Hiking Trails in South Africa

South Africa boasts absolutely exquisite and picturesque terrains. Whilst modern advancements allow for such scenery to be viewed from the comfort of a 4x4, most prefer to explore this rugged beauty, on foot. Hiking in South Africa around the phenomenal mountain ranges is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The Western Cape offers the most varied and interesting concentration of hiking trails in the world. Admire mystical mountain ranges including the renowned Table Mountain and the Cederberg whilst discovering the indigenous fauna and flora, blossoming wine farms and vineyards, lush forests, waterfalls, craggy cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches.

Did you know? Undoubtedly the best known and most popular of the South African hiking trails, the Otter Trail ranks alongside the best trails in the world.

KwaZulu Natal offers the magnificent and renowned Drakensberg Mountain Range. Besides the panoramic views there are also stunning waterfalls, indigenous forests and magnificent escarpments to boot.

The Tsitsikamma coast offers the most popular hiking trails through lush forests, sandy beaches and magnificent mountains that all breathtaking views. The Otter Trail is probably the most popular hike in South Africa. Lush forests, rugged shorelines, mountain streams and waterfalls and fragrant fynbos make this an exceptional South African hiking experience. It is quite strenuous and not for the terribly unfit. Any of the accommodation in Tsitsikamma can put you in touch with the right people to arrange this hike.

For a scenic trail but with fewer struggles and more strolling, try the Dolphin Trail. The Dolphin Trail passes through similar terrains to the Otter and joins up with it in places. Instead of staying in huts, you will stay in fully catered guest houses in Tsitsikamma with awesome views and great food. Your pack is transported to your next overnight spot by vehicle and you carry only a day pack with lunch, water, camera and swimsuit.

The Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape offers spectacularly different scenery including miles of deserted beaches, wave-lashed rocks and tropical forests - all making for an invigorating South African hiking experience. There are miles and miles of unspoiled hiking trail passing through high mountains, deserts and forests.

There are hiking clubs in each city of South Africa all offering great company and fantastic hiking trails. Most accommodation in South Africa offer awesome hiking trails through incredible terrains. So why not take a weekend to breathe in the fresh mountain air, whilst admiring the scenery during a South African hike. Hiking in South Africa promises to be an awesome experience.

Recommended in Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Hike the Otter Trail

Stay? Nature's Valley Accommodation
The Otter Trail follows the magnificent Garden Route coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park. The trail is 42,5 ...

Hiking Trails / Sight Seeing / Sports & Leisure

Sentinel Peak trail

Stay? Mont-aux-Sources Accommodation
Start: Sentinel car park (almost 3 000 metres above sea level) Finish: Sentinel car park Duration: a whole day Fitness: fit (the hike may be shortened, but it is ...

Walks & Hiking / Sports & Leisure / Hiking Trails

Drakensberg Grand Traverse

Stay? Sani Pass Accommodation
Start: the Sentinel Finish: Bushman's Nek Duration: 200 km; anything from 12 to 15 days (average is 14) Fitness: above average fitness; it's tough, possibly the ...

Hiking Trails / Walks & Hiking

Oude Skip Hike

Stay? Hout Bay Accommodation
Start: Eustegia Way, Hout Bay Finish: Eustegia Way, Hout Bay Duration: as long as you want it to be Fitness: moderate to easy Our tip: this is part of the ...

Hiking Trails / Whale Watching

The Whale Trail

Stay? De Hoop Accommodation
Start: Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve Finish: Koppie Alleen, De Hoop Nature Reserve Duration: 54 km, 5 days Fitness: moderate to difficult (this is a ...

Hiking Trails / Walks & Hiking

India Venster hike up Table Mountain

Stay? Cape Town Accommodation
Start: at the cable car behind the tour buses, Cape Town Finish: at the top, if you're going to take the cable car back down Duration: three to four ...

Where would you like to stay in South Africa?

Where to enjoy Hiking Trails

South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.