Everyday Hiking Hero: Lerato "SkirtGirlHiker" Monyatsi

HSA: Name, city/town where you live?
LM: My name is Lerato Monyatsi, a passionate “Skirtgirl” hiker by weekend, and a Group Skills Development Manager for Absa Group by day – where I spend most of my time focused on my other passion, Skills Development. I’m a single parent and wear a cape for a little 10-year-old, Aobakwe. I hail from the West of Johannesburg, a place called Kagiso in the Krugersdorp area.

HSA: Where and when did you start hiking?
LM: My passion for the outdoors and hiking started at a young age accompanying my dad on his fishing adventures, where I curiously explored the surrounding wilderness on foot with my sister. Growing up as a Girl Guide, the wilderness and the great outdoors have always been familiar to me and a big part of my life.

HSA: Your favourite hike/hiking area(s)?
LM: Wow, let’s see. I’ve just summited Mount Kenya, Lenana Peak at 4985 m with two of my friends – my most technical yet amazing hike, with incredible views. Back home, some of my best hikes include Mafadi and Arangieskop. I’ve loved the Drakensberg, Lesotho and exploring the Western Cape mountains for their dramatic scenery; Mpumalanga for her ever-flowing waterfalls; and Magoebaskloof in Limpopo for its gorgeous misty forests. Magoebaskloof earned its way into my heart in 2018 when I was meant to meet a group of hikers for a multi-day Woodbush hike but ended up sleeping alone in the bush in the rain. Nature has amazing curveballs – I learned a lot about myself that night and remembered Franklin Roosevelt’s words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Since then I’ve never let fear hold me back, continuing to explore South Africa as a hiker and tourist, making amazing friends along the way.

HSA: What does hiking mean to you?
LM: In my late teen years, I became an active member of my church youth group. We often went on camps that included early-morning walks up a “not-so-hectic” mountain for sunrise devotions. That’s where I fell in love with hiking. Don’t be fooled – waking up early was a struggle, but there was always a connection that lingered long after camp. I didn’t realise what it meant back then, but I knew it was something I wanted to experience for the rest of my life.

There’s something magical about being on a mountaintop that speaks to the soul – a feeling of having a direct line to a higher power. It clears away the noise of the city, and I always come back renewed, seeing the world in a new light.

HSA: Tell us more about the SkirtGirl Hiker and poetry inspiration
LM: Hiking in a skirt has been the most liberating part of my adventures – a continuation of my journey of modesty. I grew up a tomboy and peaked into femininity rather late, growing into a “swan.” To me, hiking in a skirt means comfortably doing me. People’s reactions range from fascination to confusion, but I love that I can boldly express my values while staying true to myself. Pants weren’t always the norm for women – so why not hike in a skirt?

As for my poetry – I love words. Hiking helps me connect with my emotions, and words often flow through me like a waterfall. If I don’t have a pen, I record my thoughts while watching sunrises or standing on peaks. Photography and writing let me capture those feelings and return to them when life gets tough.

HSA: Who is your favourite hiking buddy and why?
LM: Now and then I prove myself sane by not running off alone – that’s when I call on my travel pal Nthabiseng (if she doesn’t get to me first!). We met during one of my spontaneous “drive-off-to-an-unknown-place-to-meet-unknown-people-from-Instagram” adventures. We instantly connected over our shared passion for exploring and have since built a friendship full of memorable stories and trails.

HSA: Describe how you balance being a mom with all your trips and adventures?
LM: Outside of hiking, one of my greatest adventures is being a mom to a 10-year-old mountain biker and Scout. We work on a tight schedule planned a year in advance so our activities don’t collide – balancing his life, mine and full-time work is hard, but worth it.

HSA: Describe your best hiking achievement or most memorable hike
LM: Wow – can I go back to Mount Kenya, Lenana Peak at 4985 m?! I bagged this summit with two friends, and between Mafadi and Lenana I still can’t decide which was tougher.

HSA: Your favourite piece of hiking clothing?
LM: Definitely my skirts and my signature K-Way hat – love at first wear. I’m also learning to love checked shirts after seeing how good they look on trail over in Wyoming.

HSA: What’s the worst/best thing you’ve seen on a trail?
LM: Littering really irks me. When I see it, I try to explain why there are no bins in national parks – and wait for the penny to drop! I do love seeing snakes though – I’ve spotted many, probably because I’m always looking for them.

HSA: Your favourite hiking or inspirational quote?
LM: I have two favourites: “It’s not the mountains we conquer but ourselves” and “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery of why we climb.” Let’s be honest – everyone wants to answer their WHY.

HSA: What is the best tip you can give to newbie hikers?
LM: I’ve hiked with so many people from all walks of life and learned so much from trail and campfire conversations. Remember – just like life, hiking is not a race. Your journey, your pace. Get out there, live your best life, and take your loved ones along – they’re your best support structure.

Lerato Monyatsi – Skirtgirl Hiker

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