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Explore With Francois

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Explore With Francois

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫 & 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬

I'm Francois, a dedicated hiker with a love for the outdoors, solo trekking, and exploring nature's untouched beauty.

𓀙Helping you find your next getaway
ᨒBucket list activities & destinations
𖡊Sharing helpful hiking tips & Tricks
✉︎Message for Collab
⚲South Africa
Trail Food 15% discount - https://trailfood.co.za/ref:AFFL/1790/ Through my adventures, I share hiking tips, gear reviews, and tricks to make every journey memorable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trailblazer, my goal is to inspire you to step outside, conquer the trails, and embrace the wild.

16/10/2025

Worth sneaking in your backpack?

Can you remember as a kid adding mini marshmallows to your coffee on a camping trip… or was that just me?

There’s something about it that instantly takes me back — the smell of campfire coffee, sticky fingers, and that first sweet sip. Now it’s my little hiking tradition — lightweight, fun, and just the right amount of sweet to start the day right.

Because honestly, the trail’s better when you bring a bit of childhood magic along.

What’s your nostalgic trail comfort?

15/10/2025

End the year with a festive adventure!

Join me for our Christmas-themed hike to Meander Hut in the Drakensberg on 6 December 2025 — the perfect way to wrap up the hiking year at Meander Hut in Giants Castle Drakensberg.

Expect stunning mountain views, cozy hut vibes, and that special sense of peace only the Berg can bring.

This overnight hike covers 15km (both days) with slackpacking, permits, and satellite tracking included.

🔹 Cost: R300 p.p
🔹 Deposit: 50% (R150) to secure your spot
🔹 Limited spaces available!

Let’s end 2025 around good company, and the trail that brought us all together.

DM or email to book your spot.

13/10/2025

What. A. Day.

hosted their first Trail Run, and I was there to capture the energy, the grit, and the passion of every runner who hit the trail. From sunrise to finish line, the vibe was electric ⚡ — a true celebration of adventure, endurance, and the outdoors.

It was also the perfect moment to launch Columbia’s latest trail innovations — the Konos Trillium ATR and Konos Featherweight Shoes — designed for runners who crave speed, stability, and all-terrain performance. Each stride proved what it means to be .

If this was just the beginning… imagine what’s coming next.
Are you ready for the next trail run race? 👟

09/10/2025

Day 2 – Aloe Kaya to Candlewood Camp

We decided to take the long route — the 7km trail — because sometimes the best views come from putting in the extra effort. The day started with a steady climb surrounded by endless mountain views before we entered the sandstone valley — the same one where Ghost and the Darkness were filmed. The rock formations here are unreal, with soft moss and shapes carved by centuries of wind and rain.

If you ever hike this section, don’t miss the viewpoint inside the valley — it’s one of the best 360° views of the entire area. You can see layers of sandstone ridges fading into the horizon, and it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just take it all in.

The sun was relentless, and every climb felt longer under that heat, but that’s what made reaching Candlewood Camp so rewarding. After a quick rest, we followed the path down to the waterfall, still flowing even after weeks of dry weather. Back at camp, the honesty shop’s cold drinks were exactly what we needed before watching the sunset paint the valley in gold.

Some trails test you, others reward you — this one does both.

Follow for more outdoor and adventure content.

06/10/2025

Day 1 – Pangola Express to Aloe Kaya Camp - Let's Go!

Our adventure started the night before the hike at Pangola Express, where we checked in and immediately felt at home. Both Pangola Express and Aloe Kaya Camp offer fully equipped kitchens and braai facilities — the perfect setup to relax and refuel after a long day on the trails. For those who prefer a little extra comfort, they also offer slackpacking options, making it easy to enjoy the trail without carrying a heavy load.

The next morning, we set off toward Aloe Kaya Camp, and from the very start, the views took my breath away. The route options are endless — from challenging 8 km technical climbs to more relaxed and friendly trails. But no matter which one you choose, every path is worth it. Hiking through the unique sandstone formations feels like stepping into another world, each turn revealing something more beautiful than the last.

Once at Aloe Kaya, you can take on the Hells Bells route, an unforgettable trail filled with jaw-dropping views, or simply enjoy the peace of the nearby dam as the sun sets — a moment that’s impossible to describe but impossible to forget.

Stay tuned — tomorrow I’ll be sharing the video from Day 1, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Follow for more outdoor and adventure content.

02/10/2025

This one’s for both hikers and their four-legged trail buddies!

If you love the outdoors and want to experience the magic of hiking with your dog, then this overnight adventure at Stamvrug Hiking Trails is for you. You’ll cover ±25 km over 2 days, taking in incredible views, rugged trails, and the unique beauty this area has to offer. At night, we’ll camp out under the stars, sharing the trail magic with our pets by our side.

Hike Details:
• Distance: ±25 km over 2 days (1 night)
• Cost: R202 per person per night
• Includes: Hiking permits, basic first aid (excl. dog first aid), and active satellite tracking for safety.

🎒 What to bring:
• Sleeping bag & pillow
• Water bottle or bladder
• Torch or headlamp
• Toiletries & sun protection
• All essentials for your dog (food, water, leash, sleeping gear)

🐕 Important:
• You’ll need to be comfortable hiking with dogs if you join.
• Dogs must be socialised, used to hiking, and prepared for warm weather conditions.
• DM for more details if you’d like to bring your pup along!

📌 Limited gear for hire is available. Catering options can also be arranged—please confirm early if required.

Bookings can be made via DM or email at [email protected]

29/09/2025

Are you ready to hit the trails and test your limits?

Whether you’re chasing a new personal best or just love running wild in nature, this is the event you don’t want to miss!

Join us for the Columbia Trail Race — an epic day on the trails packed with stunning views, incredible prizes, and adventure vibes from start to finish.

Event Details:
📍 Location: Prime View, Midrand
📅 Date: 11 October 2025
🏃‍♂️ Distances: 15KM | 21KM
🎁 Prizes: Over R45 500 up for grabs!

Plus — stand a chance to WIN a pair of Columbia running shoes! Try them on in-store before 30 September 2025 to enter the draw.

Registration is now open! https://www.entryninja.com/events/82569-columbia-trail-race

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