As more and more people are looking for adventurous and sporty holidays, hiking trails provide a unique experience where one can get up close and personal with the local nature. Three hiking trails stand out in this respect:
New Zealand’s South Island is arguably the one of the most stunning trails, taking you through Fiordland National Park, which has been classified as a World Heritage site in the south-west of South Island.
Hikers can expect to see and experience spectacular lakes, awe-inspiring mountain peaks and huge valleys. And rain won’t dampen your spirits or spoil your holiday. This is one of the few places where rain actually improves the scenery. To witness the torrents of waterfalls cascading down the towering mountains is a sight that is not easily forgotten.
The first two days cover flat ground while the last involves a 245m climb and descent. But even novices – as long as they are fit and healthy – should be able to manage the walk. There have been people in their seventies who have managed it. As with any endurance activity it is advisable to obtain medical clearance before commencing.
Uganda in Africa is considered to be the pearl of Africa, a special place where the West African jungle meets the East African desert.
The most popular hiking trail is in the mountain rainforests of Bwindi National Park where gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat. The starting point is the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp and the walking distance is dictated by which gorilla family is being visited. This can vary from a half an hour to nine hours, so be prepared to be flexible and accommodating.
The West Coast Trail in British Colombia is a 75 kilometre hike. The trail stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island, from Port Renfrew in the south to Bamfield in the north. This is considered to be a physically demanding trail so you need to be well prepared and fit. The weather is changeable, but if you’re fortunate and have sunny days during the hike then you will get maximum enjoyment out of the rain forests and the beautiful beaches of Canada’s west coast.
The West Coast Trail takes you through the southeast of Barkley Sound between the villages of Bamfield and Port Renfrew. The trail was initially constructed to rescue shipwrecked mariners. The rugged shoreline is called the "Graveyard of the Pacific" because of the number of ships that sank there.