by Leigh Thomas*
I’ve done two hikes with Kusudi La Hiking Club so far. I did my first 10 km just over two weeks ago, and my second a few days ago.
I can’t believe that in just two short weeks I have experienced a new lease on life – and I didn’t even know I needed one.
The outdoors, the wildlife, the nature and simply being out of the city cannot help but clear the mind. I felt quite disorientated coming back to Joeys after the first hike. It had only been a few hours since I left the city, but I came back feeling quite different.
The effect, however, didn’t only last that day.
My general wellbeing has improved. I feel lighter. I feel more joyful. The world is a little brighter and friendlier. I have more clarity and perspective. I am physically and mentally stronger. I am more confident.
I have become focused and purposeful in my regular exercise as I’m determined to get stronger and stronger. My vision is to eventually be able to enjoy a function in the afternoon or the evening of the hike instead of my body demanding my bed, a nap and an anti-inflammatory. (I still can’t believe it but that’s apparently how my fellow Adventurers roll!)
I always thought I was fit for my age as I usually do regular street walking and body conditioning. I can honestly say that since my first hike I have pushed my fitness level up a notch or two. I feel very motivated. I’m doing the same as I did, but more. I feel better than I have in years.
One of the best parts is I’ve expanded my friend circle. I love the sense of community that seems integral to this sport. Simply by joining Kusudi La you will suddenly be surrounded by like-minded people who are genuinely delighted you joined up. Before I knew it, I had new friends.
There’s another wonderful thing that completely took me by surprise: The dogs.
The joy and energy of the dogs who get to join their owners on these hikes is totally infectious. In my next life I want to come back as a dog belonging to a Kusudi La Adventurer! The interaction between canine and human has thoroughly charmed me. It has made me a better dog owner. I want to have the same relationship with my dogs that they have with theirs.
I cannot recommend this hiking club highly enough. I only wish I had signed up sooner.
I had been umming and aahing about joining for about 6 months. The thing I couldn’t get my head round was the potential travel times to and from the hikes. An hour/hour-and-a-half to the Magaliesberg and the same time back seemed like a lot of time out of my weekend.
All I needed to mentally clear this hurdle was to do one hike. I soon discovered that the drive is inconsequential. I hitched a ride with other members for both my hikes. We chatter along the way and it’s no problem at all. Even though you’ll probably end up enjoying the drives, remember that the time on the road pales in significance once the beauty of the countryside and the exercise-induced dopamine radiates through you. Trust me.
I knew that Kusudi La Hiking Club arranges two monthly hikes – one every two weeks. I was told they will mostly be in the Magaliesberg, and that these expeditions are actually designed as training hikes for Adventurers wanting to climb Kilimanjaro.
What I didn’t know was that the organisation aims to raise one million Rand every year for animal welfare. Kusudi La was founded in 2021, but this July’s Kilimanjaro will be co-founder Stephanie Brown’s 6th climb for charity. I love the combination of adventure and purpose. Life is busy so if you’re going to do something as big as Kilimanjaro, do it for yourself, but also for a cause.
So, in essence, what are you waiting for? Do you want to be a happier, fitter and a more fulfilled person now, or later? If you in anyway think the outdoors and fitness and striving for better is within you, give Steph a call and join us! You will be as warmly welcomed as I was.
*Leigh Thomas is a Kusudi La Hiking Club member.