Surviving the Wilderness: An Exciting McGregor Adventure
Picture this: you find yourself in the heart of nature, surrounded by towering trees and a chorus of chirping birds. The air is fresh and crisp, filling your lungs with a sense of freedom. You may be wondering: how do I survive in such a vast wilderness? Well, fear not! I’ve got just the adventure for you to embark on – a back-to-basics experience in the charming town of McGregor.
During this thrilling journey, you’ll learn essential survival skills that will test your mettle and teach you the art of self-reliance. Forget the modern conveniences – it’s time to embrace the rugged outdoors and discover what you’re truly capable of.
As you navigate the wilderness of McGregor, you’ll encounter various challenges that will push you to your limits. From building a shelter using the natural resources around you to foraging for food and water, every step of this adventure will teach you the fundamentals of survival.
But don’t worry, you won’t be alone on this quest. Our experienced guides will be by your side, sharing their knowledge and expertise to ensure your safety and success. They’ll teach you how to start a fire without matches, identify edible plants, and even track wildlife. With their guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t survival all about roughing it and embracing discomfort?” Well, yes and no. While it’s true that surviving in the wilderness requires resilience, it doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort entirely. Our adventure in McGregor strikes the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment. You’ll sleep under a canopy of stars, enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature, while still having access to basic amenities that make your experience safe and comfortable.
Surviving in the wild isn’t just about physical strength and endurance; it’s also about harnessing the power of your mind. Throughout your journey, you’ll learn valuable mental strategies that will help you stay calm and focused in stressful situations. From problem-solving to decision-making, every aspect of this adventure will sharpen your mind and empower you to face any adversity head-on.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable experience that will challenge you, teach you survival skills, and leave you with a newfound sense of resilience, join us in McGregor. Let nature be your teacher and the wilderness your classroom. Together, we’ll unlock the secrets of the great outdoors and discover just how capable we truly are.
This unique adventure in McGregor has the potential to be a lifesaver in the future, but the knowledge gained along the way is the true highlight.
Who would have thought that caves could actually be cozy and comfortable? It may seem unlikely, but with a few clever tricks, you can turn a cold and damp cave into a warm and inviting space. I’ll show you just how to do it. Check out this photo by Chris Davies to see what I mean.
When I was nine years old, my dad, who was a zoologist, had to go on a research trip to Kruger National Park. At the time, the rivers were dry due to a severe drought. I don’t remember much about our journey there, but I vividly recall my first experience at Laërskool Skukuza, a school located in the park. The rugby field was frozen solid, but that didn’t stop the energetic and sun-kissed kids from having a blast. They were so skilled that they could hit a tennis ball right on target from a distance of 20 meters. It was quite a sight to behold.
Stingers became our go-to game that winter, when the air was fresh and crisp. We gleefully raced across the field, barefoot and filled with energy, flinging ourselves at each other with abandon. Afterwards, we strolled home, passing by statuesque hippos and towering giraffes, and quickly busied ourselves with setting traps for scorpions or perhaps chasing impalas for a bit of fun.
During those months, my family and I often joined my dad on his wild camping trips to remote confluences. After enduring dreary mornings of memorizing math tables, I was finally set free to explore. I would hunt for fascinating bugs, construct fires from scratch, and occasionally shadow the adults, trying to catch snippets of their captivating stories. It was an unforgettable experience that taught me a multitude of lessons, as I dug my hands into the earth and scraped my knees raw. Before long, I had become adept at identifying animal tracks and recognizing edible and useful plants. The knowledge seemed to seep into my very being, even extending to the many different types of animal droppings I encountered. To my delight, I discovered that finding words that rhymed with “pooh” brought endless amusement during those days.
When you find yourself in a survival situation, knowing how to start a fire becomes incredibly important. It’s a skill that can save your life. I remember learning this skill during my time in the wilderness. I discovered that crushed tree bark with its oily texture makes for great kindling. It ignites easily and helps the fire grow.
But as much as I immersed myself in the wilderness during those six months, eventually I had to return to the city. I had to let go of the intricate knowledge of nature’s secrets that I had acquired. However, my love for the wilderness never faded. I still feel a strong connection to it and try to visit whenever I can. But I must admit, I haven’t been able to regain the same level of proficiency I once had.
It’s been almost 30 years, and I’m in for a birthday surprise. Someone who knows me really well has gifted me a day-long “introduction to survival” course on a small farm near Nelspruit. When I arrive, I see Hunt Cheney, the course leader, confidently striding around in his khaki shorts and light-green T-shirt. Barefoot and bursting with excitement, I join in on the rope weaving and atlatl throwing (a fancy term for spear-throwing). As we engage in these activities, I can’t help but wonder: How does one get involved in survival training in the first place? It’s a question that intrigues me, apart from the idea that our names can shape our destinies.
I have discovered that Hunt, who is only a year or two older than me, actually grew up in Kruger. He went to the same school, Laërskool Skukuza, at around the same time that I was avoiding getting hit by tennis balls – and I bet some of those balls were even thrown by him! Hunt’s father, Cleve Cheney, is a ranger in Kruger and has written many books on conservation, hunting, and tracking. From a very young age, Hunt accompanied his father into the wilderness. At just five years old, he would venture out into the veld with his dad. By the time he was eight, he was already spending nights alone in the wild, building shelters and finding his own food not far from their house. When Hunt turned 16, he challenged himself to spend two whole months in the Kruger bush all by himself. And you know what? He not only survived but thrived, even with just his shorts and an old T-shirt.
So, picture this: I used to work as a medic and outdoor instructor near Nelspruit. I loved every minute of it. But now, I’ve made the move to the Cape and let me tell you, life is pretty exciting here. You know what I do now? I train anti-poaching units in tracking and survival. It’s intense stuff, let me tell you.
One of the things I do is teach beginner-to-advanced level survival courses all over South Africa. And let me tell you, these courses are not for the faint of heart. They’re designed to simulate real survival situations so that you can test your skills and learn how to handle yourself in the wild.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. If you’re just starting out, I offer introductory courses that are a lot less intense. Think of them as customizable wilderness experiences. You’ll have your very own survival expert by your side, and we’ll even crack open a few cold beers around the fire at night. After all, good morale is the key to every survival situation.
A few months passed and I started to feel dissatisfied with the brief adventures I had been having. So, I decided to gather some family and friends and invite them to join me on a two-night introductory course at a farm near McGregor. We were all excited about the possibility of learning something new and having a great time together.
Before we started, we had a quick question and answer session to determine what topics we were most interested in. Then, we embarked on our weekend adventure – our base for the next couple of days would be a shallow cave located in a narrow kloof, surrounded by the soothing sound of icy mountain water running through nearby reeds.
This cozy cave in a narrow valley near McGregor became our cozy weekend getaway. Picture taken by Chris Davies.
We quickly get to work, cutting grass for our makeshift bed and learning how to tie knots. We carefully wedge stones into the cracks along the cave walls to secure our shelter. Hunt, with a hint of shyness, guides us every step of the way. Did you see that tree with the leopard claw marks? What about the porcupine tracks on the path over there? We even make char cloth and learn to start a fire with flint and steel. Hunt teaches us how to make fishing traps using branches and twine. With every question we ask, he shares more stories by the fire that night.
‘Hey, guess what? I actually had a pet lion once, sort of. He was being rehabilitated, and during that time, he used to playfully chase after me in the ranger’s garden. Can you believe it? He was so fast that he would catch me even if I had a 50-meter head start. He would trip me up before I could even reach the stairs.’
The firelight paints flickering shapes on the walls of the cave, and we are enthralled by these incredible tales. We enjoy our cold beers, devour our boerewors, and stay up late into the night, eager for more stories.
Early in the morning, I quietly leave the cave to relieve myself after drinking some beer. I watch as the mist descends on the valley, and it reminds me that I just learned the word “katabatic”. Then, I add another log to the fire, which is slowly fading. When I was nine years old, I accidentally burned my right hand while making mud balls and throwing them at crocodiles in the Limpopo River. That experience has stuck with me all these years, and now, as I drift off to sleep again, I can’t help but wish that I had learned more interesting things instead of just learning not to touch scorching hot mud balls.
As I wake up on the second day, I feel surprisingly refreshed despite the discomfort of our makeshift cave. It’s hard to believe that I actually had a good night’s sleep. There’s no need to rush this morning, so I start the day by tending to the fire and preparing some oats for breakfast. The great thing about Hunt’s courses is that they give us the freedom to choose what we want to learn. Yesterday, we discussed tracking, so now we all gather around with our mugs of coffee, ready to absorb the basics from Hunt.
Tracking is not something you can master in just a few hours, but it’s still incredibly captivating. One interesting fact I learn is that if you ever find yourself searching for a lost child, you should look towards higher ground. It turns out that kids tend to head in that direction, while adults usually take routes that lead downwards, like gullies and gorges.
So here’s what I’ve got in my survival kit. I see everyone looking at me, and I start to worry about how they’ll react. But when I watch them now, I feel relieved. My sister has grabbed Hunt’s homemade throwing sling, and we all gather around to learn how to use it. Soon enough, rocks are bouncing off the canyon walls, and we’re all laughing and cheering.
Tomorrow, we’ll be back in the city, and all of these survival skills will probably be forgotten. But maybe not entirely. Maybe one day, they’ll come in handy. And even if they don’t, it’s still fun to learn and practice them.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try eating grubs, but it’s not something you have to do. Keep in mind that scorpions with large pincers and small tails are generally less dangerous than the opposite. You can see some cool photos of this by Chris Davies.
No matches? No worries. Give these 3 unusual fire-starting tools a shot.
First, create a bundle of tinder using lots of dry grass on top and thin twigs underneath. Set up the main fireplace with a space for the bundle and surround it with progressively thicker sticks.
1. A clear glass marble – This method is foolproof as long as there’s sunlight. Hold the marble a few centimeters above the bundle and concentrate the refracted light on the grass. Wait until you see consistent smoke, then blow gently to get the fire going. You can also accomplish this with a water-filled condom, although focusing the sunlight is a bit trickier.
Hey there! Let me tell you about two cool ways to start a fire in case you ever find yourself in need. I’ll also share some tips on water safety. Sound good? Let’s get started!
Method 1: Parabolic Mirror
Have you ever thought about starting a fire using a beer can? It’s pretty awesome! Here’s what you’ll need: a beer can, some chocolate or toothpaste, and a piece of tinder (like dry grass or small twigs).
First, polish the base of the beer can with the chocolate or toothpaste. Make it nice and shiny! Then, hold the can with the base facing the sun. Position a piece of tinder a few centimeters in front of the base. The sunlight will reflect off the can and create a beam of light. Pretty cool, right? Now, when the piece of tinder catches fire, carefully transfer it to your tinder bundle. From there, you can add it to your main fireplace. Voila! Fire!
Method 2: Batteries
Here’s another way to start a fire using a battery. For this method, you’ll need a battery (like AA or AAA), a piece of metallic gum wrapper, and some tinder.
Start by tearing off a strip of the gum wrapper that can reach both ends of the battery. Next, press the shiny side of the gum wrapper to each terminal of the battery. Be careful not to touch the terminals with your fingers – they can get hot! The foil on the wrapper will heat up until the paper part ignites. Once it catches fire, transfer it carefully to your tinder bundle and add it to your main fireplace. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a fire!
Water Safety Tips
When it comes to water safety, it’s important to remember a few key things:
1. Always swim with a buddy. Having someone with you can help in case of an emergency.
2. Don’t run near pools or other bodies of water. You could slip and fall in!
3. Learn how to swim. Knowing how to swim can save your life if you ever find yourself in a tricky situation.
4. Follow the rules. Make sure to pay attention to any signs or instructions at the pool or beach.
5. Wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer. This will help keep you afloat.
Remember, water can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe. By following these tips, you can enjoy the water while staying out of harm’s way.
Hey there! Let’s talk about water, the essential element for life. But wait, don’t assume that all water is safe to drink. You see, there are things called pathogens that you can’t see with your eyes, and they can make you really sick. So, it’s super important to make sure the water you drink is clean and safe. Trust me, your survival depends on it!
Now, I’m going to share with you a cool trick to make water safe to drink using a plastic bag. Here’s how you do it:
- First, find a spot where you can dig a shallow hole. Once you’ve got the hole, line it with the plastic bag.
- Next, take some green grass and put a thick layer at the bottom of the bag. This will help with the filtration process.
- Now, it’s time to add the untreated water into the bag. Make sure you have enough to quench your thirst!
- Get yourself eight fist-sized stones and heat them up in a fire. Be careful not to burn yourself!
- Once the rocks are nice and hot, carefully place them one by one onto the grass in the bag.
- Remember to switch out the stones every 30 seconds, but don’t touch the plastic! Safety first!
- After a while, the water will start to boil. Keep boiling it for five minutes to make sure it’s safe to drink.
Now, I have a small confession to make. Even though the water is safe to drink, it might not taste very good. But don’t worry, my friend! You can use a good water filter to make it taste a lot better.
1. When looking for water, don’t forget to check clefts in tree branches and shady hollows where pockets of water might be hiding.
2. Keep an eye out for grain-feeding birds like doves, as they regularly drink water. In the late afternoon, watch for their low, direct flight, as they are likely on their way to a water source. Waterbirds can also be good indicators, but if they are flying high, the water source may be far away. However, raptors barely drink water and should not be relied upon as indicators.
3. Even in the driest environments, you can still find water in the form of morning dew. Take an early walk in long grass and wrap clothing around your legs. You might be surprised by how much water you can collect and wring out.
4. Did you know that trees are like living water pumps? It’s true! And if you have some clear plastic, you can actually tap into their water supply. Here’s how it works: grab a piece of plastic and wrap it tightly around some green foliage, making sure to seal it off completely. As the leaves go about their business of photosynthesis, all that water they release condenses on the plastic and drips down to the lowest point inside. In the right conditions, you can collect as much as two to four cups of water every single day. Pretty neat, huh?
Get Ready for Your Survival Adventure
What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in learning survival skills, you’ll be happy to know that Hunt offers introductory courses all over South Africa. The prices may vary depending on the length of the course and its location. For example, their two-night introductory course near McGregor costs R1200 per person (based on a group of eight people). Just keep in mind that food and drinks aren’t included, so don’t forget to bring your own supplies. If you’re planning on having a barbecue, make sure you bring some wood too. As for upcoming course dates, you’ll have to stay tuned because they’re yet to be confirmed. But don’t worry, the cost is R1500 per person. If you have any questions or want to book your spot, you can reach the team at 0823238516 or send an email to [email protected]
What You Need to Bring
• Make sure you have these items packed:
- A fixed-blade knife
- A water bottle or camel pack
- A sleeping bag
- A tarp (at least 2x2m in size)
- Two space blankets
- A flint and steel
- Proper outdoor clothing
- Your own food and drinks
- Meat and wood for making a braai
- Your personal medication
If you don’t have a knife, don’t worry. The hunting team can provide a few knives for those who need them. And you don’t need to worry about everyone bringing their own tarp or flint and steel; these items can be shared among the group.
This article was originally published in the December 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.
The December issue includes an exciting feature on the Tok Tokkie Trail in Namibia, as well as 50 tips to enhance your summer holiday. We also present our ultimate gear guide, showcasing the best travel gear available, and much more!
