Let’s face it, you’re taking your smartphone along on that outdoor trip anyway, right? Here is a list of my top five apps for you to justify your decision to your mates, and perhaps even sway those nature purists on their next excursion.
1. Camping Checklist
Let’s start at the beginning and make sure that we haven’t forgotten to pack the sleeping bag or braai tongs. If only we had a checklist! Hang on, try one of these handy camping checklist apps for iOS or Android.
This camping checklist app is a must for making list. Photo: play.google.com
2. Torch
Perhaps the most obvious yet useful app on the list is the humble torch. There are many free apps to choose from, examples include this flashlight app for Android or this one for iOS.
3. Guidebooks
Tired of lagging around heavy nature guide books, especially on those long hiking trips? This is the probably one of the best uses of a smartphone for all nature enthusiasts. Not only being able to have all your field guides wrapped in a small phone, but access to multimedia content like bird calls makes these apps a must!
Birders will love the Sasol eBirds of Southern Africa App. Photo: itunes.apple.com
For birding, try Sasol eBirds of Southern Africa. The iOS and the Android lite versions are both free, while the iOS full version costs R240 and the Android full version costs R275.
Similarly, other best-selling Southern African guide books are now available on your smartphone. Check out guides to trees, snakes (includes excellent snake-bite first aid guide advice), mammals or try Wildlife of Southern Africa for a more general guide to common birds, animals and plants.
4. First Aid
Having a basic idea of first aid could be critical when you’re off the beaten track. The St John Ambulance First Aid app should be in your arsenal for sure and is free on both Android and iOS.
The St John Ambulance First Aid app is a must when travelling in the great outdoors. Photo: itunes.apple.com
5. Stargazing
If you’re looking to impress someone when the sun goes down but you find yourself stumped after the Southern Cross, why not use your newfound knowledge of the night sky instead? Point out a few constellations using Sky Map for Android, or Star Walk for iOS.
A guide to the stars is great for sitting round the campfire on a moonless night. Photo: itunes.apple.com
More apps
Do you edit your photos using SnapSeed or find your way in a cave using your phone’s compass? Do you know what knot to do or need inspiration over the campfire from a camping cookbook?
What other helpful apps do you use when out and about?
Related: 10 things you can’t live without while camping
