City: Western Cape
Top Things to do in Western Cape
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Top 10 Hiking Trails in Western Cape, South Africa
South Africa’s most popular tourist destination offers the urban thrills of Cape Town, its adjacent wine country and an aura of the rich political history of South Africa. The Overberg's perfect whale-watching perches provide excitement of a different nature. The Garden Route's lakes and forests and the Klein Karoo's ostrich-farming towns and vineyards present another take on the Cape. For extra kicks, try bungee jumping or cage-diving among Great Whites.
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1. Attaquaskloof Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Though strenuous, this 39 km hiking trail is popular for its magnificent rare orchids, historic mountain passes and idyllic views.
2. Garden Route Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
At Garden Route Trail we offer guided hiking and birding tours in the Garden Route and Karoo. Our flagship is a 5 day slackpacking trail between Wilderness and Brenton on Sea. On request we compile hiking tours between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and in the Karoo. Our day walks can be focused as Fynbos, Afro-montane Forest, Dune Thicket and coastal walks.
Reviewed By LKPinDC
We were a party of two families including four kids ages 5-10 years old, and we slackpacked with Mark and with the support of Amanda in October 2020. Hands down, amazing trip!! Though we have lived in South Africa for ten years, Mark brought us to gorgeous and varied places we wouldn't have found on our own. The kids were so enthralled with how he brought the flora and fauna to life that they didn't notice how many hours or kilometers they were walking. After we finished the trip, it was rather disappointing to revert to "ask google!", and we all missed Mark's guiding. We appreciated the style of accommodation each evening (comfortable parks self-catering lodges in stunning settings), and we also appreciated Mark and Amanda's cooking.
3. Terblans Nature Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By mimip670 - Benoni, South Africa
We did the walk this morning with our 2 sons aged 13 and 8. We are fit but our kids are not and they successfully did the walk in over just 2 hours. The forest is just spectacular and the people we met on the walk were kind and friendly. There is only one part that is quite steep but for the rest any able bodied person in good health can do it. Will defenitely be back on a regular basis!
4. 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.
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. India Venster Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 205JamieR205 - Grand Rapids, United States
I’ll never forget this hike. It was amazing. I went with a guide, and for the first part I was feeling like I probably could have managed alone; however, as we progressed, I was incredibly glad to have her. (Full disclosure: I am also not a super experienced hiker, so her suggestions on where to climb were very helpful.) There is a fair amount of vertical climbing, using handholds, staples, and chains. I am moderately afraid of heights, so those parts were a challenge for me. It was totally worth it though. The views were incredible, and you get to see so much flora. I was also glad that I had legitimate trail shoes with some grip to them. It was definitely strenuous, and I got a really good workout along with an unforgettable experience. I would not recommend for young children or people not in good physical condition.
8. Swellendam Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
This popular hiking trail through the gorgeous Marloth Nature Reserve offers hikes of all lengths and difficulty levels.
Reviewed By RynoMyburgh - Swellendam, South Africa
The nature reserve is situated in the mountains and has stunning views from numerous hiking, running and MTB trails.
9. Helderberg Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Hiking, camping and bird watching are the top attractions in this majestic wildlife sanctuary nestled on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain. O
Reviewed By trevawalsh - Rustenburg, South Africa
I did a trail run/hike up to the top of West Peak. The bottom trails of Helderberg are well marked and utilized, however the upper trails are not as well maintained and require you to be very careful. It is well worth it for the view at the top of the mountain though! It felt safe in terms of security and the facilites at the entrance were good.
10. The Dolphin Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Imagine the beauty of the famous Otter Trail, but without heavy backpacks. Join us for 4 days of unspoilt beauty hiking the magnificent Tsitsikamma coast, with 3 nights in charming lodges, all meals inclusive, and accompanied by experienced guides. This experience is memorable and special.
Reviewed By helenhoare - Cape Town, South Africa
Such a treat to have extremely professional and informative guides - Werner and JJ - to shepherd a happy group of two South Africans and eight delightful Germans through the magical Tsitsikamma (place of sparkling waters) National Park. The two day hiking path weaves between ancient indigenous forests, fynbos and the rocky seashore, At the end of each day, we were welcomed at the friendly four star accommodation at "Misty Mountain" and "The Fernery". A supreme experience of a pristine world. Thank you from Christopher and Helen
