South Africa's Ultimate Hiking Adventures

While Mount Kilimanjaro is often considered the pinnacle of African hikes, South Africa holds the title as the true champion of hiking destinations on the continent.

One of South Africa’s standout features is the sheer number of trails. The global hiking platform AllTrails features over 3,700 routes in South Africa, a far cry from other African trekking hotspots: Kenya (20), Tanzania (21), Namibia (33), and Morocco (18).

The country's diverse terrain offers everything from coastal walks and mountain climbs to desert treks and the unique fynbos, a Mediterranean-style landscape with high biodiversity.

South African trails are known for being well-maintained and clearly marked, with many offering overnight hiker huts. While guides are available, most trails are designed for self-guided hikes, with gear easily available in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Don't forget the wildlife factor. While South Africa's trails are home to a range of animals, the most dangerous species, such as lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards, are mainly found in protected areas like game reserves and national parks where hiring a guide is essential for safety.

Here are nine of the best multiday hiking trails to explore in South Africa:

Otter Trail

The Otter Trail, South Africa’s oldest and most famous hiking route, has been a beloved trek since 1968. It stretches along the Eastern Cape coast from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley in the Garden Route National Park.

The trail’s terrain shifts from sandy beaches and rocky shores to lush maritime forests and colorful fynbos vegetation, including the iconic proteas. It's also home to a variety of bird species, and you might spot sea lions, dolphins, blue duiker antelopes, hyraxes, and even the Cape clawless otters that inspired the trail's name.

There are four overnight camps along the trail, each equipped with huts, toilets, showers, and barbecue areas. To keep the trail peaceful and pristine, only 12 permits are issued per day.

Distance: Approximately 45 kilometers (27 miles)

Duration: 5 days

Details: www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/

Mont-Aux-Sources

Conquer the iconic Drakensberg escarpment along a thrilling path that climbs high above Thendele Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal province.

The hike may not be long in distance, but there are sections that are almost vertical, requiring the use of chain ladders. The flat summit, sitting at around 3,200 meters (10,700 feet), marks the border between South Africa and Lesotho.

Hikers who camp for at least two nights at the summit can take in stunning views of the Amphitheatre and the Tugela Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall, which cascades down 983 meters (3,225 feet).

Despite sunny weather at the base, hikers should be prepared for rain, thick mist, and even snow on the summit, especially during the southern hemisphere winter. Only 50 hikers are permitted to camp overnight each day.

Distance: 45 kilometers (27 miles)

Duration: 2-3 days

More Info: royalnatal.info

Klipspringer Trail

Located in Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape, this lesser-known route runs along the rim of a deep gorge, offering a unique desert adventure.

The trail is open from April to October, the coolest months of the year. However, it remains hot and arid year-round, so hikers must bring ample water, sunscreen, and sun protection.

Accommodation consists of huts with bunk beds, restrooms, cooking facilities, and drinkable water. The trail allows only 12 hikers daily. While reptiles and birds are the most common sightings, the park also hosts giraffes, zebras, leopards, and various species of antelope, including the klipspringer after which the trail is named.

Distance: 39.5 km (25 miles)

Time: 3 days

More Info: sanparks.org/parks/augrabies/

Cape of Good Hope Trail

The iconic Cape of Good Hope offers both a historical and scenic backdrop for a challenging loop trail, with spectacular ocean views and diverse fynbos flora.

Beginning at the Cape of Good Hope National Park entrance, the trail weaves through mountains overlooking False Bay to Cape Point. Along the way, hikers can stay at three overnight huts equipped with bunk beds, showers, toilets, solar power, and cooking facilities. On the second day, the hike follows the Atlantic coastline across the Cape Peninsula, culminating at the peak of Rooihoogte.

The region's biodiversity is extraordinary, boasting over 1,080 plant species, 250 bird species, along with animals like ostriches, zebras, caracal cats, and eight different types of antelope.

Distance: 33.8 km (21 miles)

Time: 2 days

Info: sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/

Kgaswane Summit Trail

The Summit Trail is the top overnight hike near Johannesburg, taking you through the rugged terrain of Kgaswane Mountain Reserve in the Magaliesberg Range.

The trail can be accessed from multiple entry points, including the main park entrance near Rustenburg and the visitor center. Hikers can camp at a basic campground near the summit or stay in one of several mountain huts.

Humans and their ancestors have been roaming the Magaliesberg for over two million years, which is why Kgaswane is part of a biosphere reserve that also includes the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles)

Duration: 2 days

More Info: hikingsouthafrica.co.za/kgaswane-summit-trail/

Tsitsikamma Trail

The lush, inland mountains of Garden Route National Park provide a wild backdrop for a trail filled with ancient fern trees, refreshing rock pools, waist-high river crossings, and sweeping green highlands that echo the landscapes of Scotland.

The journey begins at the idyllic beach of Nature’s Valley, the first stop on a route that leads to five cozy overnight huts nestled within pristine indigenous forests or perched on ridges offering cool breezes and stunning views.

Hikers can enhance their adventure by adding nearby activities such as bungee jumping, treetop canopy tours, white-water rafting, tubing, or sea kayaking.

Distance: 62 kilometers (39 miles)

Time: 6 days

Info: mtotrails.com/location/garden%20route/5/tsitsikamma

Rim of Africa

More of an adventure than a set trail, the Rim of Africa is a guided expedition that winds through the mountains and valleys of the Western Cape, from the remote Cederberg range north of Cape Town to the Outeniqua mountains near George.

Guided by experienced trekkers, this route is divided into nine sections, which hikers complete one by one over several years, rather than attempting a continuous journey. Each section spans seven to 10 days and takes place during South Africa's spring (September to November).

Much of the journey traverses classic fynbos terrain, and almost every part of the hike is demanding, with steep ascents. Campers typically stay in primitive wilderness sites, using buckets or natural pools for bathing. This experience offers something unmatched anywhere else on the continent.

Distance: 760 kilometers (472 miles)

Time: 9 weeks

Info: rimofafrica.co.za

Ribbok Trail

Located in the Free State, the Ribbok Trail is the region’s most famous hike, taking you through the vibrant sandstone cliffs and rock formations of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, around a three-hour drive east of Bloemfontein.

Starting at Glen Reenen Rest Camp in the center of the park, the first day offers a gentle ascent to a mountain hut where you’ll find bunk beds, a bathroom, a barbecue area, and even the chance to cool off at the base of the Ribbokspruit waterfall.

On the second day, hikers face a challenging 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) climb up to the peak of Generaalskop (2,757 meters/9,045 feet), followed by a descent back to Glen Reenen. Keep an eye out for wildlife like wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, springbok, and other grazers that roam the park.

Distance: 28 kilometers (18 miles)

Time: 2 days

Info: sanparks.org/parks/golden_gate/

Namaqualand Coast

Situated about 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Cape Town, Namaqua National Park preserves a pristine section of the Atlantic coast, known for its rugged beaches and awe-inspiring wildflower super blooms every spring.

The park’s longest hiking route, the six-kilometer (3.1-mile) Heaviside Trail, is named after the Heaviside dolphins that can be spotted offshore. The trail meanders across coastal dunes and stretches of secluded beaches, connecting Kwass and Koringkorrel Baai campsites.

Adventurous hikers can turn their Namaqualand journey into a multi-day adventure, following both the footpath and sandy 4x4 tracks. This extended hike spans the full length of the national park's coastline, from Groenriviermond Lighthouse to the eerie caves near the Spoeg River, with nine campgrounds scattered along the route.

Distance: Approximately 51 kilometers (31 miles)

Time: 4 to 7 days

Info: sanparks.org/parks/namaqua/