One thing about the South African sun – it is unrelenting. Especially when you find yourself on an escapade in the wilderness, without access to air conditioners or pools. If temperatures are soaring in the high thirties or above, here are some things you can do to cool down quickly in the bush:
Image: Unsplash / Ant Rozetsky
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Wet a towel
Every bush veteran will know this trick well. If it’s a scorcher outside and you’ve got access to clean water, wet a hand towel, ring out the excess water, and drape over your head, feet, or body. The towel should cool you down until it starts to heat up or dry – then wet it again. This trick works wonders if you’ve got a portable fan that can be placed in front of the towel to cool you down even further. Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead and the back of your neck can also help break a fever.
Keep your hair wet
When you can’t jump into water, bring the water to you – specifically, to your hair. If you’ve got long locks, gather them into a bun or ponytail and thoroughly wet them. As the water evaporates, it’ll create a cooling effect around your head and neck, two critical areas for regulating body temperature. For those with shorter hair, simply run wet hands through your hair periodically. Just remember to use clean water.
Use an instant cooling towel
For those who like to come prepared, instant cooling towels are a godsend in the unforgiving heat. These ‘high-tech’ tools are designed to stay cooler than the ambient air when wet, providing instant relief when draped around your neck or over your shoulders. They’re reusable, lightweight, and take up minimal space in your pack. Activate them with a bit of water, ring out excess, and apply to your head or neck.
Park off under a tree
Instead of boiling in a tent, find a tree with a generous canopy – a lovely Marula or Natal Mahogany does the trick well. Not only will a big tree give you shade, but the temperature under a tree can be several degrees cooler than in direct sunlight. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves every now and then.
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Make a DIY misting system
All you need is a clean, empty spray bottle. Fill it with cool water and give yourself a spritz whenever the heat becomes unbearable. Aim for exposed areas like your face, neck, and arms. The evaporating water will cool your skin, giving you some relief from the heat.
Drink water!
As crucial as it is to apply sunblock, you need to drink water, and lots of it. Bush heat will sap your body’s moisture faster than you can say ‘safari’. Keep a water bottle handy and sip frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
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