South Africa has a great number and variety of hiking and walking choices. The contrasts are vast, from the mountains of the Drakensberg to coastal walks and all the national parks and reserves in between.

Hotels in South Africa

The Western Cape offers the most varied and interesting concentration of hiking trails in South Africa. You can walk interesting mountain ranges, admiring the views, fauna and flora, or through valleys with blossoming farms and vineyards, experience lush forest, waterfalls, craggy cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. KwaZulu-Natal offers the magnificent and renowned Drakensberg Mountain Range with panoramic views, stunning waterfalls and forests.

The Otter Trail along the Tsitsikamma coast is probably the most popular hike in South Africa. It is a strenuous hike, with lots of ups and downs, but the distances are not to great, and the rewards fantastic, with mountain streams, waterfalls, rugged shorelines and great views. If you want the scenery and walking with less struggles, try the Dolphin Trail. It traverses similar terrain to the Otter, joining up with it in places, but instead of staying in huts, you stay in fully catered guest houses, with spectacular views and excellent food. Your pack is transported to your next overnight spot by vehicle, and you only need to carry a day pack.

The Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape offers similar trails, but spectacularly different scenery with miles of deserted beaches, wave-lashed rocks and occasional tropical forest. Accommodation is in coastal hotels instead of huts. The usual is to carry your pack, but you can arrange to have it driven around if you plan ahead.