At a Glance
- South Africa offers Africa’s most diverse, well-maintained, and scenic hiking trail network.
- Trails span coastlines, deserts, forests, and mountains—ideal for both beginners and experts.
- Unique ecosystems like fynbos and wildlife encounters set South Africa hikes apart globally.
South Africa may not claim Africa’s tallest peak—that honor goes to Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro—but when it comes to sheer hiking diversity, infrastructure, and scenery, no other country on the continent comes close.
From the rugged escarpments of the Drakensberg Mountains to coastal wilderness trails flanked by fynbos and sea cliffs, South Africa delivers a world-class hiking experience that blends natural wonder with modern amenities.
The country’s remarkable geographic variety is a standout feature for adventure travelers.
Within its borders, hikers can traverse everything from lush Afromontane forests and flower-strewn plateaus to sun-scorched deserts and ocean-view ridgelines.
Whether you’re searching for a solo backpacking route or a guided trekking experience, South Africa’s hiking network is among the best maintained in the Global South—with clearly marked paths, hiker huts, and equipment rentals available in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Another unique draw is the ecological richness of the region. South Africa’s famed fynbos biome—one of the world’s six floral kingdoms—is home to thousands of endemic plant species and offers a Mediterranean-style climate that makes hiking comfortable most of the year.
Add to that the appeal of wildlife: while dangerous game is mostly restricted to reserves and national parks where guides are mandatory, hikers may still encounter zebras, antelope, dassies, and even caracal cats along the more accessible trails.
Crucially, many of these multiday treks are self-guided, allowing for flexibility in planning and a sense of personal accomplishment.
Trails typically include overnight huts equipped with beds, braai facilities, and showers—adding comfort to the adventure.
With high demand for some routes, daily hiker limits help maintain ecological integrity and a sense of solitude.
From coastal cliffs to desert ridges, these are nine of the most iconic, scenic, and well-regarded multiday hikes in South Africa:
Otter Trail (Eastern Cape)
Often dubbed the crown jewel of South African hiking, the Otter Trail traces the dramatic shoreline between Storms River Mouth and Nature’s Valley in Garden Route National Park.
Dense forests, secluded beaches, tidal crossings, and sea cliffs form a constantly changing backdrop.
Named for the elusive cape clawless otters, the trail features four well-equipped campsites and limits access to just 12 hikers per day, ensuring an intimate wilderness experience.
Mont-Aux-Sources (Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal)
This vertical ascent up the Drakensberg escarpment isn’t for the faint-hearted. The route includes chain ladders and steep climbs leading to the summit shared with Lesotho.
From here, hikers get a rare view of Tugela Falls — the world’s tallest waterfall — cascading nearly a kilometer.
Only 50 hikers per day are permitted overnight on the trail, preserving its wild, remote atmosphere.
Klipspringer trail (Northern Cape)
Set in the striking desert terrain of Augrabies Falls National Park, this three-day hike winds through arid canyons and rugged plateaus above the Orange River Gorge.
Open between April and October, the trail’s exposure to intense sun makes hydration and head protection essential.
Named after the sure-footed klipspringer antelope, this trail also showcases reptiles, birds, and dramatic rock formations.
Cape of Good Hope trail (Western Cape)
This circuit trail, located in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, offers sweeping ocean views, diverse wildlife, and some of the best-preserved fynbos vegetation on Earth.
The route links three overnight huts and culminates with a panoramic summit at Rooihoogte peak.
The trail’s biodiversity includes everything from ostriches and caracals to over 1,000 plant species.
Kgaswane Summit trail (Magaliesberg, North West Province)
A short drive from Johannesburg, this rugged route through Kgaswane Mountain Reserve explores part of the UNESCO-designated Magaliesberg Biosphere.
Offering basic mountain huts and a primitive campsite, the trail follows ancient human pathways across craggy ridges, rewarding hikers with views and a deep sense of history.
Tsitsikamma trail (garden route)
This inland jungle route winds through ferns, rivers, and highland plateaus, starting at Nature’s Valley and featuring five overnight huts.
A true multisensory experience, the Tsitsikamma Trail pairs its natural serenity with nearby thrill-seeking options like canopy zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and sea kayaking—perfect for travelers looking to combine hiking with high-octane fun.
Rim of Africa – Western Cape mountain
Spanning over 700 kilometers from the Cederberg to Outeniqua ranges, this is not a single trail but a modular expedition, broken into nine “traverses” that can be completed over several years.
Guided by experienced trekkers, Rim of Africa offers pure, rugged wilderness—think sleeping beside mountain streams, bucket baths, and zero signal. It’s the ultimate hiking pilgrimage for seasoned trekkers.
Ribbok trail (free State)
Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s standout hike, the Ribbok Trail, ascends sandstone cliffs and grassy plateaus.
Day one is a gentle climb, but day two challenges hikers with a 1,000-meter ascent to Generaalskop, the park’s tallest peak.
Along the way, you’re likely to spot blesbok, springbok, and wildebeest grazing across sweeping grasslands.
Namaqualand Coastal trail (Northern Cape)
In spring, this wild and remote Atlantic coastline explodes into color during the annual flower bloom.
The Heaviside Trail — named after the dolphins commonly seen offshore — can be expanded into a multiday journey by combining footpaths and 4×4 tracks across dunes, beaches, and eerie sea caves.
With nine campgrounds along the route, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in South African hiking.
From the snow-dusted heights of the Drakensberg to the flower-splashed dunes of Namaqualand, South Africa’s trails promise bucket-list-worthy adventure, unmatched biodiversity, and dramatic natural beauty.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wildlife, or solitude, these hiking routes offer something no treadmill or tourist trail ever could — a journey deep into the soul of Africa’s southern edge.
