There is no better way to savour the raw beauty of South Africa’s diverse landscapes than by exploring them on foot. Whether you are hiking in the Blyde River Canyon, trekking across the semi-desert expanse of the Karoo, or simply meandering through the Stellenbosch winelands on a tasting tour, your experience will be rich and rewarding.

Trekking Tours in South Africa

South Africa tours often go to Cape Town, where there are several routes ascending the iconic Table Mountain. The Skeleton Gorge Trail is a leisurely option with plenty of forest and flora to engage the senses. Near Stellenbosch, the 10 km Jonkershoek Hiking Trail is a popular scenic walk featuring mountains, waterfalls and wildflowers. Keen hikers will love the Otter Trail, an iconic multi-day Garden Route trek traversing Afromontane forest and deserted beaches, featuring spectacular coastal scenery and chances to cool off in gorgeous tidal pools.

Numerous guided walks in the Drakensberg Mountains range from gentle rambles through lush green terrain, like the Rainbow Gorge Trail in the Cathedral Peak area, to the challenging Sentinel Peak hike, where chain ladders are used for part of the ascent. Mesmerising views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and the spectacular Tugela Falls make walks in the area especially worthwhile. On Panorama Route-based tours you can venture on the Fanie Botha Trail, regarded as one of the country’s finest hikes for sheer scenic grandeur.

South Africa Escorted Walking Holidays

Wildlife tours offer some of the best walking opportunities. On guided hikes in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park you can explore the area’s different ecosystems and spot a variety of animals, including hippos, crocodiles and leopards, as well as a host of different birds. Meanwhile, ranger-led bush walks in national parks like Kruger are an exciting enhancement to any safari experience.

To see a wider range of walking holidays in Africa, head to our dedicated page, which is full of fabulous options.

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