Minimum Impact – Leave No Trace environmental principles by hikers

The "Minimum Impact - Leave No Trace" environmental principles by hikers applicable to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park.

Plan ahead & prepare

• Know the rules and regulations of the Park.
• Prepare for extreme weather and emergencies in terms of clothing, equipment and food.
• Plan your route and use a hiking map, a compass or GPS to assist you.
• Hike in groups of between 4 and 8, but no more than 12 in the wilderness area.
• Complete the mountain rescue register correctly and in detail.
• Be aware of the security risk on the escarpment or in Lesotho and do not leave your equipment unattended.

Travel & camp on durable surfaces

• Walk on existing trails and camp on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel or dry grass.
• Camp 100m or 5 minutes walk from the trail and water.
• Good campsites are found and not made.

Dispose of waste properly

• If you packed it in, then please pack it out!
• Pack out hygiene products and toilet paper. Where local rules allow burial, use a small cathole about 15–20 cm deep for human waste, well away from water, paths, caves and campsites.
• Wash and defecate 100 m or 5 minutes walk away from water, campsites, caves, and trails.
• Pack out all litter. Use small amounts of biodegradable washing products away from streams; biodegradable soap can still harm aquatic life.

 Leave what you find

• Take only pictures, leave only your footprints!
• Protect and preserve our cultural heritage.
• No camping is allowed in caves containing rock art or artifacts.
• Leave plants and other natural objects as you found them. DO NOT deface rocks with graffiti.
• DO NOT build cairns or other structures.

Minimise camp fire impacts

• Fires are not allowed in the Park except in designated camping sites.
• Fires and the collection of firewood devastate the environment.
• Use lightweight camping stoves for cooking and gas or candle lanterns for light.

Respect wildlife

• Respect the environment around you.
• Do not disturb or feed animals.

Be considerate of other visitors

• Respect and protect the quality of other people's wilderness experience.
• Avoid loud voices and noises such as radios.