6 Best Hiking Trails in South Africa
Many South Africans love hiking. South Africa’s hiking trails are plentiful. They offer hikers everything from cool rock pools to beautiful views. What popular hike would you add on your bucket list?
Here we list 6 of South Africa’s best loved hiking trails. Some offer panoramic views, yet others give you a bit of rock scrambling. Hike in Cape Town’s Table Mountain or the Free State’s Golden Gate Nature Reserve. All have something special to offer you.
Pack well before embarking on a challenging hike. Ensure you have everything from excellent hiking boots to plenty of water. Remember to pack in Mozzie Patches for the protection against bites on your hike!
Southern Africa’s Top Hiking Trails
1. The Amphitheatre Heritage Hike
The Amphitheatre has plenty of sheer rock to navigate. This hike is ideal for hikers with a high level of fitness. The trail will take you five days. This hike will get you right to the top of the Tugela Falls.
The Tugela Falls is the second highest falls in the world, and the highest in Africa. It plunges 984 impressive metres over the granite face of the Amphitheatre. The water flows into the Royal Natal Park below. Only try this trail if you are in good health. You will also need the best hiking gear. It is challenging in many places.
Hikers can enjoy the panoramic views stretching across Lesotho. Exploring this area, you can camp or sleep at the lodges along the way. You can sleep in a cave for an authentic outdoor experience.
2. The Tankwa Camino Trail
The Tankwa Camino hiking trail is a challenging trail. The route will take you from Calvinia to Ceres in the Western Cape and is 256.6 kms. Discover this wonderful hike in the heart of the Karoo.
The vast, empty spaces on this hike make the beautiful scenery so charming. The route is flat, although there are hills that could take you by surprise. Hikers need high levels of fitness. The hike is not ideal for beginners or the unfit.
3. The Otter Trail
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you have undoubtedly heard of the Otter Trail. This is one of South Africa’s favourite and most beautiful hiking trails. You need to book well in advance, though. Hikers usually book a year in advance. This Garden Route trail has much to offer.
The Otter Trial is best known for trailing through lush indigenous coastal forest. Right along the coast. There are river crossings and magnificent views all along the 5-day trail.
Remember to pack well. Include plenty of light clothing for layering. You need to stay hydrated and use mosquito repellent to ward off mozzies. Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit for big and small emergencies. It’s a smart idea to pack rehydration powders for heat exhaustion on any hike.
4. The Golden Gate Highlands Rhebok Hiking Trail
You will find the Golden Gate Highlands Rhebok Hiking trail in the Free State. This is one of South Africa’s most sought-after hiking trails. The spectacular views are difficult to beat.
This moderately strenuous hike takes you through mountain trails on the beautiful Maluti mountains in the Drakensberg mountain range. It also takes you through deep, forested ravines. Only ever tackle this hike with a trained guide. Pack layers as the hike can get cold and misty in the lush forests and cool ravines.
5. The Leopard Trail Baviaanskloof Hiking Trail
The Leopard Trail is a circular trail in Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The hike takes four days to complete. This is one of South Africa’s most scenic hikes, with wild flowers and natural beauty all around.
Take in the amazing views on this beautiful hike while you boost your level of fitness. Hikers will enjoy the fauna and flora of the Eastern Cape on this iconic hiking trail. it is not a difficult hike, but it is essential for those wishing to see the unique plant species of the Cape.
6. The Fish River Canyon Hike
The Fish River Canyon is in the most impressive and largest canyon in Africa. You will find it in Namibia. The hike is 90 km long. You can take shortcuts to make this 4-day hike a lot shorter. With shortcuts, the hike is about 75 km. The hike begins in Hobas, and it finishes at the world-famous Ais-Ais Springs Resort.
Find Out About Mozzie Patches when Planning You Next Big Hike!
Where do I get my Mozzie Patches from for a successful hike? South Africans love the great outdoors. Hiking and outdoor activities are often high on our list of things to do and to enjoy.
Packing just right is important. Layer clothing for hot and cold weather. Ensure you have enough hydration. A well-stocked first-aid kit is often essential. Energy bars and other items to keep our energy levels stable are also important.
Ensure you fight the bite throughout the year. Mosquitoes breed in pools of water and dark places in South African mountains and indigenous forest. Mozzie Patches will fight the bite, and they are easy to wear.
