WildAtlas FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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I want to book a hiking trail.
Q Do WildAtlas.com take care of bookings for Hiking Trails?
A Nope, not yet. - I'm a manager of a hiking trail.
Q How can I add or update information about the trail?
A Each trail page has a link in the top block (left corner). Click on the link and a overlay prompt will appear. Use the form to submit your message and we will contact you with further instructions. - I can't find the trail I'm looking for.
Q How can I suggest the trail to be added to WildAtlas.com?
A On each category page (Regions, Durations, Trail Type) you have the opportunity request a missing trail. Please submit the name and contact details of the hiking trail you're looking for. - I'm a journalist / creative writer.
Q Is it possible to collaborate with WildAtlas.com?
A Send us your proposal using this online form. - We have a Hiking Club.
Q How could we submit our trail reports to WildAtlas.com?
A For each trail you can submit your trail report using the commenting system. We'd love to hear about the trail, your experience, stories and tips.Q Is it possible to create a profile for our Hiking Club?
A Not yet, but coming soon. - I want to share my photos on WildAtlas.com trail page.
Q How could I add my hiking photos to WildAtlas.com?
A We encourage users to open a flickr account to upload and manage your photos. These are the steps to share your photos on a particular trail page on WildAtlas.com:- Make sure the photos you want to share are uploaded to your flickr account.
- Open the relevant trail page on WildAtlas.com
- In the Photo Block, copy the unique 'tag' text provided for the trail.
- Go back to your photo on flickr and tag it with the 'tag text' provided (example, for Fanie Botha Hiking Trail 'wildatlas:hiking=sg42')
- I had an amazing / not so amazing experience doing a hiking trail.
Q How do I comment on hiking trails or write a trail report?
A Each hiking trail page gives you link to write your words of wisdom. A prompt will appear, complete the form and submit for moderation. - I'm a webmaster of another website or a blog writer.
Q How can I best link to WildAtlas.com
A www.wildatlas.com - I'm a hiking tour operator.
Q Is it possible to advertise my services on WildAtlas?
A Get in touch with us using this online form. - I want to use WildAtlas to find new Hiking Trails.
Q How can I search and browse for hiking trails?
A Please see definition no.7 below. - I've discovered a bug in the website.
Q How do I report an error?
A Hey thanks! Please send a note with your observation using our feedback form at the bottom of the relevant page. - WildAtlas.com is in Beta release.
Q What does Beta release mean?
A WildAtlas.com is still in its infancy, with lots of fun features to be added. This will also mean that WildAtlas.com may improve the way the website functions and introduce new features in near future. - Scope of WildAtlas.
Q Which countries do WildAtlas cover?
A Currently WildAtlas.com consentrates on Hiking Activities in Southern African region only. This includes South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland for the time being.
Definitions
- Trail Report: A subjective review of a hiking trail. The Hiker shares his experience with fellow hikers.
- Trail Options: A hiking trail may have one or more alternative routes. Each option may have different distances or difficulty levels.
- Circular Trail: Start and end at the same point.
- Open-ended Trail: Differnent start and end points.
- Network of Trails: Series of trails that are linked together, mostly in a figure 8 structure.
- Guided Trail: The trail is lead by a trained field guide.
- Out-and-return Trail: The trail shares the same outward and return, so basically you reach retrace your steps back to the starting point.
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Region: A region is used to place hiking trails geographically. A region is defined on a political map, examples include countries or provinces.
- Eastern Cape
- Free State
- Gauteng
- Mpumalanga
- Kwa-Zulu Natal
- North West
- Northern Cape
- Western Cape
- Limpopo
- Namibia
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Duration:
- 1 Day: Trail or walk, single stage, that may last up to one day.
- 2 Days: A Trail with two stages, with each stage lasting up to one day.
- 3-5 Days: A Trail with three, four or five stages, with each stage lasting up to one day.
- 6+ Days: A Trail with six or more stages, with each stage lasting up to one day.
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Trail Type:
- Walks: A trail that may be completed within a single day.
- Base Camp: A series of circular trails that originate and end at a single point (normally a place with accommodation or camp site).
- Backpacking: A mapped out, man-made route for continuous hiking that lasts for 2 days or longer. You are required to carry your own equipment and food. Overnight accommodation is usually provided in shelters or huts. Depending on the trail, you may be required to take along your own tent if no accommodation is provided.
- Slackpacking: Slackpacking, or leisure hiking trails, are multiday trails without the burden of carrying a heavy backpack, as your overnight bags are transported for you. The main types of slackpacking options include luxury, guided and catered hikes; community-run guided trails; unguided and/or self-catered trails. Slackpacking simplifies the logistics of going on a hike and enables a wider audience of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the thrill of multi-day hiking trails.
Luxury trails may include guest houses and gourmet meals, but are usually more expensive. Guided trails provide added security and interestingness allowing you to learn more about the environment, local culture and history.
Unguided trails provide added privacy and relaxation for the overstressed city dweller. - Wilderness Trails: These trails traverse within a wilderness area, such as a National Park or game reserve, with little to no man-made, layed out paths. Usually conducted by a professional trail officer or field guide. The possibility exists to encounter dangerous wild animals.
