For major fitness enthusiasts as well as those who are not (yet) in peak physical shape, South Africa boasts a number of hiking trails that offer not only excellent cardio-vascular activity… but great opportunities to explore nature’s bounty up close.
Here are some choice hiking trails in each of our glorious provinces below:
Gauteng
The Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in Heidelberg is one of Gauteng’s best kept secrets. Trails range from day hikes to 7-day trails (there are also 2 mountain bike routes).
A real favourite for day-trippers is the 6-hour Bokmakierie Nature Trail which includes fantastic viewpoints and a few Iron Age sites. The place is home to over 250 bird species, so take your favourite bird book along! Other notable day trails in Gauteng include the Geological Trail at the Water Sisulu National Botanical Gardens and the Tswaing Meteorite Crater Trail – that takes just 3 hours to complete.
The Kromdraai Conservancy is another great hiking spot for those who live in the Gauteng region. Close to the Cradle of Humankind, Kromdraai is a must for energetic day-trippers.
North West Province
The great North West is a wonderfully wild and rugged area – home to the Big Five and the Pilanesberg mountain range. Guided trails through the Pilanesberg Park are an absolute must and the Magaliesberg 2-day trail through the Rustenberg Nature Reserve is the perfect escape for city-dwellers (not even an hour from Johannesburg).
The safari lodges in the Madikwe Reserve also offer excellent guided game tracking trails. In this part of the world, the Enzelberg Trail through the Groot Marico district is an experience of note – don’t forget to stop off for a quick shot of real mampoer to keep you going!
The Free State
The Free State is an all-time favourite hiking spot for many local enthusiasts. The Brandwater 5-day trail is a highlight, this 72 km hike takes one past some incredible rock outcrops.
The Eastern Free State is another hiking hotspot and there are a number of trails to choose from. The Bokpoort Trail (near the arty town of Clarens) makes its way through really gorgeous scenery and is not too taxing for those who haven’t been to the gym in years.
If you’re in search of something completely different then why not go on the Bald Ibis hiking trail (near the town of Swinburne). This hike will take one through ancient sandstone formations in the company of the bald ibis and Cape vulture. Rock art is also abundant in the region.
KwaZulu-Natal
With mountains, beaches and midlands, KwaZulu-Natal has many wonderful hiking locations. Perhaps one of the exceptional choices in the region is the 3-day hike along the Eastern Shores of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The hike covers 38km in one of the most beautiful areas of the world (look out for hippos and crocodiles!)
The Drakensberg is a hiking capital in this part of the world – there are many trails in ‘the berg’ that include places like Giant’s Castle, Mont-aux-sources and Cathedral Peak. We are talking waterfalls, gorges, rock art, immense natural beauty and heavenly architecture.
One of the most popular hikes here is the 5-day Giant’s Cup Trail that covers over 60km of sheer scenic beauty.
Eastern Cape
The 5-day Otter Trail (through the Tsitsikamma National Park) is the Eastern Cape’s most famous hike – this takes one on a challenging journey of natural beauty. Only for the superfit!
If beach hiking is your forte, then you must take on the Wild Coast Trail in the Eastern Cape. A number of 5-day hikes are offered along the rugged Transkei coastline.
Other popular Eastern Cape hiking trails include the Strandloper trail (between East London and Kei Mouth); the Alexandria hiking trail (indigenous forests and fantastic sand dunes) and the well-known Amatola trail (through the scenic Amatola mountains).
The Northern Cape
The harsh climate of the Northern Cape produces just the kind of terrain that seasoned hikers thrive on. The desert landscapes and rocky outcrops provide a major physical challenge.
The 3-day Bokmakierie route (along the Orange River) is popular as is the 4-day Pofadder trail which traverses 76km (and takes one past the Pella Mission Station – ‘desert cathedral’ of note). For those not put off by heights the Klipspringer hiking trail will take you along the canyon below the Augrabies Falls. Definitely, not for the faint-hearted!
A 5-day guided tour of the Richtersveld National Park is also an option – remember to take that camera along (and try not to visit during the summer time when temperatures reach the mid-thirties).
Limpopo
The 4-day 50km Mabudashango hiking trail across the eastern Soutpansberg takes in a number of sacred sights of the Venda people (including the Vondo Forest and Lake Fundudzi). This is the land of myth and legend so make sure you take the time to get to know the locals.
Limpopo’s Magoebaskloof Trail covers over 60km and is known for its spectacular mountain scenery (waterfalls, streams and forests). Near Musina there is also the 2-day Baobab Peace Trail – another popular hiking route.
Western Cape
Capetonians are a healthy bunch and they love to hike in their spectacular part of the world. The Western Cape has numerous hiking trails from day long hikes to more strenuous 5-day sojourns.
The Cape Peninsula offers a number of short hikes including the Table Mountain overnight trail and the 2-day Cape of Good Hope Route. The Cederberg region has some fantastic mountain trails with great opportunities to explore the rock art of the region.
For birders, the West Coast National Park is an absolute must, and a real winner for nature lovers is the Cape’s Whale Trail. This 5-day circular hike (through De Hoop) meanders across an unspoilt coastline and if you’re hiking during whale season you’ll probably catch sight of these amazing creatures.
Links: