Tales of mountain chimpanzees attacking a lone hiker on a mountain trail scares me. So I set out to discover a hiker’s biggest worries from frequent backpackers.
Is it getting lost on the trails of Mount Patti in Kogi state or the fickle weather on Obudu plateau in Cross River state? Do you fear to see a bear? … excuse me! This is Nigeria, not some Alaska trip.
Let’s face it, the word ‘hiking’ really does strike all sorts of fear into people. I find it amazing how a frequent traveller would jump at asking for some adventure holiday but gets cold feet at the suggestion of, say ‘hiking for relaxation’ (one of the most therapeutic types of hiking imaginable).
Hiking is a fun and healthy activity which allows you to spot some stunning and natural landscapes around. If you dread the unpredictable weather on Obudu plateau and miss the almost eternal view of its mountain ranges, ‘wetin you gain?’ (that’s like saying ‘not seeing the forest for the trees’ in pidgin).
There’s much warmer weather to enjoy before harmattan. Why not embark on a hike without these often peddled fears?
#1 Attacked by a wildlife
If you ever have to worry about being charged down by a mountain lion or gorilla in Nigeria, then you must be on some wildlife sanctuary or forest reserves trails. Get a quick grasp of ‘Hiking 101’: “Never hike alone”.
Here’s the interesting part. You need a guide to do most of our trails as they are neither marked out, maintained, nor have rescue lines to call in case you get lost. There’s a fair chance you don’t get to assess the services of a guide. Know your environment in such case; which plant and animal to avoid (worst case, how to act around them).
Moreover, it’s quite rare to be attacked on a decent trail, and quite more important to know how to react in the unlikely case a wild animal comes charging at you.
#2 Slipping and getting a broken bone
Is it falling off a mountain, a cliff, or slipping on a wet rock? Our commonplace hiking worries could be as impulsive as a knee jerk. Who wants to end up in Sunday Newsline after a painful fall off Oke-Ado Mountain (Oyo state)? Pray you eventually watch the episode.
To keep your feet moving, you need the right outfit for hiking. There are scenarios in which hiking boots are preferable to hiking (trail) shoes – or vice-versa. It’s best you understand your imminent terrain, threats, and needs. Are you up for an aggressive hike littered with too many obstacles like rocks and shrubs? Exposed to semi-temperate mountain climate somewhere in the high altitudes? What are the suitable types of shoes for the cold and wet environment? Surviving many years of hiking unscathed is an honour which you must earn.
#3 Coming away from the beauty without your best shot
Someone described hiking as ‘the most consistent photo shoot’ there is. To these photofreaks, there’s more to capturing nature at its best. You need to get a good vantage point in some rugged terrain longing for a terrific sky. ‘It’s better dull weather than rain,’ said another.
Like every other adventure, we love every bit of its details but hate the pang of disappointment when we wouldn’t capture them. A tripod could be bulky to hike with, ensure you cop a lighter version if you must. Finding it hard to keep subject in focus? Use manual focus, a meter away from any detected light peering through tree branches to dampen your flash. You may ask, ‘what about the dull weather mentioned earlier?’ Try longer exposures.
#4 Running out of toilet paper
So, you’re on this long treck and suddenly require a break to go answer the call of nature. Yeah! That’s fine. What’s awkward is finding you’d exhausted the last of your toilet tissue bundle, caught in the act without water to spare and none in sight.
The thing is, it could fast get messy on a trail, doesn’t it? How do you come out smelling like a rose after such an embarrassing ordeal? Remember to share some thoughts below.
Photo by Geof Wilson
#5 Can’t stand lightning discharge
You’ve often gone inside during a thunderstorm. What happens when it starts to flash in the middle of nowhere? Our fun and healthy escapade fast become an emergency.
As a rule of thumb, seek shelter in a low-risk area whenever you sense thunderstorm approaching. A reliable weather forecast gives you a head start. Avoid contact with metals. If you still fear the worst, check this comprehensive guide on lightning safety for hikers.
#6 Getting swept away in a flooded river
You should never be compelled to cross a flooded river without proper preparation or aids (especially an actual bridge). So sad how hikers seldom come across these open rivers without proper support for passage.
It’s common for people to not want to camp for another night in the rain (not wanting to wait for it to go down or feeling unprepared for another drencher). However, it’s not advisable to attempt swimming through an open river (no matter how small). Don’t! Even when you can nearly see your car on the far side. Fair enough to prepare for camping (with a tent or sleeping bag) in bad weather.
#7 Best time to hike
The dry season (this varies across the sub-regions of the country). There are loads of risks involved with hiking during the rainy season, some of which I’ve mentioned earlier. The trails could get so slippery and this could lead to a fall. Hiking during harmattan can be fun if you can stand the cold and dust.
#8 Meeting unfriendly locals
It would be too risky to assume you can never meet locals, who can be more dangerous and unpredictable than snakes and wolves. Like stumbling on communities that uphold taboo acts. The Nigerian Police Force, has, in recent times, warned the public (especially travellers) to be wary of some parts of the country where heinous crimes thrive. Hikers alike shouldn’t turn deaf ears to these dreaded covens.
#9 What if I pass out
Hiking requires moderate fitness – enough to guide those jaunty paces while you can. You’re allowed to take a break to rest when tired but no one ever really wants to quit (especially among a group trying all they can to encourage one another). You may sometimes have to crawl, hop or hang on for a while, yet that’s the spice.
#10 Terrified of snakes
The snakes are out enjoying the sunny warm weather just like you. I get it, their slithery sight would trigger a reaction in the twinkle of an eye but that doesn’t mean they would charge. Snakes are shy and only bites in defence in many parts of Nigeria. Though their bites could be venomous.
Wear long pants and a pair of hiking boots. Wilderness hiking should be done in the evening or morning to avoid snakes. Always stay on the conspicuous hiking path. Whatever you do, don’t pick them up.
There you have it. 10 incisive tips to help you get rid of your most common worries about hiking. I’m quite sure there are much more the pros never mentioned to me. I’m interested in knowing how you dampened those worries while hiking. I look forward to your comments.
