South Africa is a hiker’s paradise, offering a stunning variety of landscapes, from rugged mountain ranges to breathtaking coastal routes and lush forests. Whether you’re an experienced trekker looking for a challenge or a casual adventurer seeking scenic strolls, there’s a trail for you. We’ve rounded up five of the best hiking trails in the country, each offering its own unique experience.
Each of these trails showcases the rich and diverse beauty of South Africa’s wilderness, offering experiences that range from leisurely coastal strolls to demanding high-altitude treks. No matter your fitness level or sense of adventure, there’s a trail calling your name – so lace up your boots, pack your gear, and get exploring!
Otter Trail
Location: Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
Duration: 5 days, 42km
Highlights: This iconic coastal trail follows the breathtaking Garden Route coastline, with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush indigenous forests. You’ll encounter waterfalls, tidal pools, and possibly even dolphins and whales along the way. Overnight huts provide shelter, but hikers must carry their own supplies.
Best time to hike: March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and the trail isn’t too crowded.
Contact: SANParks, Tel: +27 12 428 9111, Website: www.sanparks.org
Drakensberg Grand Traverse
Location: Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal & Free State
Difficulty level: Extreme
Duration: 10+ days, 230+ km
Highlights: A trail for the truly adventurous, this route isn’t marked, requiring navigation skills and complete self-sufficiency. Hikers must scale peaks like Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle, and the legendary Mafadi (the highest peak in South Africa). The views are jaw-dropping, with towering rock formations, waterfalls, and vast open landscapes.
Best time to hike: Autumn (April to May) and Spring (September to November) offer the best conditions, avoiding extreme heat and snow.
Contact: KZN Wildlife, Tel: +27 33 845 1000, Website: www.kznwildlife.com
Amatola Trail
Location: Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Difficulty level: Challenging
Duration: 6 days, 100km
Highlights: Known as one of South Africa’s most beautiful yet toughest hikes, the Amatola Trail takes you through dense indigenous forests, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular mountain scenery. The trail is famous for its Tolkien-esque landscapes, as Hogsback is said to have inspired The Lord of the Rings.
Best time to hike: March to May and September to November, when the weather is cooler and rainfall is lower.
Contact: Amatola Trails Office, Tel: +27 43 642 2571, Website: www.amatolatrails.co.za
Whale Trail
Location: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Difficulty level: Moderate
Duration: 5 days, 55km
Highlights: A coastal gem, this slackpacking trail offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. The route follows pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and fynbos-covered hills, with views of southern right whales (in season), dolphins, and a wealth of birdlife. Accommodation is provided in comfortable huts along the way.
Best time to hike: June to November, when southern right whales migrate along the coast.
Contact: CapeNature, Tel: +27 21 483 0190, Website: www.capenature.co.za
Rim of Africa
Location: Western Cape (Cape Fold Mountains)
Difficulty Level: Extreme
Duration: 8+ weeks (sectional options available)
Highlights: The longest mountain traverse in South Africa, this trail follows the rugged Cape Fold mountain range, offering a true wilderness experience. Hikers can tackle the full journey or complete shorter sections. Expect wild landscapes, breathtaking sunrises, and total solitude in remote areas.
Best time to hike: Spring (September to November) when the flowers are in bloom and temperatures are more manageable.
Contact: Rim of Africa, Tel: +27 82 731 4696, Website: www.rimofafrica.co.za
