Terminology and Definitions

Who Are The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Authorities?

Most of the Natal Drakensberg used to be overseen by the now defunct Department of Forestry.  Exceptions were those areas run as game or nature reserves by the Natal Parks Board (NPB), and the Mnweni Reservation which has always been run by local Zulu chiefs.  Responsibility for those areas under the control of the Department of Forestry was eventually handed over to the Natal Parks Board.  After the demise of apartheid, the Natal Parks Board was first renamed kwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Services (KZN-NCS), then Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.  At the time of writing, there is talk of dropping "Natal" from the name of the kwaZulu-Natal province, in which case Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will perhaps be renamed Ezemvelo KZ Wildlife.  Since there have been so many name changes in quick succession, this guide refers to the "Parks Authority" instead of by whatever name they choose to use at the moment.

Backpacking, Hiking or Walking?

Much confusion surrounds the English terminology used to describe someone who walks with a backpack in the wilderness.  In most English-speaking countries such a person is referred to as a hiker, and the activity as hiking.  However, in some countries the term "hiker" can be a shortened form of "hitchhiker" - someone who thumbs a lift from one town to another.  The term backpacker perfectly describes someone who makes use of a backpack, but this use can vary, and in most countries the term refers to a young person who travels lightly on a minimal budget, staying in cheap overnight backpackers' lodges and maybe only occasionally venturing out into the wilderness.  Some countries have unique terminology - in New Zealand, for instance, a hiker is called a "tramper" and hiking is called "tramping".

This reference work is named "A Backpacker's Guide To The Natal Drakensberg" because it is intended specifically for use by hikers who carry backpacks containing all the equipment and supplies needed to stay overnight in the wilderness.  In this work the terms hiker and backpacker are used interchangeably and are taken to mean the same thing.  People who walk in the wilderness only for a day or less carrying a small day-pack are referred to here as day-trippers or day-walkers, to differentiate their activity from the more serious overnight kind.  Hikers may engage in day-trips from a campsite, cave or hut when they stay over in that same location for more than one night.

A mountaineer is described as a person who practices mountain-climbing.  While hikers and day-trippers climb mountains, the type of climbing implied by this definition is far more technical and requires the use of ropes, climbing harnesses and other specialised equipment.  Generally, whenever hiking (or backpacking) becomes technical - for example, if it requires the use of crampons, ice axes and ropes - it can be more accurately referred to as mountaineering.  This guide is not intended for serious mountaineers, but it may prove a useful reference work to both them and day-trippers who all walk the same paths or routes somewhere along the way.

Last modified on 2011/11/10