Four friends. Nine hikes across nine provinces. And the wild beauty of South Africa
waiting to be discovered. On Nomades for AfriForum TV, they lace up their boots,
roll the cameras, and turn every trail into an adventure worth sharing.
Anré Bouguenon … The wild at heart
When actress and voice artist Anré Bouguenon signed up to be the presenter for Nomades, she wasn’t looking for glam, she was looking for grit. “I wanted to challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone,” she laughs. “The idea of escaping the city and disappearing into nature for a few days was a no-brainer.”
It didn’t take long for reality to hit, quite literally. “Filming the first episode was very interesting. I’d never hiked a multi-day hike before, and we slept in a cave that first night. I was excited and nervous at the same time. But after a little while, all the uncertainties crumbled away, and I realised I was surrounded by really awesome people.”
Being the only woman in the group didn’t faze her one bit. “We got along like a house on fire! The guys were total gentlemen, always ready to help, even if two of them deserve medals for snoring the loudest,” she jokes.
Soon, the crew found their rhythm. Early mornings filled with the smell of coffee and sunscreen, the rustle of backpacks being zipped, and the day’s adventure stretching ahead. “We’d shoot the opening sequence, grab our maps, and then hit the trail. It’s the simple things that stick with you … packing away your sleeping bag, filling your water bladder, having brekkie together before setting off. It becomes this beautiful, shared routine.”
But not every day was smooth sailing. “The toughest moment for me was when we hiked Magoebaskloof. I’d just finished antibiotics that morning, and I still felt awful, coughing, wheezing, struggling to breathe. The trail was tough, and there were moments when I honestly wanted to give up. But when I realised the only way out was by helicopter, and I wasn’t about to pay that bill, I pushed through!”
Between the laughter, blisters, and breathtaking views, Nomades became more than just a show. “It’s soul food,” Anré says thoughtfully. “You’re surrounded by nature all day, every day. You learn about yourself, and you learn about the people you’re with. Hiking is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.”
There were plenty of “this is why we do it” moments too. “We’d be huffing and puffing up a mountain, exhausted, and then we’d reach the top … and that view — wow. Having lunch up there, knowing you earned that view, that’s absolutely priceless.”
Of course, it wasn’t all serenity and silence. “On the Klipspringer trail, this massive black spitting cobra slid into the bushes … talk about nerve-wracking!” she laughs. “And once, in Magoebaskloof, we thought we were making great time until we looked at the map and realised we weren’t even halfway. We stopped talking and just started walking like we’d never walked before!”
For Anré, the journey was a reminder of what really matters. “A true Nomade is someone who isn’t afraid of getting out of their comfort zone. It’s about embracing the unknown, appreciating the simple things, and finding joy in the climb.”
When she’s not out on the trail, Anré is back in the studio recording voiceovers, acting on screen, and volunteering with her beloved parrots at Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue. But no matter where she is, her heart still belongs somewhere wild. Under a big sky, boots dusty, smiling at the next adventure ahead.
Elrich Yssel … The storyteller
If you ever need proof that adventure often begins with a crazy idea, meet Elrich Yssel — filmmaker, hiker, and one of the driving forces behind Nomades. His first-ever overnight hike? Not a local trail, not even something easy. Nope. Mount Kilimanjaro.
“Crazy, right?” he laughs. “But that hike completely blew me away. It changed everything. I became obsessed with the idea of documenting overnight hikes.”
That idea soon turned into something much bigger. “Not long after, I met Wayne, he’s an experienced hiker, and we started talking about doing a hiking show. Eventually, I pitched the idea to AfriForumTV, and they agreed to fund it since it was relatively inexpensive to produce. That’s how Nomades began, a bunch of passionate people with cameras and hiking boots, figuring it out as we went.”
Elrich’s first day on set wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. “I wasn’t nervous about the filming part as I’ve been behind the camera for years, but I definitely didn’t know what to expect.”
He grins, remembering his rookie mistake. “I’d just bought all this fancy new gear and packed way too much of it. That backpack nearly broke me. It was then I learned my golden rule. Don’t pack too much crap. Only the essentials. That first hike taught me that hiking isn’t just physical, it’s mental. You need toughness, not just muscles.”
A typical day on the trail? “It starts early, usually while it’s still dark. There’s always snoring drama … Anré and Luan love teasing Wayne and me about it. Then it’s straight to breakfast, coffee first, always. Non-negotiable. Then something like oats.”
Packing up feels like an Olympic event. “Luan is like a machine, he’s ready before anyone else and gets frustrated when we’re slow. Wayne and I, on the other hand, take our time because we’re filming. Once we’re packed, we film a quick chat about the day’s route, distance, elevation, all that and then we start walking.”
The team captures everything from breathtaking views to spontaneous jokes. “After lunch, things usually get tougher, both the trail and your mood. But we push through. The best feeling is reaching the hut at the end of the day. There’s this shared sigh of relief, and that’s when you remember why you love it.”
Elrich doesn’t take himself too seriously. “I’m always doing awkward things, cracking jokes, pretending to trip … until that one time I actually fell and hurt my finger. Lesson learned. Sarcasm and physical comedy are best performed in a safe environment.”
But it’s the companionship that stands out most. “We’re all very real with each other. There’s no competition, no ego. Sometimes we walk for hours in silence, everyone in their own thoughts. And when the silence gets too long, someone cracks a joke, and the laughter reminds us why we’re there. I honestly miss that.”
There were plenty of unforgettable moments, like standing atop a frozen waterfall on the Tugela Trail. “That view … it was surreal. Absolute stillness, ice all around. You just stand there thinking, this is why we do it.”
Of course, not every moment was so serene. “Once on the Magoebas hike, a boomslang fell out of a tree onto someone’s backpack. Luckily, it got just as much of a fright as we did!”
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that hiking is all about mental strength. You can’t quit. Turning back is usually harder than pushing forward. So you just deal with it. You talk yourself through it. And that mindset shifts something deep inside you. Oh, and bugs, spiders and even snakes aren’t so bad anymore. I think I might finally be overcoming my fear of them.”
Evenings on the trail bring their own rewards. “My perfect end-of-day treat? A hot cup of coffee and chocolate-coated Oreos before bed. Pure bliss.”
When he’s not climbing mountains or dodging snakes, Elrich is busy editing a period feature film set in the aftermath of the Anglo-Boer War, which he directed for AfriForumTV and stars Jana Kruger.
As for Nomades, he’s hopeful for a second season. “There’s still so much to do. I’d love to end it at the true roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, facing my fears and returning to where it all began. Full circle.”
Because if there’s one thing Elrich proves, it’s that a true Nomade doesn’t just walk the talk. He talks the walk, too.
Luan Lauw: The spirit of the trail
If adventure had a soundtrack, Luan Lauw would be humming along the whole way. For him, Nomades was never just about trails and cameras. It was about friendships, shared laughter, and experiencing South Africa’s beauty through the eyes of people who love it just as much as he does.
“I think it was a mix of adventure, storytelling, and yes, the call of the wild. But really, what drew me in was hiking with my friends and seeing our beautiful country with these amazing people.”
Luan’s first day on set was calm on the outside, but the trails quickly reminded him that hiking is no joke. “I was actually very relaxed at first, but the first part of the trail in Clarens was tough. I quickly realized I needed to be fitter.”
A typical day on the Nomades trail was a careful balance between adventure and filming. “I wake up and go for a shower if possible, that really wakes me up,” he says with a grin. “Then I pack, reward myself with coffee, and start the hike. We film along the way, stop for interviews or insights for the camera, and continue until the end of the day. Once the last shots are done, it’s dinner and a well-deserved rest.”
And every hiker has that “this is so me” moment. For Luan, it came in two forms. “I love cooking, and I had the pleasure of cooking for the team on the Leopard Trail in Baviaanskloof. I tried a lighthearted cooking insert, which got cut because I made too many jokes,” he laughs. “And then there were the chain ladders on the Drakensberg Amphitheatre hike … those really scared me!”
For him, the best part of hiking together wasn’t the views or the climbs. It was the camaraderie. “When the cameras stop rolling and the day’s hike is done, we sit together for dinner. That’s when we’re our real selves. We joke, we share stories. Honestly, there was never a real challenge for me apart from being away from home. But as soon as I’m back, I miss everything!”
The trails themselves also held surprises. “Most of the trails we hiked I hadn’t been on before. They were beautiful and challenging, both mentally and physically. I didn’t expect to fall in love with hiking this much.”
And there were moments that truly took his breath away. “Climbing the chain ladders made my heart race, but the views in the Drakensberg were spectacular. On a personal level, the view from the top of the canyon during the Klipspringer Hike in Augrabies National Park really got me.”
Even the toughest parts of filming became lessons in resilience. “The chain ladders were the hardest for me because of my fear of heights. I had to focus, step by step. Other hikes, like Elangeni Mountain or the distances on the Leopard and Cape of Good Hope trails, pushed me physically, but we got through it.”
Spending days outdoors with the team offered insights beyond the trail. “I learned that being mentally prepared is just as important as being physically prepared. No hike is as much fun as doing it with friends. The Nomades team had amazing chemistry and shared my love for hiking, it made it even more special.”
Some moments made him pause and appreciate the bigger picture. “On the Leopard Trail, sitting in basecamp by the fireplace in the icy cold, sharing stories and laughter, I realised this is a privilege. And the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking.”
And when the trail ends, the reward is simple but meaningful. “A quiet moment to breathe and reflect on what we achieved, especially after a challenging hike.”
Hiking can also get interesting … and a little competitive. “Sharing a tent in the Drakensberg during winter was something else. We didn’t sleep that night, and a few people competed in a snoring contest. Mmmm, not mentioning any names … nudge, nudge, wink, wink.”
For Luan, a true Nomade embraces life off the beaten track. “Someone who is open to adventure and surprises, willing to be uncomfortable, doesn’t complain, and enjoys the moments, not the luxury.”
Life off the trail keeps him busy and creative. “I still do hikes we don’t film, but apart from that, we’re in post-production on a movie I wrote, and I’m working on a docu-series for next year. I’d love to do more outdoor-themed shows, and I’m a videographer for AfriForum TV.”
For Luan, every trail isn’t just a path to follow … it’s a story to share, a laugh to have, and a memory to carry long after the boots come off.
Wayne Young … Framing the journey
Wayne Young has been chasing trails long before Nomades became a reality. “I started hiking back in 2008,” he recalls. “My first trail was the Fanie Botha Hiking Trail, and I loved every bit of it. Fast forward to 2021, I had this idea for a hiking show to share my experiences and the incredible views our country has to offer. Then I found out Elrich had the same idea. We combined our thoughts and Nomades was born”.
His first day on set was full of excitement and, admittedly, a little disbelief. “My first thought was, what are we doing? How are we going to film a story and hike at the same time?” he laughs. “But after the first episode, I knew we had something special. It was beautiful.”
A typical day on the Nomades trail is a mix of effort, awe, and camera work. “Elrich and I were usually the first up, bright and early to film the sunrise over the mountains. It was tough, but looking back at what we captured, it was worth every second. As the morning continued, we made breakfast, planned our route, and filmed wherever we could. Packing up, hiking, stopping for breaks, filming the scenery and even the quiet moments — it’s all part of the rhythm. Hikes have highs and lows, and that’s when a strong mind comes into play. It’s not always easy, but by the end of the day, when the last shot is in the bag, you finally get to relax.”
Wayne has his trademark moments on the trail. “I’m always the guy with sweets, eating non-stop. I’m always ready to film and thinking we need just a bit more footage. That’s definitely me on a hike.”
For him, the greatest part of the adventure isn’t just the landscapes, but the people. “The fellowship and the bond we formed as a team is incredible. Those memories and experiences are something we’ll always share.”
Some moments were unforgettable for other reasons. “On top of the Drakensberg, that night was the coldest of my life. The owners told us afterwards it was minus ten degrees. I don’t think any of us slept.” The trails also tested him mentally. “The Leopard Hiking Trail in Baviaans Kloof was the toughest. You can see the trail stretching over three mountains. I just focused on the job at hand and filming every step got me through it.”
Time outdoors also taught him about resilience and camaraderie. “I learned that when people struggle together, they form strong bonds.”
And when the day ends, Wayne knows exactly what matters. “Reaching the top or the end of a trail is about a quiet moment with God, appreciating creation, and then a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. That’s the ultimate reward.”
Off the trail, Wayne channels his energy into another passion project. He’s currently creating an animated children’s show about South African wildlife. “It’s a one-man project, teaching kids about our wildlife. I love being in the bushveld, hunting, fishing. I’m an outdoors person, but I can also spend hours gaming when I’m not exploring.”
For Wayne, being a Nomade isn’t about the right gear or perfect conditions. “A true Nomade appreciates the challenges of a hike and does it for the love of hiking, no matter what equipment they have. That’s the spirit of the show.”
To watch the full series visit afriforumtv.co.za, download the app on your phone or smart TV via the Google Play Store.
Insider tips from the team
Top trails worth the hike:
The Leopard Trail Everyone raves about it. Rugged, rewarding, and full of soul-refreshing views. Anré loved the wild proteas and little quotes along the way. Elrich calls the huts “otherworldly,” and Luan notes it’s perfect for a slack pack, relaxing experience.
Magoebaskloof Trail Misty forests, mossy trees, and magical vibes. Anré felt like she was walking through a fairytale, Elrich calls it “unforgettable,” and Wayne can’t get enough of the waterfalls and forest atmosphere.
Klipspringer Trail Stunning landscapes around every corner. Anré and Elrich both highlighted the breathtaking views and the ever-changing scenery.
Fish River Canyon Wayne and Luan agree – this one’s a challenge, but every step is worth it. Luan adds it’s one of the toughest and most famous hikes in Namibia.
Cape Point Hiking Trail Coastal beauty at its best. Wayne loved the ocean backdrop, and Luan enjoyed the trail’s diversity from fynbos to hilltops.
Trail hacks:
• Pack smart. Less is more, according to Elrich and Luan.
• Stay hydrated. A headache in the middle of nowhere is no joke. Wayne adds a water bladder frees your hands and makes hiking way easier.
• Take short rests. Even five minutes can make a huge difference. Anré swears by it.
• Capture the memories. Wayne insists on photos to relive the journey later.
• Enjoy the company. Luan’s golden rule – the hike is best with great friends.
Snacks to power your hike
• Anré – chocolate and biltong sticks.
• Elrich – soft gums.
• Wayne – droëwors and fruity liquorice.
• Luan – droëwors and caramel-coated nuts.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Images: WAYNE YOUNG.
