I don't know what to call this feat but I'll take a stab at it. I've tried to find it on Google and on Ask.com but have had no luck.

Some time back a Globe Trekker show that I saw only part of had a fascinating segment.

It consisted of a visit to an area (In South America? In Africa?) where the men of the tribe? village? carried long poles, perhaps 10 or 12 feet long to facilitate mountain/rough terrain travel. The poles looked slightly thicker than those of a pole vaulter.

On the edge of a cliff or gully they would lean over and poke the pole down to solid ground then set their hands/arms and slide down the pole to the lower level. Retrieving the pole they went on to the next. The visitor tried it too and found it takes real skill, skill he didn't have.

Does anyone know anything about this innovative mode of travel? Did anyone else see the show?