Last year, Reese Witherspoon successfully brought Cheryl Strayed’s autobiography Wild to the big screen. Both the book and the film done have tremendously well, and I think I have a good idea why.
There’s something incredibly therapeutic about spending time outdoors, particularly walking. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind, but taking the time to take a step back, and step outside, helps us gain perspective and slow down without the distractions of technology and other social constructs. I believe that Strayed’s book tapped into that, and proved that more people are interested in creating this kind of experience for themselves.
If you are one of these people, the great news is that there are SO MANY incredible places to choose from- all over the world. Whether you’re trekking to natural wonders, or walking through historic, cultural sites, you’re bound to have a life-altering experience that will teach you more about the world and yourself.
Here are just a few places on my bucket list, with anecdotes from the Global Poverty Project and Global Citizen teams.
1. Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
At 11,382 feet, Mount Nyiragongo boasts the world’s largest and most accessible lava lake, described by some as one of the most spectacular wonders in the world. The volcano is still active, and extremely dangerous during eruptions, however these are predictable making it safe for tourists.
“No hike in my life compares to the incredible feeling of scaling Nyiragongo and peering into hot bubbly waves of lava splashing against lava rocks.” - Judith Rowland
2. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain is said to be the most iconic landmarks in South Africa. It’s name reflects the shape of the mountain- flat at the top, usually with a bed of clouds draping over it like a tablecloth. It's about a 6 hour hike up the mountain, that then gives way to a view of all of Cape Town. In part because of the biodiversity on the mountain, Table Mountain was chosen as one of the new seven world wonders.
“One of my favorite experiences from living in Cape Town was hiking Table Mountain with friends. It’s a full day’s hike so be sure to pack enough snacks and water! We underpacked and regretted it. The incredible view made it all worth it though.” - Sofia Van Raan
3. Great Wall of China
Known around the world as the symbol of China and its proud history, the Great Wall is actually a collection of walls and structures that for the most part run parallel to each other. Originally conceived in the 3rd century BC, the wall was intended to act as a security measure, preventing attacks from barbarian nomads. It stretches out more than 1,500 miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi (which explains why it took 18 centuries to build.) You can even see it from outer space (or at least from low earth orbit)! Sometimes flat and sometimes steep, walking it can feel more like climbing stairs.
“As a college freshman I had the opportunity to travel through China while studying Chinese politics and business. Out of all of the amazing places I visited, I’d have to say that walking the Great Wall stands out. I loved checking out the various towers, but my favorite part was riding the slide down when we were finished! After climbing several hundred stairs to reach the wall, as well as all of the walking we did throughout the day, I was happy to pay a small fee to enjoy the slide!” - Leticia Pfeffer
4. Benin, Togo
For a less traditional trek, my colleague Michael offered this as a suggestion:
“If you want adventure, you're willing to have a pretty long walk, and you're just a bit wrong in the head, why not try walking across the West African nation of Togo, wearing a toga?
After fastening bedsheets to our shoulders, three friends and I set off from the Ghana/Togo border at 5am, on the 56km (35 miles) walk to Benin. Along the way there were fresh papayas, fresh baguettes, and fresh cops looking for bribes. The locals weren't familiar with togas, so our Togo/toga wordplay was entirely lost on them. We finished our walk at 10pm at night, the last four hours of which included numerous stop-offs at roadside beer sellers. Walking was a great way to see the country; we passed beaches, lakes, villages, and Lome, the capital city. My dusty, sweaty toga was unable to make the transition back into being bed linen.” - Michael Wilson
He did say you had to be a bit wrong headed...
5. The Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea
The Kokoda Trail is a single-file track that runs 60 miles overland through the Owen Stanley Ridge in Papua New Guinea. The trek has become particularly popular amongst Australians as it was the location of a World War II battle between the Japanese and the allies (mostly Australian) back when it was known as the Australian territory Papua. Hiking the trek typically takes between 4-12 days and it’s not for the faint of heart- hot, humid days and chilly nights with the frequent occurrence of rain make it particularly challenging.
Jay, whose grandfathers served in Papua New Guinea, completed the trek when he was 24. He wrote this about his experience:
“Senses were on overload, trying to take in all the visual beauty of the valley, think of the significance of being there and just trying to get up those bloody hills. Unaware of what consumes your mind it takes a break in walking to help you collect yourself and gives the gift of reflection on the previous terrain and thoughts.” - Jay Gunning
6. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Every year, more than 50,000 people arrive at Mount Kilimanjaro, determined to climb Africa’s highest mountain. Though most of the routes to the top aren’t said to be too strenuous, the climb does take 5-7 days on average. Expect to meet people from all over the world while experiencing multiple climates and landscape as the hike goes on.
“Hiking Kilimanjaro should not be missed! I don't think I've ever had so many layers of clothes on (5 on bottom, 7 on top), or been so physically exhausted in my entire life. I sang carols with my friends on our Christmas morning summit-until I needed all of my lung capacity to walk. Such a rush when you finally reach the highest point on the African continent.” - Sarah Moran
7. Mnambe Waterfalls, Tanzania
Though less well known, the path to Mnambe Waterfalls (located on the slope of Kilimanjaro) has plenty to see. Hikers will pass villages, forest, and farms, and then cool down at Kilimanjaro’s highest waterfall. Plan to dedicate a full day to the hike to enjoy everything the path has to offer.
Every hike I've gone on has had something so unique and beautiful to offer, but I especially loved hiking Mnambe Waterfalls trail near Moshi town. I absolutely loved it because it's one of the lesser known hikes around the area. My friends and I enjoyed a tranquil hike with wonderful scenery of the Tanzanian landscape, the waterfalls and the really cool indigenous plants – and the best part was when we snacked on the natural sugar cane! I will always remember this hike for the cultural stories about witchcraft that our Tanzanian guide told us, all pretty scary stuff. Also, I won't ruin the cool story behind the waterfalls as you'll just have to find out for yourself! - Joline Faujour
8. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
Easily South America’s most famous trek, the 26 mile trek provides hikers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery in addition to learning about one of history’s greatest empires- the Incas. On the hike you’ll see “beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels.” Following the hike, visitors arrive at stunning Machu Pichhu, the “Lost City of the Incas”.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than hiking up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A 4-day trek from Cusco to the stunning cliffs overlooking Machu Picchu consisted of a lot of Coca leaves to mitigate altitude sickness, lots of nosebleeds, and the most rewarding view of my young life.”- Taylor Light
9. Petra, Jordan
Established as early as 312 BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, Petra is Jordan’s top tourist attraction- and for good reason. Known for its stunning architecture, Petra wasn’t discovered by the wider world until the early 1800s. Today, it is UNESCO World Heritage Site. So why does it make the list? I’ll let Brandon explain:
“It's strange to say that I "hiked a city," but when that city is built in the desert rocks of modern day Jordan and is thousands of years old, then hiking is the only term that correctly describes the experience. The "Rose City" (named for the beautiful color of the ever present rock that makes up the internal walls of the buildings and homes), has been featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and many other movies, yet nothing prepared me for how beautiful and mythical it felt to wander around. Even with the other visitors scrambling over the rocks with me, I could still marvel at how this huge metropolis slipped from the wider world's knowledge for hundreds and hundreds of years until 1812. To put it simply, If you have the chance- GO.” - Brandon Blackburn-Dwyer
What would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments.