SOUTH AFRICA—Five singles from the Philadelphia Church of God Johannesburg congregation and Assistant Pastor for Africa George Githembe trekked a 6½–mile trail on February 22 at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria.

The area is a proclaimed game sanctuary popular for hiking, jogging, mountain biking and horseback riding—the first preserve of its kind in Africa. The hike gave the singles panoramic views of Pretoria and encounters with wildlife including sables and other antelope. The singles also saw wildebeest and a giraffe family of five.

“I loved every second,” single Trudy Van Zyl said. “I’ll remember crawling up and down on the rocks where my fellow hikers helped me, as well as the fellowshipping when we were nearly chased by giraffes!”

Halfway through the hike, the singles stopped for a picnic and enjoyed a meal and conversation in the scenic setting. At the end of the hike, exhausted singles relaxed on soft green grass and chatted a little longer.

“[It was] a wonderful way of beginning the week by enjoying God’s creation, plenty of fresh air, exercise, fellowship and food,” Mr. Githembe said.

“The singles hike was one of the best group dates yet,” member Trevor Laubscher said. “Although in a group, it provided the opportunity to have quality one-on-one interaction with one another. I hope we’ll do it again, and soon!”