South Africa has an almost year-round Mediterranean climate, diverse scenery that ranges from lush forests to ocean walks, and a large variety of trails all around the country, which make this a great destination for hikers world-wide. This list covers two hiking trails per category, and range from trails city dwellers can meander along, to more physically demanding trails.
- Eastern Cape – Tsitsikamma – Otter Trailrogergordon
Day Walks
Captain Harrison’s Trail – Eastern Cape
This easy to moderate circular trail can be found between Humansdorp / Plettenberg Bay, and offers a picnic / braai area, as well as lush scenery filled with ferns, streams, and a variety of trees. The rich, vibrant contrasts are well worth a photograph or two. The entrance and exit is at the Witelsbos State Forest and you will need to obtain a permit from the Wilderness Eco-Tourism Association before you are allowed to enter. The average time to complete the trail is four hours.
Donkin Heritage Trail – Sunshine Coast
Situated in East London, this circular trail is fairly easy to navigate, and you won’t need to veer off the well-established path. It is 5km in length, taking most people around two to three hours to complete. It follows the route that the 1820 Settlers took, making this a great opportunity for history lovers, and as the route is incredibly well marked you can enjoy a self-guided tour. Don’t forget to pack a camera as the buildings, particularly the library, are stunning examples of Victorian / Gothic architecture.
Moderate Hikes – 2 to 3 days
Outeniqua Hiking Trail – Western Cape
This is a great hiking trail for both intermediate hikers as well as experts out there; you can choose how long you wish to go for, a two day to three day, or even a seven day hike. You can only travel this route from west to east. With ancient Yellow wood trees towering above you as the local birds sing, it becomes a very peaceful and picturesque part of paradise. Rest huts along the way provide shelter, beds, firewood, and braai grids; however, there are no cooking utensils or pots so you’ll need to bring some with.
Berg-Waters Hiking Trail – Drakensberg
This intermediate trail stretches out over 26km in a circular route, taking an average of two days to complete. It is one of the more beautiful hikes around as it goes through fynbos regions, waterfalls, cold mountain pools, and has a series of lovely views. Bushmen paintings can also be seen along the various routes. There are overnight huts equipped with most amenities such as beds, braai areas, bathrooms, water, lights, and pots, so you’ll only need to bring sleeping bags and food. If you’re not interested in roughing it, the Drakensberg has many comfortable accommodations.
Expert Hikes – 3+ days
Otter Trail – Eastern Cape
One of the more challenging but beautiful hiking trails around is known as the Otter trail. Situated along the coastline of Tsitsikamma you’ll get some of the most diverse scenery which is filled with plenty of tough stretches, such as mountain streams, forests, rocky shores and fynbos. There are many ups and downs along the way, and flooding is a distinct possibility when the wet weather descends. This will almost certainly be worth it as the Otter trail is simply beautiful, so gather a group of friends, pack light, and head out. Huts are offered along the various routes for over-night stays.
Cederberg Wilderness – Western Cape
If getting away from civilization is your aim, then the Cederberg wilderness is for you, with over 300km of hiking trails. Here you will find a variety of trails, no contact to the outside world, and very limited stay-over huts along the offered routes. It is advisable to bring along full gear so you can camp out. The rugged mountains can quickly become covered by clouds, so ensure that you are well prepared for whatever the weather may throw at you.
Tips:
- In South Africa, as with other countries, it is not advisable to hike alone. Group trips are recommended as they can assist should something occur to one of the members.
- When hiking, it is advisable to take full gear with you, regardless if you are spending a night in a guest house, camping or only doing a day-trip. Sudden changes in temperature, sudden high-winds and cloud cover can sweep in at any point, effectively stranding you until it passes.
[box]Author Bio: Elizabeth McBain blogs for the South African online booking and accommodation website, TravelGround.com.[/box]
