Hiking is an activity that anyone with relatively good health can do – it's not a sport that's about being extremely fit; it's about connecting with nature and appreciating what you can do.

Trekkers Club Ibanda is a social hiking club based in Ibanda District, Uganda. We're a non-profit, community-focused group dedicated to exploring nature and promoting outdoor enthusiasts.

We create a platform where like-minded individuals can come together, share experiences, and explore the beautiful landscapes of Ibanda and Uganda at large. We organize free weekly hikes, camping trips, and outdoor activities that promote teamwork, physical fitness, and environmental conservation.

Hiking is an activity that anyone with relatively good health can do – it's not a sport that's about being extremely fit; it's about connecting with nature and appreciating what you can do. Who doesn't love being out on the trail surrounded by an array of different tree and plant species, native wildlife, wide-sweeping views, and all the while breathing in bucket-loads of plentiful, clean fresh air?

It's so peaceful and relaxing to be away from it all. Finally, you have some space and you reflect on how good it feels to get away from, um... well, all those people! Sometimes we just need some time to ourselves, right? Of course, there's nothing wrong with that, and sometimes it is wonderful to go hiking solo. However, it's essential not to overlook the upside of spending time with others while getting our dose of nature.

In fact, spending time with other like-minded people in the great outdoors has many proven benefits. There's evidence to suggest being outdoors with people improves the quality of our relationships with them, as outlined in the study "The Effects of the Natural Environment on Attention and Family Cohesion." In this study, mothers and daughters spent 20 minutes together in an arboretum, and levels of family cohesion were measured before and after. The study demonstrated that this time spent together in nature improved the quality of their interactions with each other.

Another study offers evidence to suggest that spending time outdoors can lead to deeper levels of empathy and trust and makes people more helpful and generous. In fact, numerous studies document the benefits of spending time outdoors and the positive impact this can have on our relationships.

Feeling motivated to go outdoors is not uncommon, even when heading out into a beautiful environment. Maybe it's the allure of a day spent lying in bed watching Netflix or heading out for some well-deserved retail therapy. But can you ever remember a time when you regretted it (aside from the time you fell and twisted your ankle, of course!)? No, probably not. And, of course, it's always much more motivating to head outdoors and do something when you know a bunch of people you get along with are going to be doing it with you.

So, having a hiking community to spend time and regularly catch up with is a great way to feel motivated to hit the trail.

Connected and Supported

We all want to feel connected and supported in some way; it's a basic human need. Generally speaking, people who are drawn to spending time outdoors are, more often than not, open-minded and interested in others. So, if you have a bunch of people you get along with who you spend time outdoors with, then it's quite likely you'll have found an additional support network and a group of people you will naturally develop authentic connections with.

Increased Willingness to Try New Things

Outdoors hiking groups will put on new and different events, including giving new activities a try. Trying new things is likely to promote positive mental health, as it broadens our horizons and better equips us to approach many of the unexpected difficulties we encounter in life with a more open and accommodating mind. So, when these opportunities arise within a group you're already part of and enjoy spending time with, you're much more likely to want to participate.

Reflecting on Our Own Limitations

When we spend a lot of time with people, it soon becomes apparent what our flaws are. If you've been reading some of our articles, you'll see that it's quite common to make jokes about members of our hiking community, which I always try to do in a light-hearted and constructive way. As long as we're willing to reflect on and take responsibility for our own behavior, this can be a great way to learn more about ourselves and fuel our personal development.

The only other things required are a supportive environment and a culture of wanting to improve ourselves for everyone's benefit.

Appreciating Other People

Spending time in a hiking community helps you appreciate other people. It's wonderful to see how kind and supportive people who have an interest in the great outdoors can be. Having worked through our own problems, maybe we have some wisdom or counsel to offer others. With a caring attitude, having informal chats through which we try to connect with other people in an outdoor setting can be really beneficial.

Ultimately, being part of a community where people care about each other is very important and will inevitably lead to the community appreciating each other as they grow and learn together.

Positive Impact on Mental Health

There's plenty of evidence to suggest that getting outdoors and going for a hike promotes good mental health. In Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, evidence is given to show that people who went on a 90-min walk through a natural environment were much more likely to have reduced instances of mental illness, and in particular depression. Even in my own experience, having had times when I've struggled with mental health, I've found that being outside and connecting with nature has always had a positive impact on my state of mind.

There's something about being in a vast, open space without any influences of the modern world bearing down upon us, that expands the mind and, in a broader sense, causes you to feel more connected with the universe. Sometimes I marvel whilst in the Blue Mountains, at the extraordinary sites before me and wonder how much different it would have looked a million years earlier.

Grow

Through stories, experiences, tips, and recommendations, we hope this community will encourage and motivate us to grow in confidence, expand our knowledge, and reach our hiking potential. If you love hiking, love walking in nature, and love the adventure of the trail, then we are your people! Join The Hiking Club community - we can't wait to meet you and hear your stories from the trail.

At Trekkers Club Ibanda, we're driven by three main objectives:

1. *Tourism*: Explore and promote the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Ibanda District and Uganda at large.

2. *Fitness (Healthy Living)*: Encourage physical fitness and healthy living through regular hiking activities.

3. *Fun*: Create opportunities for socialization, connection, and enjoyment among members.

These are just some of the many benefits enjoyed while enjoying the great outdoors. Why not join us on a hike soon at one of the many events we hold in and around Ibanda? We'd love to have you join our hiking community!

At Trekkers Club Ibanda, we have an exciting calendar of special hiking events throughout the year. In addition to these events, we organize weekly hikes within and around Ibanda District, exploring the beautiful landscapes and scenery.

Every Sunday, we hike from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm, taking on different trails and discovering new wonders. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, our Sunday hikes are a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and quality time with nature.

Every last Saturday of the month, we gather for a campfire night, where we share stories, experiences, and wisdom. It's a unique opportunity to hear from our elderly members, aged 90 and above, who share their life stories and offer valuable insights into the past.

The best part? Our Sunday hikes and campfire nights are completely free of charge! Joining our hiking club is also free, and all you need to do is get in touch with our administration team on 0782570256.

To be added to our hiking community WhatsApp group, simply attend three Sunday hikes and demonstrate your commitment to our social hiking community. Our members will then approve your request, and you'll be part of our vibrant community!

Join The Hiking Club community - we can't wait to meet you and hear your stories from the trail.