South Africa is a hiker's dream, featuring a variety of trails from mountains to coastlines. The popularity of hiking in the country comes from its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and the exciting adventure each trail offers. Whether you're a serious hiker or just love nature, South Africa has trails for everyone, no matter your experience or fitness level. In this article, we'll delve into some of the excellent hiking trails that South Africa has to offer.
20 Best Trails for Hiking in South Africa
1. The Rhebok Trail
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Located in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Rhebok Trail offers captivating views of sandstone formations, mountains, and ravines. Hikers can enjoy wildlife sightings and discover peaceful rock pools, creating memorable moments amid South Africa's stunning natural scenery.
Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Hazyview Distance: 13 kilometres Duration: 4-5 hours Level: Moderate
2. The Amphitheatre Heritage Hike
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The Amphitheatre Heritage Hiking trail unveils the world's second-highest waterfall, Tugela Falls, in the iconic Drakensberg Amphitheatre. Ideal for those in good health with proper equipment, the trail promises a breathtaking ascent to the Roof of the World, providing panoramic views of Lesotho.
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Winding through Mpumalanga, the trail unveils indigenous forests, waterfalls, and panoramic Elands Valley views. Notable spots include historic Pilgrim’s Rest, Mac Mac Falls, and Lone Creek Falls. Recognized among South Africa's top trails, it offers bird-rich areas, God’s Window lookout point, and basic huts for accommodation. Keep an eye out for Verreaux’s eagles, blue cranes, malachite sunbirds, and kingfishers.
Location: Mpumalanga, Sabie Distance: 52-75 kilometres Duration: 3-5 days Level: Moderate to Difficult
4. Leopard’s Kloof
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Situated in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness, Leopard’s Kloof is a family-friendly hike that combines lush greenery, and rock scrambles and ends at a charming waterfall surrounded by nature. It is just a short drive from Cape Town and nestled in Harold Porter’s Botanical Gardens. Take time to relax and enjoy the scenery, then head to The Tides Restaurant in Betty’s Bay for a delightful dinner.
Location: Harold Porter’s Botanical Gardens, Betty’s Bay Distance: 7 kilometres Duration: 5-6 hours Level: Difficult
5. The Sentinel Peak Hiking Trail
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Overlooking the Drakensberg's Amphitheatre, The Sentinel Peak Hiking Trail provides stunning views of Tugela Falls and Mont-Aux-Sources. The hike to the summit, the highest free-standing mountain in the Drakensberg, involves exciting rock scrambling and ladder climbing. Known as the 'chain ladders' hike, this single-day adventure on the western side of the Drakensberg Amphitheater offers a thrilling experience for those seeking breathtaking vistas from the top.
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The six-day 'Grand Traverse' of the Amatola Trail unfolds a challenging hike through the scenic Amatola Mountains, revealing indigenous forests, historic landmarks, waterfalls, and rock pools. Concluding in the enchanting Hogsback, explore Diana Graham's Eco-shrine. Starting near King William’s Town, this trail is ideal for hikers seeking an adventure in South Africa's impressive highlands.
Location: Amatola Mountains, King William’s Town Distance: 100 kilometres Duration: 6 days Level: Difficult
7. Skeleton Gorge
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Hiking up Table Mountain, Skeleton Gorge is a scenic route offering lush forests, lovely waterfalls, and captivating Cape Town views. This approximately six to eight-hour hike showcases the beauty of forested ravines in the first half and panoramic city views in the second half. Ideal for nature lovers seeking a memorable adventure in the heart of Cape Town's natural wonders.
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Nestled in Johannesburg, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve invites you to explore diverse wildlife, including zebras, buffalo, and occasional rhinos. With its scenic trails, this reserve offers a straightforward and factual outdoor experience, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers in the city.
Location: Johannesburg Distance: 39.5 kilometres Duration: 3 days Level: Easy to Moderate
9. De Hoop Whale Trail
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The De Hoop Whale Trail along the Southern Cape offers a captivating five-day hiking experience. Providing stunning coastal views and excellent whale-watching opportunities from June to December, the trail spans from Potberg to Koppie Alleen. Known as the 'Sun City of hiking routes,' it attracts nature lovers with its picturesque limestone dunes and diverse fynbos.
Location: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Southern Cape coastline Distance: 54 kilometres Duration: 5 days Level: Moderate
10. The Otter Trail
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The Otter Trail is a captivating coastal hike along South Africa's Garden Route, covering 42 kilometres over five days in the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park. Known for its challenging terrain, river crossings, and stunning ocean views, this trail is a must-try for adventure enthusiasts along the Southern Cape coastline.
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park Distance: 42 kilometres Duration: 5 days Level: Moderate to Difficult
11. The Outeniqua Trail
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The Outeniqua Trail spans 108 kilometres on the Garden Route, offering a week-long hiking adventure through varied landscapes, including forests, mountains, and rivers. The trail features overnight huts, providing convenience for hikers seeking an immersive experience in nature.
Location: Outeniqua Mountains, George Distance: 108 kilometres Duration: 7 days Level: Moderate
12. The Cederberg Cracks
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The Cederberg Cracks trail in the Cederberg Mountains is known for its unique rock formations and stunning scenery. This moderately challenging trail lets hikers explore impressive cracks and crevices, offering a thrilling adventure in the natural beauty of the region.
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Mont-Aux-Sources, in the Drakensberg Mountains, is known for its challenging trail featuring a chain ladder climb to the source of three major rivers in South Africa. The summit, shared by South Africa and Lesotho, offers breathtaking views of the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls. The trail accommodates a limited number of hikers per day, ensuring an exclusive experience.
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The Cape of Good Hope Trail in Table Mountain National Park offers stunning coastal views with a moderate level of difficulty. Hikers can enjoy diverse landscapes, from fynbos-covered slopes to rocky cliffs, providing panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Point.
Location: Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town Distance: 33 kilometres Duration: 2 days Level: Moderate
15. Kgaswane Summit Trail
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The Kgaswane Summit Trail in the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is a moderately challenging hike leading to Magaliesberg's summit. It offers beautiful views and a diverse natural environment, making it perfect for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
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The Tsitsikamma Trail, a 42-kilometre route in Tsitsikamma National Park along South Africa's Garden Route, features diverse landscapes, including lush forests and rocky coastlines with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It's a great alternative to the Otter Trail, offering options for slackpacking and shorter hikes. Ideal for summer, the trail has sheltered paths, swimming spots at each hut, and a more manageable multi-day trek with a few challenging climbs.
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park Distance: 60 kilometres Duration: 6 days Level: Moderate
17. Rim of Africa
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Rim of Africa is one of the world's longest continuous hiking trails, taking you through the Cape mountains on nine guided traverses. Each traverse lasts seven to 10 days in the South African spring, offering a unique and challenging trek from the Cederberg range to the Outeniqua range. Experienced hikers lead the way, providing a multi-year adventure with primitive camping and steep slopes.
Location: Cape mountains, Western Cape Distance: Over 700 kilometres Duration: 60 days Level: Difficult
18. Namaqualand Coast
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The Namaqualand Coast trail in Namaqua National Park, about 500 kilometres north of Cape Town, is renowned for its wildflowers. The six-kilometre Heaviside Trail follows coastal dunes and remote beaches between Kwass and Koringkorrel Baai campsites, offering a unique and picturesque hiking experience.
Location: Namaqua National Park, Cape Town Distance: 51 kilometres Duration: 4-7 days Level: Easy to Moderate
19. Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail
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The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail in Limpopo takes you through lush forests, waterfalls, and native vegetation. Close to Tzaneen, the trail offers various options, including a five-night trek or shorter two- and three-day routes. Surrounded by tall eucalyptus and blue gum trees, it provides a tranquil retreat from city life. Don't forget your raincoat as the area experiences high annual rainfall.
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Lion's Head Summit Trail in Cape Town is a favourite short hike, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Despite its smaller size compared to Table Mountain, this conical peak provides a rewarding climb with some steep parts, ladders, and chains (you can skip the chains with an alternative route). The summit treats hikers to stunning views of the city bowl and the vast Atlantic Ocean, making sunrise and sunset especially magical.
South Africa's hiking trails offer a diverse range of experiences, from coastal wonders to mountainous adventures. These 20 trails are just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of hiking opportunities that South Africa provides. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, exploring these trails not only connects you with nature but also contributes to the preservation of South Africa's stunning landscapes. Embark on an unforgettable journey, and let the trails of South Africa leave an indelible mark on your hiking adventures.
