Destination: South Africa

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Hiker`s Choise

South Africa’s hiking trails – ranging from several hours to several days – are a superb way to experience the country’s stunning topography.



Hardcore hikers should head to the Eastern Cape, where Tsitsikamma National Park and the excellent Amathole Trail offer outstanding views and challenging terrain.

In Western Cape, the beautiful Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail is well worth exploration, as is Cederberg Wilderness Area, with its weathered sandstone formations and San rock paintings.

In the Drakensberg, try Royal Natal National Park, with its dramatic cliffs and valleys, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with beautifully coloured sandstone outcrops and plenty of animals, and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with wide vistas and sheer drop-offs. The Giant’s Cup Trail from Sani Pass to Bushman’s Nek is another highlight. In the eastern lowlands, the wilderness trails in Kruger National Park offer a fine opportunity to really get into the bush.

For something a bit tamer, try the Cape Peninsula, where the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve offers unsurpassed walking against a backdrop of wind-whipped sea and spray. Table Mountain itself is highly rewarding, and ideally explored on the three-day Table Mountain Trail over its top.

And of course there is Lesotho – a country seemingly created with hiking in mind – where you can set off into the hills and walk at will. Swaziland’s Malolotja Nature Reserve is another ideal walking destination, with a wonderful wilderness atmosphere and intriguing flora and birdlife.

Travelling to South Africa?
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