The magnificent and varied terrain of South Africa boasts some of the most popular hiking trails ion the continent. and the Eastern Capeprovince is fast ranking as one of the premier outdoor-adventure destinations in the country. Options range from strenuous trekking routes that take a few days to scenic walks meandering across streams, past waterfalls and wildlife, and along rugged coastal dunes. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore South Africa, with trails that lead you into the freedom of solitude.
Woody Cape
A two-day circular hiking trail is located in the Woody Cape area of the Addo Elephant National Park and offers outstanding birdlife, animals, and natural scenery. From coastal dune forests to sweeping seascapes and the largest dune-veld in the southern hemisphere, the vistas to enjoy are seemingly endless. Begin in a magical yellowwood forest before reaching the shore where shipwrecks and dolphins wait to be discovered. Dip your toes in the ocean and inhale the fragrant scent of the indigenous fynbos (native heathland vegetation) as you connect with nature on this fabulous route. Be sure to include a hiking trail in your African Safari vacation.
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 have hikers navigating their way through some of South Africa’s most spectacular mountains, rock pools and ravines. The hike is moderately difficult; only attempt it with an experienced guide. Take note that the region can become rather misty and cold, so pack accordingly.
Difficulty: Moderate to advanced.
Length: 31km.
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: 3km.
Cost: R50 deposit.
Dolphin hiking trail
Location: Eastern Cape.
Description: If you’ve always wanted to hike the Tsitsikamma but felt the Otter Trail was too daunting, then the Dolphin trail might be for you. The luxury three-night hike allows travellers to see the Garden Route in style (and minus a heavy backpack) – an alluring proposal for those more fond of slackpacking. The iconic Storms River bridge is but one of many striking landmarks on the route. Other attractions include the wide variety of fauna, flora, and, hopefully, dolphins, which can be seen along the trail.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 17km.
Hole in the Wall hiking trail
Location: Eastern Cape
Description: The Wild Coast’s unique mix of estuaries, mangrove swamps and seaside cliffs makes 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 to moderate
Length: 31km.
Skeleton Gorge hiking trail
Location: Western Cape.
Description: Skeleton Gorge is arguably Table Mountain’s most scenic hiking route. While first half of the trail 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 six to eight hours to complete.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Length: 6.2km.
Sentinel Peak hiking trail
Location:KwaZulu-Natal / Free State.
Description: Falling on the western side of the Drakensberg Amphitheater and dubbed the ‘chain ladders’ hike is the Sentinel Peak traverse, a trail not for the faint of heart. If scaling sheer rock face using a ladder is your thing, then this single day hike is for you. If you can muster up the courage, then the view from the top will serve as a handsome reward.
Difficulty: Moderate to advanced.
Length: 6km.
Blyderivierspoort hiking trail
Location:Mpumalanga.
Description: Starting at God’s Window and winding its way through the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyderivierspoort hiking trail 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 (pictured below).
Difficulty: Moderate to advanced.
Length: 60km.
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 characterised by rolling limestone sand dunes, salty sea air, and an assortment of wild fynbos – not to mention whales, of course. The trail takes five 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 worth the price.
Difficulty: Easy.
Length: 55km.
