Rim of Africa Hike

About Rim of Africa Hike

South Africa Trekking in the Cape Fold Mountains. The Rim of Africa is more than a trail. It is a story and a journey. A traverse on foot through the wild of the Cape Mountains.

Rim of Africa is managed by its own non-profit organisation. It’s mission is to provide access to a valuable, inspirational and environmentally responsible experience of journeying through mountain wilderness. We are committed to broadening access to mountain wilderness experience by making sponsored places available on our annual multi-day hike and through our support of youth wilderness initiatives.

Beyond our projects, we are simply in love with a long, rugged line of wild peaks and valleys, stretching some 760km from the Cederberg in the north, to the Outeniqua foothills in the east, forming the south-western rim of the African continent.

This demanding multi-day hike, is a full traverse of the Cape Fold Mountains and is divided into 9 traverses, each varying between 7 and 10 days in duration.
Join us for just one Traverse, a combination of Traverses, or all Traverses linked to make one journey called a Thru-Hike. The Traverse takes place between 24 September and 23 November.

Why Is It Tough:
Some days will be very difficult or challenging as we hike through thick vegetation, over rough rocks and along old trails, in searing heat one moment and cold winds, or rain the next. It is not about distance covered, although we will hike far. It is not about any fastest known time, we take our time, but we also move at a pace that demands good fitness and enthusiasm for adventure.

What It Takes:
The Rim of Africa multi-day hike is suited for experienced and fit hikers, who are looking for a different and meaningful hiking experience. We are not offering a packaged or tame adventure. We are experienced mountain guides in love with these wild places. We are there for navigation and safety with support and knowledge. You are responsible for your own food and preparation, while we supply tents and expertise. Read the FAQs here.

Why you Should do It:
Because we only live once, and experiences count. Besides, mountains are a beautiful wild refuge where the journey of our life takes on new meaning.

Traverse 1: Cederberg 24 September – 1 October. Your adventure begins on-trail with breathtaking views of the highlights of the Cederberg from North to South. This classifies as the classic traverse of the Cederberg, from Pakhuis to Middelberg Pass.

Traverse 2: Kouebokkeveld 1 – 7 October. One of our most loved sections as we enter private land that takes us up some of the region’s most remarkable peaks. You will be forgiven for thinking you are in the Drakensberg. A tough traverse or two followed by a gentle descent to camp on the last day.

Traverse 3: Skurweberg 7 – 13 October. The Skurweberg traverse is full of unexpected dimensions. A mixture of off-trail and beautiful ridge-line tracks with occasional crossings of farmlands and cooling pine forests thrown in to the mix, following the Witzenberg South to the fruit capital of Ceres.

Traverse 4: Hex River 13 – 20 October. A unique opportunity to traverse the formidable Hex River Mountains. Vast amphitheatres of rock and rich vegetation with extensive views. A steep ascent, with incredible scenery and rich Fynbos, eventually lead us into the Klein Karoo with crystal clear rock pools.

Traverse 5: Langeberg 20 – 26 October. The ultimate ridge-line hike, from the Koo Valley to Montagu. Experience the thrill of walking in the sky, as we navigate vegetated and rocky ridges alike with extensive views, on a clear day as far as the Indian ocean.

Traverse 6: Marloth Ridge 26 October – 4 November. Our longest traverse, with an initial Camino style hike making way to exposed ridge-line scrambles, followed by Marloth’s luxurious hiking trails and a superb boulderous descent. Classic cape fold mountain formations from word go. Exceptional array of fynbos flora, some of the best in the western cape. Vista of historical villages

Traverse 7: Grootvadersbos 4 – 10 November. The fynbos splendour of Grootvadersbosch and Bosmansbosch, crystal clear pools at most camps, exceptional ridge lines and abandoned trails above remote protea covered valleys.

Traverse 8: Gouritz River 10 – 17 November. The solitude of the Eastern end of the Langeberg with its crystal-clear streams and protea covered passes. Unique mountain peaks with views of Swartberg to the North and the Indian ocean just 50km South.

Traverse 9: Outeniqua 17 – 23 November Hiking through the delightful rolling hills of the Attakwas, ascending Jurie se Berg, with a final meander up the Doringrivier valley beneath the towering Engelse berg. Camping near bubbling mountain streams and rock pools.