While fifteen-year anniversary T-Shirts reminded us of All Out’s heritage, it was the next three, five and fifteen years that were our focus for the day.  As a facilitator, it was my privilege to help everyone work out how international volunteering, educational and welfare activities (the original inspiration), could grow together with the more recent and more financially successful tours’ side of the operation. There was a win-win waiting to be found and we had a day to find it.

A photo showing All Out Africa Team

We worked hard, laughed, dreamed, schemed and as the Eswatini sun was dipping below the horizon, the team had come up with 31 wins-wins. Integrated tech, buddying to see how other teams do things, sharing skills, quality uniform kit for volunteers, parties to celebrate and more.  The enthusiasm was at the top end of the scale and everyone was ready to make it all happen.  All eyes were on those sunlit uplands – hands on the wheel and off we go.

A photo showing some of the All Out Africa team showing their sculpture

But on that special day, the threat of the Covid tsunami which was about to engulf All Out Africa and the globe was, so it seemed, well beyond the horizon. But it wasn’t. Given barely a passing mention in the opening session as one of a number of possible ’threats’, the pandemic was already closer than any of us dared to think.

A few months after that special day, like a truck stuck in mud after persistent rains, everything slammed to a halt. I know it has been a long and painful grind through the pandemic.  But right now, mid-2021, with some first signs of recovery appearing, the spark is again firing in the engine, there is some fuel trickling into the tank and the All Out Africa wheels are beginning to move.

Martin Farrell and All Out Africa Director Roland Thorne

The call of the majestic Swazi scenery and the embracing sounds of its lush nature is as compelling as ever.  The dreams distilled in January 2020, resting during the pandemic, are now coming back to life as the need for All Out’s social programs grows. That day, I found my place in the All Out Africa story which was a special and memorable moment in my adventures in Africa; I imagine there will be more.  I know too that there can be a place for you in that story where you could create an ‘adventure which changes lives’ – which could be your life and the lives of others whom you may meet one day on a dusty Swazi road.

We’ve never thought about hiking and camping with our family before.  Why it is so much fun? 

As well as learning lots of fun facts from your lead hiking guide about nature, there is the potential to spot wildlife – in Lubombo there are zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, bushbuck, giraffe, klipspringer, monkey and baboon hiding out in the bush.  For families with older children, it is often the challenge of completing the hike.  For those with little ones, it might be taking them an adventure and trying something new.  For all families, we notice it is doing something completely different from home life and spending time together.   Sigs, who hiked with us with her 3-year-old son recently, said that for her “It’s about sharing values that I can pass on.  I can teach my child how to enjoy nature.  I grew up with it.  It is an adventure.”

The children are young so it really possible to do a hiking and camping weekend trip?

We can tailor-make any hike by discussing the fitness and likes of your group so that the experience works for you.   Some are athletic and happy to carry little ones, but it’s not for everyone.   Camping is great fun for small children, especially if there are some marshmallows to cook on the campfire.  Sigs said “My son is 3.  He is young, so needs to be carried so take this into account on longer hikes.  But he does like it and it works if you take “petrol” (rewards!) as he can walk and enjoy it.  He really loves the camping – the fire, the evening under the stars and camping.  Chose the hike that suits your family, don’t choose something that is too strenuous as no-one enjoys it.  It is an adventure and if you don’t want any hassle then the slackpacking adventures with All Out Africa work well.”

We’re not all super-fit so won’t it be too difficult? 

Our advice is that you know your limitations and those of each member of your family.  It is possible to make a plan for different needs within a group, as long as we know in advance.  We have an experienced team and are happy to chat about your family and make a plan that suits you.

The great thing about our hiking and camping “Slackpacking” trips is that we tailor them to every family.  We understand that every family is different – single-parent families, blended families and extended families to name but a few, ensuring that our experiences are open to everyone. Contact us tours@alloutafrica.com to plan your next family adventure.