Everyday Hiking Hero: Dawid de Wet

Everyday Hiking Hero is a series that celebrates real people in the South African hiking community — the ones who keep showing up for wild places, live the lifestyle, and quietly inspire everyone around them.

Meet Dawid de Wet (43) from Graaff Reinet. Dawid grew up hiking with his father, has walked some serious wilderness routes, and still chases cold rock pools, howling wind and open Karoo skies.

About Dawid

Name: Dawid de Wet
Age: 43
Home base: Graaff Reinet

Your hiking journey

HSA: Where, when, and how did you get into hiking? Who introduced you to it?
DDW: My father. We did our first overnight hikes together when I was nine years old. That year we hiked Magoebaskloof and a four-day Drakensberg hike.

HSA: What is your favourite hike or hiking area in South Africa?
DDW: Anywhere in the Drakensberg or the Karoo.

HSA: What does hiking mean to you as a lifestyle? What keeps you coming back?
DDW: I love rubbing shoulders with the elements. Being out there in the teeth of a storm or a howling wind is exhilarating. And also the healthy lifestyle that goes with hiking — living in simplicity and jumping into a cold rock pool after a hard day on the trail.

HSA: What did your life look like before hiking became a big part of it, and what changed?
DDW: I can’t remember life before hiking 😅

Adventures and achievements

HSA: Have you completed any memorable hikes, journeys, or expeditions? Tell us about one.
DDW: Hiked from the Skeleton Coast to Etosha along the dry Hoanib River in Namibia with two friends.

HSA: What’s one key lesson hiking has taught you?
DDW: Tackle the mountain head on.

HSA: If you could change one thing in the world, what would you want your legacy to be?
DDW: Treat our water resources with more respect.

Life on trail

HSA: How do you balance your passions, like work, adventure, conservation or creativity?
DDW: I don’t, but luckily I work in travel and the outdoors — so that’s a bonus.

HSA: What’s your favourite piece of hiking gear, and what makes it essential for you?
DDW: Sleeping bag. It’s essential to get a good night’s rest.

HSA: Do you have a go-to hiking or life quote that inspires you?
DDW: Have your feet on the ground.

HSA: What’s your dream hike or adventure?
DDW: Any hike or trip where I can end up on a mountain or in a dry riverbed far away from civilisation.

HSA: What’s your best tip for new hikers starting out?
DDW: You can hike anywhere. First start exploring your local area before venturing out further.

HSA: What’s the best, or worst, thing you’ve seen on a trail?
DDW: A broken arm — right at the top of Compassberg.