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Reconnecting with Nature: My Journey to Hikers Addiction

Writer's picture: Cindy du PlooyCindy du Plooy

Updated: 2 days ago

From Corporate Life to Nature Lover


For as long as I can remember, nature has been my sanctuary. Growing up, I was always drawn to open spaces, the call of the mountains, and the peace that only wild places could provide. It was no surprise when I decided to study Tourism after school. I dreamt of a career that would let me share the beauty of the outdoors with others. I pictured myself as a guide. I wanted to lead people to breathtaking viewpoints, teach them about intricate ecosystems, and soak in the glory of God’s masterpiece.


However, life often steers us away from our dreams. Like many, I got swept up by the pressures of adulthood. I traded my aspirations for the security of a corporate job. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, but it felt practical at the time. I got married, settled into the rhythm of the 9-to-5 grind, and soon, over a decade of my life had passed. On the surface, it looked like I had it all together, yet something was missing.


Nature Sanctuary

The call of nature never truly left me. During meetings, I would dream of mountain trails. I’d glance out of my office window, wishing to trade fluorescent lights for sunlight filtering through fynbos. The corporate world paid the bills, but my soul longed for something more fulfilling.


A Life-Changing Decision


That "something more" came in 2022, when I made a life-changing decision. I left it all behind—the corporate suits, the endless emails, the daily grind, my old life—and moved to Tesselaarsdal, a small, picturesque town nestled in the Overberg. It was a leap of faith—equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. Tesselaarsdal feels untouched by time, with rolling hills, vibrant fynbos, and warm, welcoming people. The moment I arrived, I felt like I had finally come home.


In this peaceful town, I decided to revive my old dream of being a guide. This time, I wasn’t just dreaming; I was doing.


Cindy Du Plooy
Cindy Du Plooy

From Dream to Reality


One business we started is Hikers Addiction, a guided hiking experience designed to showcase the stunning mountains surrounding my home. Starting this venture felt like coming full circle. The little girl who dreamed of leading outdoor adventures had finally stepped into her destiny.


The best part? These hikes connect people to nature while being dog-friendly. This means I get to do what I love with like-minded hikers and my loyal companion, Shaka—a 10-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback who is as steady on the trails as he is by my side.


Our Incredible Trails


Hikers Addiction offers two incredible trails, each unique in its own way.


The Spitskop Summit Hike


The first is the Spitskop Summit Hike, a challenging yet rewarding 7km climb on Donkerwaterplaas, a farm near Tesselaarsdal. This trail isn’t for the faint-hearted; it’s steep, rugged, and requires a good dose of determination. But oh, the views!


Once you reach the summit, the world opens up in ways words can’t capture. You’re surrounded by sweeping vistas of the Overberg, with mountain peaks rising like sentinels in every direction. The silence up there is profound—broken only by the whisper of the wind or the call of a bird. It’s a place that reminds you just how small you are and how magnificent this world is.


The Barber's Trail


For those seeking a longer adventure, the Barber’s Trail is a 13km guided hike that starts at The Kitchen Restaurant and Bar on Kleinwatervalplaas. This trail is steeped in history, following the famous Haarkapper Trail once used by a traveling barber who traversed these mountains on foot.


The trail meanders through the stunning farm Elzaksa, winding its way up to another breathtaking summit. Along the way, hikers enjoy a tapestry of fynbos, teeming with bursts of proteas and ericas painting the landscape. This trail is not just a physical journey; it's a step back in time, connecting hikers to the area’s stories and heritage.


Both trails showcase the Overberg’s rugged beauty and have allowed me to meet incredible people who share my love for the outdoors. Guiding a group up a mountain, watching their determination turn to triumph as they reach the top, is magical.


The Joy of Dog-Friendly Trails


As an animal lover, it was essential for me that my hikes be dog-friendly. Shaka, my steadfast companion, greatly enhances these adventures. He’s the kind of dog who doesn’t chase wildlife or stray too far. He stays close, offering quiet companionship and protection. Watching him navigate the trails with ease reminds me of why I chose this path.


Hikers often bring their own dogs along, and it’s a joy to witness the bond between people and their furry friends as they explore together. Dogs remind us to slow down, to sniff the flowers (literally!), and to appreciate life’s simple joys.


Finding Fulfillment


Looking back, I am grateful for the journey that brought me here. Leaving the corporate world wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, questioning whether I was doing the right thing. Yet, every time I stand on a mountain summit, see the joy on a hiker’s face, or watch Shaka trot happily along the trail, I know I made the right choice.


Tesselaarsdal offers me the chance to live my dream—to guide others through the wild beauty of the Overberg, share the stories and history of this special place, and reconnect with parts of myself I had almost forgotten.


Trails Ahead

Hikers Addiction is more than just a business; it's proof of the power of following your heart. It shows that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter how far you stray from them.


If you’re ever in the Overberg, join us on one of these hikes. Whether you tackle the steep Spitskop Summit or journey along the historic Barber’s Trail, you’ll find more than stunning views. You’ll find connection, inspiration, and perhaps a glimpse of yourself along the way.


And if you bring your dog along, that’s just the cherry on top. Here’s to the trails ahead, the mountains waiting to be climbed, and the dreams we dare to follow.

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