It is worrying, but human excreta, toilet paper and other discarded litter are turning our once pristine wilderness into foul smelling, unsightly wastes. This is unhealthy, bad for the environment and unpleasant for visitors

These simple guidelines will help you keep our  wilderness areas clean and protect you from the squirts and squats of unhygienic wilderness travel. South African wilderness areas have the highest conservation status of all protected areas.

They are important water catchment areas, providing most of the water our country needs. Polluting this resource means we will no longer be able to just drink from our rivers and streams as we are so used to doing.

We highly recommend the book "How to Shit in the Woods" by Kathleen Meyer. Every outdoors person should have to read this book.

This updated edition provides a guide to the art of "going" out-of-doors. It deals with the when's, where's, how, and what-nows, with chapters such as "Anatomy of a crap" and "For women only: How not to pee in your boots".

It should be obvious to all users of the outdoors that ALL litter must be taken home with you. Even the smallest piece of paper, plastic or cigarette butt can kill an unsuspecting animal or bird; to them it is potential food.

Human sewage is rich in organic matter and nutrients, and may frequently carry disease organisms, so it is extremely important that you make sure your faeces and urine do not contaminate water.

Protect out water

Waterborne diseases have caused immense damage in many poor countries, with at least ten percent of all human diseases in developing countries being caused by diarrhoea and infestations of intestinal worms. Poor sanitation is the main cause.

What can I do?

All waste except that produced by your body’s functions must leave the area with you. That means everything you have not actually eaten or drunk.

When you are in the wilderness…

    1) A strong plastic bag for rubbish should be easily available

    2) Unpack as much packaging at home before you leave

    3) Crush cans and take them hone with you

    4) Peels from food should be carried out with you

Toilet procedures...

    1) Make sure you are well away from water sources or run off areas

    2) Dig a hole about 15 - 20 centimetres deep in moist but not wet soil