The Turaco Trail is set in a pristine wilderness area of the Mutarazi Falls and Nyanga National Parks in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. \u00a0Your behavior on the Turaco Trail can help maintain the beauty, ecology and water production ability of the Nyanga National Park.<\/p>\n
Litter<\/strong> Graffiti<\/strong> Toilets<\/strong> Fires<\/strong> Trails<\/strong> Flowers<\/strong> Noise<\/strong> Rocks<\/strong> General<\/strong><\/p>\n *Remember to tell someone who knows you where you are going. \u00a0Fill in the trail register at FAR and WIDE. Hiking the Turaco Trail Safely<\/strong><\/p>\n The Turaco Trail offers superb hiking and backpacking, but it also has many dangers. \u00a0Here are some guidelines which should be observed for your own safety. Whistle signals:<\/strong> *When walking in a group never split your group. \u00a0STAY TOGETHER. \u00a0WALK AT THE PACE OF THE SLOWEST MEMBER OF THE TEAM. Ethics:<\/strong><\/p>\n *Respect other hikers’ privacy and behave responsibly. Planning:<\/strong><\/p>\n *Plan your route carefully and obtain a weather forecast before setting out on your hike. \u00a0Cirrus clouds (high wispy clouds) are an Camping:<\/strong><\/p>\n *You may camp in designated camping areas as marked on the map. Bad Weather Situations (NB Monitor the media for weather warnings):<\/strong><\/p>\n *Bad weather: \u00a0Weather conditions can change very rapidly. \u00a0Always keep together and ensure no-one falls behind. Emergency Situations:<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of the problems encountered on the Turaco Trail are related to a physical injury, as in a fall, or to weather extremes.<\/p>\n Whatever the emergency, don’t panic.<\/strong><\/p>\n *Physical injury: \u00a0If you have to help a casualty, ensure that the person’s breathing is unobstructed, give cardiopulmonary *FAR and WIDE Zimbabwe Camp: Tel 0772 469 229 The Turaco Trail is set in a pristine wilderness area of the Mutarazi Falls and Nyanga National Parks in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. \u00a0Your behavior on the Turaco Trail can help maintain the beauty, ecology and water production ability of the Nyanga National Park. Litter Please take all litter out with you. \u00a0Do not throw away … <\/p>\n
\nPlease take all litter out with you. \u00a0Do not throw away any items even if they break down quickly. \u00a0Help us by picking up any litter you see.<\/p>\n
\nDon’t be tempted to leave your name, messages or arrows on any rocks or trees.<\/p>\n
\nPlease consider other users of the Turaco Trail. \u00a0Preferably defecate in the grasslands, at least five minutes walk away from streams, caves, paths and forests. \u00a0Dig a hole at least 20cm deep and bury faeces.<\/p>\n
\nFires are devastating to animals and plants: to reduce risk of accidents, no fires are allowed, except in designated areas. \u00a0Only the use of camping stoves is allowed.<\/p>\n
\nStick to the trails constructed for your use. \u00a0Leaving them will cause unnecessary erosion and is unsafe: please do not take short cuts.<\/p>\n
\nDo not pick the flowers – enable everyone to enjoy them and produce seeds.<\/p>\n
\nMost people hike the Turaco Trail to enjoy the peace it offers. \u00a0Shouting, whistling and loud music shatter this peace.<\/p>\n
\nTake extreme care not to dislodge rocks as they endanger the lives of others, damage vegetation and even start erosion.<\/p>\n
\n*Watch the weather as it can change quickly. \u00a0Do not attempt to summit Mt Nyangani in misty conditions or if there is any risk of the
\nweather changing.
\n*Always carry water and warm waterproof clothing. \u00a0Perennial water points are marked on the map.
\n*Don’t feed any wild animals as this makes them problem animals which may have to be destroyed. \u00a0Stand still and back away slowly
\nfrom animals.
\n*Report all emergencies to FAR and WIDE.
\n*Report any misbehavior and offences to FAR and WIDE or National Parks.<\/p>\n
\nMountain Register<\/strong>
\n*Always take time to complete the mountain register correctly and in detail.
\n*It is very often the only information the rescue team has to go on if you have an accident or get lost. \u00a0Your life may depend on this information.
\n*The register is kept at the trail head at FAR and WIDE.
\nRemember to:<\/strong>
\n*Avoid an unnecessary search by reporting your return.
\n*Stick to your planned route
\n*Tell a close friend or family member when you expect to arrive back home
\nSecurity:<\/strong>
\nYou should not meet anyone on your hike on the trail as it is a National Park and entry is strictly prohibited without a permit. \u00a0However, never leave any equipment unattended and place belongings inside your tent at night. \u00a0Please report any loiterers.
\nEquipment:<\/strong>
\n*Always carry a tent that is designed for mountainous conditions especially high winds.
\n*Temperatures at night are often below zero, even in October. \u00a0A good sleeping bag is therefore very
\nimportant, even in summer.
\n*Take extra food as it may save your life if the weather turns bad and you have to stay longer than intended.
\n*Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots are essential. \u00a0Running shoes offer no protection against rough ground or wet conditions.
\n*Take enough spare warm clothing, including water- and windproof jacket and over-trousers. \u00a0A jersey is useless in cold, windy conditions unless worn under a jacket.
\n*Remember it can rain in any month of the year in Nyanga and snow has been recorded on Mt Nyangani.
\n*It is essential to carry the trail map and knowing how to use it is vital. \u00a0Although the Turaco Trail is clearly marked on the map, not all game trails and traditional footpaths are.
\n*Always carry a whistle to use for signalling emergencies.<\/p>\n
\nHelp: \u00a0Series of six long blasts in quick succession with one minute intervals between each series.
\nReply to help call: \u00a0Series of three long blasts in quick succession with one minute intervals between series.
\nRecall searchers: \u00a0Many short blasts in quick succession continuously.<\/p>\n
\n*Drink water often… do not wait until you are thirsty as this means you are already dehydrated. \u00a0All water along the trail is safe to
\ndrink
\n*Torch with spare batteries and dry matches or a lighter are essential. \u00a0Keep them in a waterproof container.
\n*A comfortable rucsac to carry all your equipment. \u00a0Put all your essential items in plastic bags. \u00a0As additional insurance a waterproof pack cover is suggested.
\n*Carry a trowel to bury your faeces. \u00a0Don’t bury your rubbish, please carry it out (the pack it in, pack it out principle).
\n*Remember you must be self-reliant – there is no-one up there to help you.<\/p>\n
\n*Never roll rocks down hills or over cliffs – one day you may be the unfortunate person below.
\n*Leave campsites as you would like to find them, and always bring all your litter back with you.
\n*Don’t pick the wild flowers. \u00a0Some species are extremely rare and you could contribute to their extinction.
\n*Fires are prohibited except in designated wild camp areas.
\n*Don’t leave candle wax on rocks.
\n*Don’t use soap in streams. \u00a0Wash your dishes and yourself well away from streams.
\n*Defecate well away, at least five minutes walk away from streams, paths, wild camps and forests, preferably in grasslands.<\/p>\n
\nindicator of bad weather coming within 48 hours.
\n*Plan your hike with the weakest member of your party in mind.
\n*Remember to ensure you reach your camp site with enough daylight hours left to set up your camp and cook before nightfall. \u00a0There
\nare considerably less daylight hours in the winter months than in summer.
\n*Ensure that all participants take any medication they require with them.<\/p>\n
\n*Leave no trace of your having been there.
\n*Camping near rivers is dangerous because of the threat of flash floods. \u00a0Camping on exposed ridges and under tall trees is dangerous
\nin thunderstorms because of lightning.<\/p>\n
\n*Mist: \u00a0Misty conditions are frequent along the extent of the Turaco Trail. \u00a0Seek shelter and do not move until the mist has cleared
\nenough to see the trail. \u00a0STAY ON THE TRAIL AT ALL TIMES. \u00a0Do not take short cuts and stay together.
\n*Rain: \u00a0Try to seek shelter before it rains; a combination of wet, cold and windy conditions can be fatal.
\n*River crossing: \u00a0Extreme caution should be exercised when crossing rivers in flood. \u00a0If you are in doubt as to your safety do not
\nattempt to cross. \u00a0In any case always unclip you rucsac waist strap in case you have to slip out of it. \u00a0Use a river crossing
\ntechnique.
\n*Lightning: Avoid prominent positions, isolated trees or rocky outcrops. \u00a0The Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe has the highest lightning
\nstrikes frequency in the world.
\n*Hail: \u00a0Protect your head by putting your pack on your head.<\/p>\n
\nresuscitation (C.P.R.) if necessary, stop any bleeding and dress wounds. \u00a0Make the casualty safe and comfortable. \u00a0If the injury
\nappears to in any way related to the spinal column, avoid moving the patient.
\n*Extremes of weather: \u00a0Exhaustion and exposure to cold, wet and windy weather can lead to hypothermia and eventual death. \u00a0Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, poor muscle control and a careless manner. \u00a0Seek protection from wind, rain and cold. \u00a0Put on dry clothes, take warm drinks but no alcohol and obtain warmth by body contact with another person. \u00a0Socks can be used as gloves in cold weather. \u00a0A ten, wind- and waterproof clothing used in good time will prevent a potential problem. \u00a0Remember that exposure related problems can occur even in summer.
\nIt is recommended that at least one member of your party is conversant with the accepted first aid treatment of hyperthermia and dehydration.
\n*Snake bite: is unlikely but can be serious.
\nIf you have to assist a snake bite victim:
\na) Keep the patient calm and relaxed – he or she is in no immediate danger.
\nb) Avoid any movement by the patient s this quickens the spread of the venom. \u00a0If necessary carry the patient.
\nc) Do not apply a tourniquet. \u00a0Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
\nd) The rinkals is capable of spitting, in which case the eye must be rinsed immediately with water or any suitable fluid.
\n*Groups: it is recommended that your group consists of four to eight people and a maximum of twelve people. \u00a0A minimum of four people is recommended so that one person can stay with an injured person and two can go to find help.
\n Raising the alarm:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nOffice: \u00a0Tel (029) 3011\/2
\n*Messages should be written with details of the nature of the problem, the names of the party concerned, the number of person involved, the exact location of the party and the altitude. \u00a0This prevents the message from being misunderstood or altered while being relayed. This is very important.
\n*Remember, a rescue team may have to risk their lives to save yours.
\nPLEASE ACT RESPONSIBLY<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"