Curious, purpose-driven and authentic…these are just a few words that can be used to define Lesego Mapeka. 

The transformative hiker, breathwork practitioner and founder of Epic Hikes is intentionally walking the journey of his life in a conscious, weird and wonderful way. 

Through his business, Epic Hikes, he offers intentional, conscious and transformative hiking experiences. Taking one step after another, participants of the contemplative walks are able to reflect while connecting to self and nature. 

Raised in Soweto and growing up in a nuclear family, Mapeka’s upbringing has played a vital part in shaping the individual he is today. 

“I grew up in a very loving family. I have very conscious and intentional parents,” he shared. 

Just before he attended high school, his family moved to Witpoortjie. This is where his love for nature, exploration and the great outdoors grew.

“I think that’s where my consciousness was heightened. Being in the West Rand exposed me to so much more. It exposed me to mountains and different types of lifestyles. 

When we moved here, people were cycling, running and hiking. It’s just a different kind of lifestyle. There was a lot of exposure and the curious being in me explored that to the fullest,” he reminisced. 

Hiking…a journey that saved his life

The gift of life is meant to be fulfilling despite its different seasons. For Mapeka, the idea of chasing life instead of simply enjoying it was beginning to drain him. Holding a BSc in Computer Science, he decided to leave the corporate world to seek a deeper and more meaningful connection with self and life as a whole. 

“I know it sounds cliché but hiking really saved my life. I had gotten so depressed of living out the same day every day, just climbing the corporate ladder and chasing ‘the bag’. I felt like there was no purpose to that. I acknowledge that I was in a privileged position but I was not happy. I almost went on anxiety pills and anti-depressants.”

It is safe to say that this is when his hiking journey properly started. He went on plenty of walks in the great outdoors, enjoying the process of getting lost in his thoughts. His hiking page on social media started to grow and his transformative mindfulness business, Epic Hikes, has grown in leaps and bounds since then. Today, participants are able to enjoy the healing power of nature while also connecting to self through contemplative and reflective conversations. 

Undoubtedly, Mapeka has done commendable and impactful work in the wellness space. He has also worked with various reputable brands. Some of his work has been directed at helping males of different ages become more conscious and intentional.  

“I realised that the people who are doing these mindful activities and contemplative walks are 90% female. Where are the men and what’s happening with them? Why are women the only ones taking the time out to have appointments with themselves? Is it because of a lack of opportunities for the guys or is it a lack of interest? The more I do these walks, the more I figure out that it’s a bit of both.”

As a young black man living in South Africa, Mapeka believes the importance of men’s health and wellness cannot be over-emphasised. This is because having more men who are more conscious and intentional will lead to a better society. 

“There’s a ticking time-bomb of males who are not taking care of themselves and who are not taking the time out to face themselves. This means that the space between their ears is not a safe space…that is not a good thing. It’s not gonna be a good society.”

Energy & Empowerment 

When he is not on a contemplative walk or leading individuals on the journey of connecting to self, he can be found appreciating the arts. 

“Recently, I’ve been going to a lot of theatre. I love theatre. I also love gallery spaces.”

As someone who is very energy-driven, Mapeka also added that he is very intentional about the spaces he places himself in. 

Going forward, Mapeka seeks to empower more individuals. He also looks forward to further growing Epic Hikes into an intentional company that does walk therapy and curates bespoke wellness experiences in nature.  

“The truth I’m standing in is that being in nature, being quiet and being away from your phone is the new currency. Peace is going to become so expensive that people will be willing to pay to just be away from their phones.”