The Best Hiking Trails in South Africa

South Africa is well known by those who love the great beauty of the outdoors. Across the nine provinces, you’ll find a remarkable array of different landscapes. Each one is as beautiful and different as the next. The best part is, each one has plenty of incredible hiking trails to explore – some incredibly challenging and others far simpler for the less inclined towards adventure.

The country is also very welcoming of tourists from all over the world. You’ll find getting travel visas, booking accommodation and organizing your hike (even a multi-day hike) very easy. This is all thanks to the friendly people who inhabit this wondrous country.

The Otter Trail

It’s officially the oldest hiking trail in the entire country and still packed with extreme beauty. The route takes you along a section of coastline in the famous Garden Route National Park. It’s an organized trail and only a certain number of people can be on the paths at any one point, meaning you have to book ahead to secure your spot. In total, it takes 5 days to complete and there are rest spots and rustic accommodation along the way for sleeping over.

Your route starts at the Storms River Mouth and then climbs up along the cliffs that line the coastline. Be prepared for some steep ups and downs on all 5 days of your hike, as well as some breathtaking views.

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse

This is possibly the most epic hike in the whole country. You go higher than Everest in elevation gain and hike over 34 ridges throughout the two-week experience. It’s certainly not one for the faint hearted, and a high fitness level is a must. Those training for the hike should also consider doing so at altitude, otherwise this trail will take it out of you very early on.

This area of Kwa-Zulu Natal is very isolated and you could go the entire trip only seeing your hiking companions. Occasionally, you may come across a shepherd from Lesotho as you cross back and fore over the border with the landlocked nation. Although, it’s important to note that the route you take is entirely up to you.

The Whale Trail

The Western Cape whale watching in South Africa is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the region, much like playing Australian slots for real money has to offer is Down Under. The Whale Trail will take you along the coastline where you are pretty much guaranteed to see the majestic humpbacks playing in the waves. The best part is, the hiking trail has stringent restrictions on the number of people allowed on it so you can enjoy the views in peace and quiet.

The actual trail is fairly easy and only a moderate fitness level is required. You cover 54km in five days, but no major hills or steep descents to stress your legs. This trail is definitely more about enjoying the views and taking time to stop and watch the whales. Booking well in advance is essential as this trail will sell out quickly.

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