One of the best things about South Africa is the diversity that the country offers its own residents. Who needs to go to Australia for the surf when our own beaches offer some of the surfing hotspots of the world?

Rocky Mountains? We have hiking in the Drakensberg. Ski slopes? We have the best waterskiing in the world. Wild bears? We have Big Five safaris.

With so many incredible outdoor activities in South Africa, you never have to leave and you can still have a new and exciting holiday every single time.

But, (isn't there always a but?) with these outdoor activities come some risks. Whether you are hiking, wake boarding, boating or driving through the Kruger Park on safari, you need to know how to take care of yourself.

GoTravel24 has put together some tips on how to stay safe while making the most of what South Africa has to offer. Stick around as each week we tackle safety in another area.

This week we take a look at hiking and everything you need to know to stay safe on South Africa's slopes.

What to pack

There is a reason boy scouts have the motto "be prepared". In the event of an accident on a day hike, you need to be prepared to avoid tragedy. It's as simple as that.

• Lots of water - 3 to 4 containers for a long hike.

• Basic first aid kit - containing at the very least bandages, tape, antiseptic and a painkiller.

• Warm top or jacket, spare socks and a blanket - even in summer.

• Pocket knife and rope.

• Torch and whistle.

• Small flashlight and matches.

• Map or compass and a field guide so you can check before you sample that mushroom.

• Sunscreen and a hat.

• Food - that will provide you with energy-giving carbs, but not require cooking. Think sandwiches, dried fruit and dry cereals for a whole day with an extra portion.

• Cellphone programmed with emergency numbers.

Safety against crime

While every effort is made to secure our national parks and hiking trails, the reality is that some isolated criminal attacks do occur, so you need to "be prepared".

• Never hike alone. You are a clear target when walking in a secluded area alone. Try and stick together in a group of at least three people.

• Remember your car. When you hike, your car is often left for long periods of time in an isolated spot. Hide all your valuables and make sure everything is locked.

• Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables. While you want your camera and need your cellphone, you don't need your engagement ring or iPod - so leave them at home. Keep the valuables you do have on you hidden as much as you can.

• Project confidence. Look people in the eye and walk tall.

• Criminals prey on the weak, so do not look weak.

• Carry mace. If you are nervous about your safety on a hike, carry a mace spray or a walking stick with which you can defend yourself and always make sure that you have the park rangers' number programmed in your phone.

• Stay on designated paths. You are more at risk of attack if you stray off hiking trails. Trails guarantee traffic and the protection of other hikers and rangers, if you stray off these you are more vulnerable.

Safe hiking

• Never hike alone. This is a repeat, but applies here too. Accidents happen to even the most seasoned hiker and you do not want to be left at the bottom of a steep slope for days while people look for you.

• Put the slowest hiker in the front. Slower hikers at the back can get left behind and lost. If you are worried about this affecting the pace of your group, try and organise to go with people on your fitness level.

• Don't change layers constantly. You will exhaust yourself changing sweaters constantly and the fluctuating change in your body temperature is not healthy. Not to mention you will annoy everyone.

• Take regular breaks. It is easy to forget to drink water while you are on the move, admiring the scenery. Regular breaks ensure that everyone stays hydrated.

• Watch where you are going. This may sound ridiculous but staring at the trees (or the hot hiker in front of you) is very dangerous. Tripping and spraining an ankle can be disastrous, so be aware of your surroundings. Take pictures on your water stops - multi-tasking at its best.

Safe hiking with your dogs

Hiking with man's best friend is fantastic, but also requires a little extra thought.

• Always bring water for your pet and a bowl that they are comfortable drinking from.

• While it may be fun to let your pet roam, over inquisitive animals could get bitten by a snake, slip down a ravine or get lost. If your dog is a bit excitable, consider keeping him or her on a leash.

Be careful with your dog - his curiosity could send him over the edge. Photo: Sam Reinders

• Dogs easily overheat, so try and hike with them during cooler times of the day. If you are going on quite a long, difficult hike, it may be better to leave them at home.

• Don't forget to bring a bag to dispose of your pet's waste.

General tips for safe hiking

Researching your planned hiking spot and planning your route is always a good idea. Having a rough idea of the terrain and amenities will help you with knowing what to pack. A plotted route can also be registered with the ranger station, ensuring that you can be found quickly should something go wrong.

When you hike, it is important to know your limitations. Going further than you are able means you could collapse from exhaustion and cause a host of problems for your fellow hikers.

Make sure that someone at home knows that you and your group are going hiking, where you are going and what time you should be back. They are your alarm signal should something go terribly wrong.

In the event of a fire breaking out while you are hiking, the main thing to do is to stay calm. Find out more about how to handle a fire while hiking.

	Looking to hike safely? Book a trip to Durban and head to the Drakensberg! All-inclusive packages take care of the details - leaving you to brush up on your safety knowledge.