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10 Hiking Trails in South Africa That You Shouldn't Miss
in the African Union (light blue)
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1. Klipkraal Hiking Trail
2. Wolhuter Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By AfricaLinx - Pretoria, South Africa
40mins drive from Berg en Dal in southern Kruger Park is the base camp for the Wolhuter Trail. The A frame huts sleeps 2 under thatch. Not spacious with thatch roof and mesh windows. A short walk to the shower with hot water and seperate flush toilet. The camp is shaded with large trees and the waterhole next to the camp will attrack some wildlife in dry season. Our visit was in the peak of an extraordinary rain season. The bush was bursting with energy and water in obscene abundance. Every stream was flowing and dams were full. Stephen, our guide took us along the streams, game viewing was a challenge but the lush bush and water made up for that. We select to swop the afternoon walk for a game drive exploring the valleys and rivers in the area. Afternoon sundowners was at the Stollsnek Dam where we shared the sunset with hippos, elephants, buffalo, fish eagle and many more. Great experience in the bush, supported by our guide Stephen that shared 20yrs of stories from ranger experience.
3. Green Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 186 reviews
The Green Mountain Trail is a four day hiking trail around the Green Mountain in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.Traversing a tapestry of fynbos and fruit farms this slackpack trail offers fine food and comfortable overnights in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. Accommodation is in four star country guesthouses. Delicious , wholesome meals are provided throughout.The trail meanders around the Groenlandberg, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Guided by THETA accredited guides you learn about the biodiversity and the history of the area. Swimming in rock pools and dams on a hot day is as refreshing for the body as it is for the soul.The Green Mountain Trail is a moderate walking trail with distances varying between 11kms and 18kms each day. The effort level, as gauged by Slackpacker S.A., is set at 3.5 with 5 being the most difficult.The trail traverses privately-owned land. All landowners are members of the Green Mountain Eco Route, the world’s first biodiversity wine route, and part of the region’s efforts to conserve the environment and promote responsible tourism. All members are Biodiversity Wine Initiative champions. This enlightened initiative unites conservation and agricultural development in a complementary, mutually beneficial manner. As part of the Green Mountain Trail’s social responsibility programme, hikers are encouraged to Walk with an Alien, a project in which a personalised walking stick is carved from alien vegetation by local communities.
Reviewed By wilderkrans
A group of friends did the Greens Mountain Trail hike in the Elgin area. We had the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, and I would highly recommend this walk. It is a very beautiful part of the Cape.The accommodation and food was superb , with the staff at each venue adding to the enjoyment with their warm welcome.
4. Chokka Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By adriennee360 - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
This was our third multi day slackpacking experience in six months and must rate as the best one thanks to Esti and Eric for their seamless logistics and varied hikes each day. The accommodation, hosting and food were all superb with our favourite being the Oyster Kaya where we spent the first night. Lindy and Bokkie are gourmet chefs and served the most delicious food of the trip. Our favourite day was the second hike of 18km through the dunefield and wow did we feel privileged to be seeing parts of this pristine coast which are not open to the public. The guiding was excellent and we enjoyed the company of both Esti and Frikkie. We loved our sunset canal cruise with David from the St Francis Bay Resort and a highlight was the chokka tasting and talk by Clive at the Chokka Block restaurant in the Port. All in all a fabulous experience which we can recommend to anyone of reasonable fitness.
5. Otter Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By belindas731 - Durban, South Africa
Amazing, challenging, adventurous, beautiful! Don’t think you can just get up off the couch and hike the Otter trail - it requires cardio fitness and strong legs and arms to carry the backpack and you up those steep ascents! However, don’t not try if you haven’t had time to train - just take lots of Deep Heat/ Arnica ice and anti-inflamm tabs because you will feel muscles you never thought you had! It’s absolutely worth the effort and worse comes to worse, you take one of the escape routes... you tried! You’ll also need a head for heights as there are a couple of rock climbs that take you up high... all the better to see dear. This was our first Otter Hike for the whole group so we found ourselves chasing low tides on day 3 (Lottering 10:50) and day 4 (Bloukrans 11:30). In the end it was the Kleinbos river (!) which gave us the biggest challenge as the flow of water from upstream was quite strong due to previous days rain. We laughed our way through the other 2 biggies. Every day of the year is going to offer up a different set of weather conditions for river crossings and hiking - be prepared and try reach the big rivers round low tide (it helps take the stress out of the event). But worse comes to worse, take the escape... hey - you’re on the Otter, it’s part of the adventure!! Practical tips: We all had different priorities when it came to luxury ‘necessities’ - some had a small pillow, some binoculars, some whiskey, some goggles & snorkels (or small swimming goggles) - take what will add to the enjoyment of your experience.... just don’t overpack! Don’t share toothpaste or Vaseline with someone sleeping in the other cabin - it’s a schlep. 2 thumbs up for water bladder, but take an empty water bottle for practical use around camp Trek pole - some of the group swore by them and a few put them away. Suggest you take one (safe) and decide on route. Some of us drank the water without purification drops (we only filled up at the huts) and were fine. If in doubt, rather use them. If you like taking photos, carry a pouch around your neck to store your phone in for easy access (but remember to cover it in plastic if it rains or water crossings) Red survival bags for river crossings are so big - we tested 2 backpacks in 1 surv bag across the Bloukrans and it worked fine. Share between 2 and save weight and space on the hike. Bloubaai (Blue Bay) turnoff is now clearly sign marked. Leave your bags on the trail, put your lunch in a small bag and carry it down to the beach. Lovely spot. It’s not a bad thing if you get to the huts early on a few days - you can chill, wash & recover in a beautiful setting. By the way, crows can open your top zipper, open your marshmallow packet and fly off with your booty. Did I mention we saw an Otter?? Day 3 Elandsbos River. JUST DO IT!!
6. Platteklip Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 235 reviews
Platteklip Gorge is a national park trail of Table Mountain. The route that takes you the most directly up to the Cableway. Learn more about the various routes of Platteklip Gorge hike which takes place on Table Mountain tours and visit our website.
Reviewed By kt577 - Brooklyn, United States
This hike is awesome, but is sold as the ‘easiest’ hike on Table Mountain, and maybe that’s true but it’s definitely not easy. Start early, sunrise or shortly after - if it’s a sunny / hot day you are in direct sun the entire hike without really any shade coverage. Bring 1 liter of water / person then fill up your bottle or buy more at the top. Eat before or bring snacks .... there’s also food at the top. This is a strenuous hike, a constant uphill and not suitable for children or the elderly. This took us about 4 hours including an hour spent at the top; and we are two people in our 30s who are very active.
7. Bushmans Trail
8. Sweni Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By MarkRieth05
I have just recently spent 2 amazing days walking the Sweni trails in the Kruger park. I was fortunate to be able to share this experience with some bush loving family. We were a group of six although the maximum the walk can accommodate is 8. We were well looked after by the 2 trail rangers David and Rhulani. They navigated us through the plains and riverbeds of the Sweni area and I always felt comfortable and secure. They shared many stories around the camp fire and dinner table and were very knowledgeable and passionate about the bush and their trail guiding.We had some amazing sightings of all the animals. I learnt so much about animal behaviour, and tracking spoor and just being surrounded by lots of game. Our accommodation was in a bush camp with small huts with warm beds and communal hot showers were good. James our resident chef made sure we were well fed with sumptuous dinners and breakfast brunch. The walks were well coordinated and can vary in distance to suit the group. This walk has been a highlight of my many bush experiences and to be able to share the animals `space` was amazing. `Kudos` to David, Rhulani and James for creating special memories!
9. Cumberland Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a Nature Lovers Paradise. Over 300 bird species, 30 + mammal species and over 300 species of wild flower call Cumberland their home. Well maintained hiking trails traverse the entire Reserve allowing one to explore all the different habitats and make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. The Reserve offers the ultimate escape into Nature through overnight stays in a variety of secluded self-catering accommodation as well as two private campsites.
Reviewed By MosieMo56
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. It is my 'Go To' place when I need Bush Away Time .... time to replenish my soul and to breathe. Over the past years I have paid many visits to this little spot of paradise often taking photos of all things nature and other times, just sitting at a perfectly kept picnic spot enjoying all nature has to offer. All picnic spots are well kept and the ablutions are spotlessly clean. Horseshoe Cottage was a perfect spot for a birthday weekend and from there we explored many tracks, trails and rocks looking for snakes, scorpions, butterflies and a host of other insects and things! The birdlife at Cumberland is amazing. Naturally the animals are a drawcard too and it is always great seeing their excellent condition. Aloe season is a delight and not to be missed! Cumberland deserves to be explored! One of my most favourite hideaways.
