Hiking in South Africa

HIKING IN SOUTH AFRICA

For more info, use the clickable map, the tabs below and the dropdown list of towns (above left).
Use the scroll bar on the right to read more info on South Africa.

Southern Africa has an astonishing diversity of hiking environments and a staggering number of designated, marked hiking trails, particularly in South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia. Many of the formal trails in South Africa were originally designed to link up to form the proposed (and subsequently abandoned) National Hiking Way, which was intended to form one immensely long trail. Sadly, it didn’t materialise but the legacy is a lot of linear trails, which necessitates some car juggling. The newer trails have been designed to be circular. You can choose between trails in the mountains, the forests, along the coast or in the arid or semi-arid areas. Many farms have laid out trails, often with fabulous accommodation in characterful old buildings, caves or purpose-built huts, and some have a network of trails so you can stay in a central place and hike out every day. This option is also available in many forests, plantations and nature reserves.
Designated wilderness areas in South Africa are virtually pristine areas with no infrastructure, other than unmarked footpaths. There are no set trails in the Wilderness areas, so you need to plan and navigate your own route and be totally self-sufficient.

A relatively newish, rather wonderful, innovation is slackpacking – catered, guided hikes on which your luggage is transported to the next overnight stop. Accommodation is usually in comfortable – sometimes very comfortable – B&B’s, hotels, guest houses or cottages.

If you want to see some big game on foot, there are numerous short and overnight wilderness trails in national and provincial parks, as well as in the private game reserves.

We’ve listed only guided day walks but you’ll find self-guided day trails almost everywhere. For a day walk with a bit of a challenge, check out kloofing/canyoning.

GETTING STARTED
You don't need any special skills to hike. It is best to start off by doing a few longish day walks before attempting a multi-day hike but, if you are reasonably fit, you really shouldn't have any problems. It is a good idea to do your first hike with someone who has hiked before but if you stick to the designated hiking trails you are unlikely to get lost. The most common mistake novice hikers make is to take too much stuff. Pack everything you think you will need. And then take about half of it out.
If you have no mountain experience and no knowledgeable friends with whom to do your first hike, your best bet would be to join a hiking club in your area. Failing that, you can contact the Mountain Club of South Africa or even commercial organisations such as the Leading Edge or Cape Eco Trails in Cape Town or Alpine Ramblers in Johannesburg, which can organise escorted hikes for groups.

EQUIPMENT
Good, durable, lightweight equipment is absolutely essential. For day walks you can use almost any good walking or running shoes, but good quality hiking boots will be the most comfortable as they offer good arch and ankle support You should carry a daypack containing water, sunscreen, warm and waterproof clothes and snacks. Wear a sunhat or peak. Unless you are following an obvious trail, a map or guide book will be necessary. For multi-day hikes, good quality boots, a well-fitting backpack, a sleeping bag with appropriate thermal qualities, water bottle and a sunhat are the basic essentials. You can get away with just these if you don't mind sleeping on the ground (or you're on a hike with huts) and eating cold food. Most people, though, would consider at least some of the following to be essential: hiking mattress, groundsheet, mug, plate, knife, fork and spoon, small camping stove and pot, and a tent.