yourself to the leader of the day, complete the register, pay your day fee and ask for a lift (if you require one).

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HOW DO I TRAVEL TO THE HIKING VENUE?

 

Sunday Hikes: Lifts are arranged to share travelling costs and to reduce congestion at the hike venue. You also get to meet some of the other hikers! Email admin@jhbhiking.co.za an ask to be added to a lift group on WhatsApp for your location. Lifts are not guaranteed though. The suggested transport cost for lifts are noted in the program and are payable to the driver. If you prefer to travel in your own vehicle but are not sure of how to get to the venue, email admin@jhbhiking.co.za and ask to be added to the WhatsApp community where you will get the GPS locations for the hikes.

 

Wednesday Hikes: Meet at the hike venue.

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ARE THERE RISKS WHEN I HIKE?

 

As with any out door activity there is some risk of injury, usually of a minor nature. However we recommend that you inform the leader of any medical problems you may have, and always carry your medical aid info with you.

 

WHAT TIME DO WE GET BACK?

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Sunday Hikes: Hikes typically end back at the cars at around 15:30 to 16:00,

Wednesday Hikes: Hikes typically end back at the cars at around 11:30 to 13:00.

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These times can vary quite widely depending on the distance to the hike venue and on circumstances.

See the program for travelling distances to the hiking venues, from which you can roughly estimate the travelling time.

 

WHERE CAN I BUY HIKING GEAR?

 

There are a number of excellent specialist suppliers of hiking gear in the Johannesburg area such as Cape Union Mart, Outdoor Warehouse, Trappers and City Rock Gear Shop. Not only will you get expert advice on all your hiking requirements, but most also offer JHC members a discount on presentation of a valid membership card.

 

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I GET THE PROGRAM?

Email admin@jhbhiking.co.za for the program.

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ARE PETS ALLOWED ON A HIKE?

No, unfortunately not.

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