South Africa’s 16 most beautiful hiking trails
South Africa is known to be a land of diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas; an expansive playground capable of satisfying even the most die-hard traveler’s wanderlust. And what better way to explore this raw, unadulterated terrain than by foot? Hmm, but where to start? Well, here are South Africa’s 16 most beautiful hiking trails; let the Instagramming begin.
16. Golden Gate Highlands Rhebok hiking trail
Location: Free State.
Description: Just a stone’s throw from Clarens is the Golden Gate Highlands, National Park. The Park’s two-day Rhebok trail will have hikers navigating their way through some of South Africa’s most spectacular mountains, rock pools, and ravines. The hike is considered moderately difficult and shouldn’t be attempted without an experienced guide. Take note that the region can become rather misty and cold, so pack accordingly.
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced.
Length: 31 km.
Cost: Provided upon request.
15. Amatola hiking trail
Location: Eastern Cape.
Description: The starting point of the Amatola hiking trail lies just outside of King William’s town and makes its way through some of the most impressive highland scenery South Africa has to offer. The trail is adorned with a sublime array of waterfalls and rock pools, offering hikers welcomed respite from the summer sun. The path finds its end in the mysterious and magical world of Hogsback, cloaked by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests and the breathtaking Amathole mountains. The hike is typically done over six days and is considered one of the more challenging trails South Africa has to offer.
Difficulty: Advanced.
Length: 100 km.
Cost: Price on request.
14. Fanie Botha hiking trail
Location: Mpumalanga.
Description: Winding its way through Sabie’s acres of lush Komatiland forest, the Fanie Botha trail exposes hikers to a variety of local bird life as well as two declared national monuments, namely, the Mac Mac and Lone Creek Falls. The whole trail takes five days to complete, but two and three-day options are also catered for.
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced.
Length: Full route approximately 75 km.
Cost: Price upon request.
13. Magoebaskloof hiking trail
Location: Limpopo.
Description: Found on the escarpment skirting the town of Tzaneen, the Magoebaskloof trail will have hikers negotiating craggy ravines and sub-tropical forest as they explore all that the real Limpopo has to offer. Eucalyptus and blue gum trees form a towering canopy enshrouding one’s path from the outside world and calming frantic city minds. Annual rainfall in the area is high, so pack a raincoat. The full trail is five nights long, but shorter two and three-day routes are also optional.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: Full route approximately 60 km.
Cost: Price on request
12. Leopard’s Kloof hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: Nestled away in the quaint coastal town of Betty’s Bay is the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens. The Leopard’s Kloof day trail is but one of many pleasant park walks that cater to the entire family. The hike ascends through thick coastal forest and is punctuated by vibrant limestone fynbos and Renosterveld all the way up to the Leopard’s Kloof waterfall.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 3 km.
Cost: Price on request
11. Dolphin hiking trail
Location: Eastern Cape.
Description: This unique trail has been made possible by the formation of a partnership between South African National Parks, and two private sector partners, namely The Fernery and Misty Mountain Reserve. The result is a hiking experience that will both challenge and pamper you. The trail covers a distance of 17km starting in the unrivaled beauty of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) – Tsitsikamma Section at Storms River Mouth, and winds its way eastwards through natural fynbos and pristine indigenous forest, over rugged rocks at the water’s edge, to end on the banks of the Sandrift River at The Fernery.
The package is fully inclusive and features the following:
- all meals, from dinner on the day of arrival, to breakfast on the day of departure
- the attendance of well-trained local guides
- a 4×4 drive through the old Storms River Pass
- the transportation of all luggage by vehicle between overnight stops so that guests need to hike only with a light pack containing a few personal items
Hikers have stunning views of the rugged Tsitsikamma coastline, and the chances of spotting whales, dolphins, and the occasional otter are good. On route, many birds including the gorgeous Knysna Loerie can be heard and spotted while hiking through the forest, and the endangered Oystercatcher is often to be seen on the shoreline. Swimming and snorkeling in the rock pools are possible at the discretion of the guides.
The luxury three-night hike allows travelers to see the Garden Route in style (and less a heavy backpack) – an alluring proposal for those more fond of slackpacking. The iconic Storms River bridge is but one of many striking landmarks boasted by the route. Other attractions include the wide variety of fauna, flora, and hopefully, dolphins, that can be seen along the trail.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 17 km.
Cost: Provided upon request
10. Hole in the Wall hiking trail
Location: Eastern Cape
Description: The Wild Coast’s unique mix of estuaries, mangrove swamps, and seaside cliffs make the Hole in the Wall hiking trail a distinctly memorable experience. In a similar fashion to the Dolphin Trail, this hike is also considered a luxury trail, so nightly accommodation is provided by local hotels. The hike is done over three days and is a must-do for coastal lovers.
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Length: 31 km.
Cost: Price on request.
9. Skeleton Gorge hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: Skeleton Gorge is arguably Table Mountain’s most scenic hiking route. While the trails’ first half is largely limited to forested ravines, the second half takes in the majority of Table Mountain’s floral zones and offers magnificent panoramic views of Cape Town. The hike takes approximately 6- 8 hours to complete.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 6.2 km.
Cost: Provide on request
8. Swellendam hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: In addition to being the third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam is also home to one of the most scenic hikes in the country. For any avid flower lover, the hike is a must. There are some 30 members of the Erica family to be found in the area including some that are only to be found in these mountains. The full hike is done over 6 days, and should only be attempted by more veteran hikers; shorter trail options are also available for the less experienced.
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced.
Length: 70 km.
Cost: Provided upon request
7. Diamond Coast hiking trail
Location: Northern Cape.
Description: Situated within what was once a restricted diamond mining area lies the aptly titled, Diamond Coast. Now jointly run by De Beers Coast of Diamonds and the Namaqua National Park, the trail offers hikers the chance to explore the path less traveled (and maybe find a precious stone or two while doing so). The hike is done over three days and traverses unspoiled sand dunes, shipwrecks, a variety of rock and mineral deposits, and not to mention a plethora of wildflower and plant species.
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate.
Length: 50 km.
Cost: Unfortunately we’ve just been informed that the Diamond Coast hiking trail has been decommissioned; perhaps a road trip with a few friends is in order?
6. Blyderivierspoort hiking trail
Location: Mpumalanga.
Description: Starting at God’s Window and wending its way through the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyderivierspoort hiking trail really allows one to truly appreciate the majesty of the Blyde River Canyon and its surrounds. The full hike is five days, with the last two days being optional. Hidden among the ferns, cycads, wild figs, mobola plums, and orchids you’ll find baboon, duiker, and klipspringer; other attractions include Bourke’s Luck potholes.
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced.
Length: 60 km.
Cost: Provided upon request
5. Olifantsbos shipwreck hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: If it’s raw beauty and rich history you’re after, then the short and sweet Olifantsbos trail will deliver on both counts. Pick up an information pamphlet and map from the Buffelsfontein Visitors Centre and take a relaxing meander through the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 5 km.
Cost: Provided upon request
4. Ukhahlamba Amphitheatre hiking trail
Location: KwaZulu-Natal / Free State.
Description: The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park can be found a mere two hours drive from Durban and is home to the largest collection of bushmen paintings south of the Sahara. Arguably the most iconic feature of the park, however, is the Amphitheatre, an awe-inspiring basalt wall rising 3000 meters above sea level. The almost perfectly symmetrical shape of the buttress also serves as a surreal backdrop for the Tugela falls, Africa’s highest waterfall (948m). The three-day slackpacking trail is designed to allow people of average fitness to enjoy the wonders of this World Heritage Site and is not to be missed.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 33 km.
Cost: Provided upon request
3. Sentinel Peak hiking trail
Location: KwaZulu-Natal / Free State.
Description: Falling on the western side of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and dubbed the “chain ladders” hike is the Sentinel Peak traverse, a trail not for the faint of heart. If scaling sheer rock face by way of a ladder is your thing, then this single-day hike is for you. If you should muster up the courage, then the view from the top will serve as a handsome reward.
Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced.
Length: 6 km.
Cost: Price on request.
2. Whale hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: Stretching from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, the Whale trail gives hikers the chance to explore the unparalleled beauty of De Hoop nature reserve and coastline. The Whale trail has been said to be the “Sun City of hiking routes” and is renowned to be one of the best whale-watching spots on the globe. The route is characterized by rolling limestone sand dunes, salty sea air, and an assortment of wild fynbos – not to mention, whales! The trail takes 5 days to complete and must be done in groups of 6, 8 or 12. The hike is often fully booked months in advance and does not come cheap, but the experience is certainly well worth the price.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 55 km.
Cost: Price upon request
1. OTTER hiking trail
Otter trail on the coast of Tsitsikamma National Park
Location: Western Cape.
Description: The Otter trail is probably one of the most famous hikes in Africa and definitely one of the most beautiful treks we’ve ever done. The scenery on the Otter trail is spectacular, every day it surprises you with breathtaking views, white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and an endless coastline. Not to mention overnight huts in the most beautiful locations.
The hike’s difficulty is moderate to challenging, and the daily distances covered are quite short, a total distance of 45km over 5 days, which gives you a lot of time to admire nature and enjoy the beauty of the area. If you’re looking for a relatively easy hiking trail in South Africa, the Otter Trail on the Garden Route is the best option.
Difficulty: Moderate – Challenging.
Length: 45 km.
Cost: Price upon request
If you’re lucky enough to be a South African, then let us know which hiking trails we’ve missed out by commenting down in the comments section below. If you’re a foreign national, then we’ll take care of the South African visa and you take care of the hiking boots.
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