South Africa is a great place to go hiking. The climate is mild all year-round, and there’s no shortage of beautiful landscapes to explore. Whether you’re looking for a long hike or just a short one, we’ve rounded up 5 great trails that should be at the top of your bucket list:
1- Platteklip Gorge- Cape Town
Platteklip Gorge is a 3.5km trail that takes hikers uphill to the top of Table Mountain via a steep, rocky path. The hike is strenuous but worth it for the views from the top, which include Cape Town as well as The Twelve Apostles mountain range. If you’re looking for an easier trail option, there are several viewing platforms along this hike where you can stop for a break and enjoy your surroundings before continuing on your journey.
2 – Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest – Cape Town
Cecilia Forest is host to a number of beautiful paths weaving in between the leafy trees and trickling streams. While there are plenty of flat and wide contour paths for a leisurely afternoon stroll, the hike to Cecilia Waterfall is a slightly more strenuous option if you want more than just a meander. The reward of the waterfall at the top is amazing and you’ll find yourself standing in awe of its beauty. The waterfall is best straight after the rain making the hike to Cecilia Waterfall the perfect way to clear the cobwebs after a few rainy days stuck in doors.
3 – Hennops Krokodilberg Route – Johannesburg
The Hennops Krokodilberg Route is a challenging trail, but the views are definitely worth it. The trail starts at the Hennops Dam, in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains. From there, you’ll hike up a steep path past waterfalls and rock formations to end up at one of three lookouts with stunning views of Johannesburg and its surroundings. If you prefer less elevation gain and more time spent on top of your feet (instead of climbing), then this could be your best option for an afternoon hike in Johannesburg.
4 – Tsitsikamma Coastal Forest Trail – Garden Route
The trail is located in the Tsitsikamma National Park, which borders the Indian Ocean on South Africa’s eastern coast. The park covers an area of about 1,500 square kilometers and is famous for its natural beauty. There are many hiking trails in the park, but this one is one of the most accessible for hikers who want to see both cliffs and wildlife. The trail can be completed in five hours, but it does get steep at times so be prepared with good walking shoes (and maybe even some snacks). This trail is also great because there are plenty of spots along the way where you can stop to enjoy views of nearby mountains.
5 – Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens – Johannesburg
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is located in Johannesburg. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 25 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day.
Hiking trails in South Africa are an excellent way to get out and explore the country’s spectacular natural beauty. We hope to see you exploring the great outdoors during your next trip to sunny South Africa. Remember to explore your world and stay connected with b4i travel.