South Africa is stuffed to the straps with incredible walks and hikes. These are our selection of the 23 best hikes in South Africa, from day hikes and slackpacking to backpacking and wild camping.
23 Best Hikes In South Africa
Western Cape
1. Rockhopper Trail
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 8km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Location: Bainskloof Pass, Western Cape
- Cost: R50 per adult for a permit through Cape Nature
- Make A Booking: Here
- All Trails Route: Here
Hop from rock to rock and wade through a clear mountain river on this trail with no formal path. The route traces a riverbed through Limietberg Nature Reserve from Eerste Tol to Tweede Tol, so you’ll need a car at both ends. Along the way, there’s a hidden gem: the mysterious Hole in the Roof waterfall – a surreal chute of water pouring through solid rock. It’s hard to find, but tracking it down is half the fun.
2. Green Mountain Trail
- Type: Slackpacking
- Distance: 55km
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Elgin, Western Cape
- Cost: R17 350 pps and R22 500 for single occupancy (until 31 July 2025). From 1 August 2025 it’s R19 250 pps and R24 750 for single occupancy. A 7% discount is offered on bookings for groups of 6 or more and A 10% discount is offered on bookings that fill all five rooms.
- Make A Booking: Here
A luxury trail that takes in the ever-shifting beauty of the Groenlandberg (or ‘green mountain’) region – from fynbos to vineyards and farmsteads. Run midweek on working farms, you’ll walk in comfort each day with just a light pack, sleep in charming country lodges and end the week with a celebratory and well-deserved wine tasting lunch. The vibe is relaxed but deeply rewarding.
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3. Wolfberg Arch
- Type: Wild Camping
- Distance: 16km
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Location: Cederberg Wilderness Area, Western Cape
- Cost: R255 per person, a R70 conservation fee (waived if you have a Wild Card) and R100 for a hiking permit paid at the Sandriff reception
- Make A Booking: Here (only 50 permits issued for overnight hiking per day)
- All Trails Route: Here
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. This tough but unforgettable hike starts with a steep climb (trekking poles recommended), then takes you through dramatic rock cracks – the narrow cracks on the right or wide cracks on the left. If you’re not prepared to hoist and drag your overnight backpack using rope through tiny spaces or you’re claustrophobic, opt for the wide cracks. Once through, you’ll be led across a flat Mars-like plateau to the iconic Wolfberg Arch. No water sources mean you’ll need to carry it all, but the overnight camping beneath the arch makes every step worth it.
Eastern Cape
4. Hole In The Wall
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 18km
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape
- All Trails Route: Here
This coastal hike blends rolling hills, rural villages and ocean views with a final payoff: the striking sandstone arch. Known as Hole in the Wall (or to locals as esiKhaleni, the “place of sound”), waves thunder through the formation into a sheltered lagoon. Along the way you’ll cross rivers, spot dolphins and tackle some vague or slippery paths – so a local guide is a good idea. At the end, arrange a shuttle or turn it into a return loop.
5. Samara Cheetah Trail
- Type: Slackpacking
- Distance: 30km
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Samara Karoo Reserve, Eastern Cape
- Cost: R14 995 pp (valid until 15 December 2025).
- Make A Booking: Here
Disconnect from the Wi-Fi and your phone and walk in the paw prints of wild cheetahs. You’ll cover 10–15 km daily with just a daypack, guided by expert trackers through open plains. Nights are spent in a luxury tented camp – and if conditions allow, one evening is spent sleeping under the stars at a mobile fly camp. A trip highlight? Cheetah tracking on foot in Samara; widely regarded as one of the best places on the continent to view wild cheetahs.
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6. The Otter Trail
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 42km
- Duration: 5 days
- Difficulty: Hard
- Location: Garden Route, Eastern Cape
- Cost: R1 823 + R18.23 community levy and R312 conservation fee (waived if you have a WildCard)
- Make A Booking: Here
- All Trails Route: Here
South Africa’s most iconic multi-day hike follows the coastline of the Tsitsikamma forest – think rocky shorelines, forested gullies, golden beaches and roaring surf. Each night you sleep in basic huts (with bunks and mattresses) tucked into breathtaking spots.
You’ll need to bring and carry everything you need for the five days and ensure this Otter Trail Medical Questionnaire Examination Certificate is completed, signed and stamped by a registered medical doctor prior to arrival and hand it in on arrival at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp Reception.
This is without a doubt, one of the best hikes in South Africa so plan early if you want to be swept away by one of SA’s most soul‑stirring adventures. Permits are mandatory and limited to 12 hikers per day so advanced booking is required (often a year out).
KwaZulu-Natal
7. Sentinel Peak Hike
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 5-7 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Location: Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
- All Trails Route: Here
The Sentinel Peak Hike (popularly known as the chain ladders hike) climbs 765m over 12km to the edge of the Amphitheatre and the top of Tugela Falls – the world’s second-highest waterfall. You’ll scale two sections of vertigo-inducing chain ladders, traverse high-altitude plateaus and be rewarded with panoramic views over Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. Ideally go with a 4×4 or arrange a shuttle (book here) for the rough access road – it’s best tackled in clear weather, with an early start and a head for heights.
8. mNweni Circuit
- Type: Wild Camping
- Distance: 38km
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Hard
- Location: Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Make A Booking: Here
A wild, untamed landscape of soaring basalt cliffs, deep river valleys and high mountain passes where you’ll likely go days without seeing another soul. Over 3-4 days, you’ll tackle steep ascents like Mnweni or Rockeries Pass, camp wild on the escarpment near 3 000m and descend with sweeping views across Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. You’ll need to purchase a permit at the mNweni Cultural and Hiking Centre. And hikers recommend booking one night here when you finish your hike as well as getting a guide because of how remote it is.
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Mpumalanga
9. Tufa-Guinea Fowl-Leopard Trail
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 7km
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Blyde River Canyon Trail, Mpumalanga
- All Trails Route: Here
This moderate yet thrilling day hike delivers jaw‑dropping views of the Three Rondavels, the canyon’s rim and the dam, coupled with forested descents to three icy swimming holes including the enchanting Tufa Falls. You’ll stop at Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort to pay your hiking fee and sign in. With well‑marked yellow (leopard trail) and blue (guinea fowl trail) way‑markers, refreshing dips in pristine pools and ever-changing canyon vistas, this varied trail packs unforgettable South African wilderness, adventure and serenity into a half‑day escape that’ll leave you longing to linger.
10. Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 20km
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Rooikrans Camp, Mpumalanga
- Cost: R355
- Make A Booking: Here
The Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail is a scenic 20 km, 2‑day backpacking route based at Rooikrans Camp in Mpumalanga – a trail that winds through sandstone gorges, forested valleys, rock art sites and hidden waterfalls. You’ll overnight in rustic stone huts with flush toilets, hot showers via donkey boilers and braai areas – carrying your own gear but enjoying fresh spring water along the way. It costs around R300 per person per night (plus a small admin fee of R55) and you must book through Eco‑Trails or Fagala Voet – making it an ideal weekend adventure close to Gauteng that blends natural beauty, cultural history and just the right amount of challenge.
11. Olifants Trail
- Type: Guided Wild Camping
- Distance: 42km
- Duration: 4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Olifants Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
- Cost: R4 018 + R40.18 (community levy) + R384 conservation fees (waived if you have a Wild Card)
- Make A Booking: Here
No huts, no frills, just raw African bush and an intimate encounter with wildlife on foot. Guided by two armed field rangers, groups of up to eight hikers carry all their own gear and camp in wild, undisclosed spots each night under the stars – expect hippos groaning by the river, fish eagles calling at dawn and bone‑deep solitude.The trail requires a medical certificate, gear check in advance and a take‑all‑your‑rubbish‑out ethic – it’s a transformational trek for those fit enough to carry their sense of adventure into the heart of Kruger.
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Northern Cape
12. Skilpad Walking Trail
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 5km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Location: Namaqua National Park, Northern Cape
- Cost: R58 for South Africans + 1% community levy
- Make A Booking: Here
In spring, millions of daisies, vygies and succulents burst into a fiery carpet of colour across rolling hills and quartz-strewn plains. The path is well-marked with tortoise emblems, offers panoramic views of Kamiesberg peaks like Osseberg and the ‘Roof of Namaqualand’ and is a hotspot for spotting gemsbok, springbok, klipspringer and endemic birds. You need to book ahead, sign in at the Skilpad office for a map, bring water and sun protection. It’s a compact yet unforgettable immersion into SA’s legendary flower season. This is one of the best hikes in South Africa you can do as a beginner hiker.
13. Kalahari Red Dune Hiking Traverse
- Type: Slackpacking
- Distance: 56km
- Duration: 5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Askham, Kalahari, Northern Cape
- Cost: R14 900 pps, R20 900 pp for single occupancy
- Make A Booking: Here
This multi‑day trek takes you across blazing orange dunes, shimmering salt pans, mysterious black rock formations of the Lost City and sparse acacia plains – a rare chance to walk through one of the world’s most untouched desert landscapes. Over 5 days, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges (complete with hot showers and real beds), enjoy game drives and see meerkats and camels. You’ll need to book in advance, be fit for sandy terrain and carry water and sun protection – promising an unforgettable desert odyssey under endless skies and fiery sunsets.
14. Oorlogskloof Rock Pigeon Route
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 52km
- Duration: 5 days
- Difficulty: Hard
- Location: Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Northern Cape
- Make A Booking: 027 218 1159
Expect steep canyon climbs, natural rock tunnels, chimneys and ten stunning sandstone arches (with a healthy dose of scrambling) on this adventure so bring your a-game if you’re afraid of heights. You’ll overnight in basic huts (with bunks with mattresses) that can sleep 16 people at Brakwater (night one), Kameel se Gat (night two) Doltuin (night three) and Pramkoppie (night four). You’ll carry all your food and gas stove (no fires allowed) and refill water from rivers or springs. This is pure, wild South Africa at its most exhilarating and beautiful.
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Gauteng
15. Krokodilberg Trail
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Hennops Hiking Trail, Gauteng
- Cost: R100pp paid in cash (gives you access to Hennops Picnic Spot where swimming pools and braai facilities)
- All Trails Route: Here
The perfect adrenaline‑spiked adventure just outside Pretoria and Joburg, this loop climbs 400m through river crossings via suspension bridges and a historic cable car. Plus, you’ll climb an exciting tyre ladder to reach the Hospital Cave which rewards you with sweeping Magaliesberg views and intriguing dolomite mine ruins. With no water points or shade hikers should pack strong shoes, water, snacks and sun protection.
16. Rustig Overnight Hiking Trail
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 15-18km
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Magalies, Gauteng
- Cost: R380pp on weekends (R228 midweek) plus optional extras like bedding (R120pp), equipment delivery (R300/group) and wood (R50/bag).
- Make A Booking: Here
- Route: Here
This is a great overnight hike that combines wilderness with the comforts of a sheltered hut, just a stone’s throw from Johannesburg. You stay overnight in a two-bedroom hut that sleeps eight hikers per night and offers running water, electricity, eight beds with mattresses, an inside and outside braai area, cutlery and crockery, a stove and camping chairs. The trail climbs steep ridges and reveals dramatic granite cliffs, caves and far-reaching panoramic landscapes (you may even come across indigenous succulents like endangered Peglerae aloe).
Free State
17. Vredefort Koepel Hiking Trails
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 2-18km
- Duration: 1-8 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-Difficult
- Location: Vredefort Dome, Free State
Want the chance to get up close and personal with a meteorite crater and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Vredefort Koepel Day Trails explore the rim of Earth’s oldest and largest visible meteorite impact site – a 2‑billion‑year‑old geological wonder near Parys where shatter cones, ironstone ridges and vast crater views await. Choose from a range of trails like the Derdeberg Summit (2 km), Knoll Route (3 km), The Short Valley Route (4km), The Witrant Summit Route (4km), The Long Valley Route (4.5km), The Two Ridges Route (6km), The Tshwane Route (11km), The Mooihoek Route (12km) and The Baskop Circle Route 18km) – some of which require permission and keys.
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18. The Clarens Camino
- Type: Slackpacking
- Distance: 81km
- Duration: 7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Clarens, Free State
- Cost: R6 750pp for 2025, R8 950pp for 2026 + R55 admin fee
- Make A Booking: Here
This transformative pilgrimage through the foothills of the Maluti Mountains blends gentle daily hikes (13–17 km), mountain panoramas, wild waterfalls and ancient sandstone caves with powerful moments of reflection, creative journaling and group sharing (group sizes of 7-12 people).
You’ll walk ancient paths from Clarens through valleys, along the Caledon River and up to mountain summits where you might discover 190‑million‑year‑old dinosaur footprints, Khoi‑San rock art or Queen Victoria Rock formation before resting each night in cosy country lodges. The all‑inclusive trek (meals, accommodation, guiding, journals, coffee/tea) is designed to offer deep restoration, wild beauty and soulful connection in a magical mountain region.
19. Ribbok/Rhebok Hiking Trail
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 28km
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
- Cost: R262 + R70 daily conservation fee + 1% community fund levy
- Make A Booking: goldengate@sanparks.org or +27 58 255 1000
- Route: Here
Experience surreal sandstone cliffs, hidden swimming pools and sweeping views into Lesotho’s borderlands on day one which begins with a steep, swifty and sweaty ascent up Brandwag Buttress. You spend the night at Ribbok Hut (basic bunk hut with an ablution block, kitchen, fire‑wood and braai area) before tackling a challenging second day with waterfall climbs, narrow ridges like “Knee Brake” and panoramic ridge-top vistas. Advance booking with SANParks is essential (groups capped at 18) and you’re expected to be self-reliant with water, food, warm layers and sturdy boots – a raw, unforgettable high‑veld odyssey through a scenic mountain sanctuary.
Limpopo
20. Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail
- Type: Backpacking
- Distance: 20-60km
- Duration: 2-5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Location: Tzaneen, Limpopo
- Make A Booking: 013 754 2724 or ecotour@safcol.co.za
- Route Recommendation: Here
Trek through Limpopo’s ancient cloud forests – a lush wilderness of cascading waterfalls, mossy streams and towering cycads that feels a world away. You can choose routes from 2 to 5 nights (20–60 km), staying in simple huts with cold showers and braai areas – each day’s hike delivers river crossing excitement, hidden rock pools, the monumental Debengeni Falls plus that surreal moment under a waterfall shower. Trails are self‑guided so be fit, pack rain gear, food and water and get ready for an immersive mountain‑forest odyssey that pulses with life, sound and serene beauty.
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21. Makalali Trail
- Type: Slackpacking
- Distance: Varies
- Duration: 4-6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Greater Makalali Nature Reserve, Limpop
- Cost: From R10 000pp (includes trail fee, soft pack fee and catering fee)
- Make A Booking: Here
A great trail for families or friends wanting to get out of the city, you’ll explore the Makalali Reserve (a Big 5 game reserve) and walk from campsite to campsite (or remain at the same campsite if you prefer). Your guide will make sure your group (of no more than eight) are taken care of and share amazing knowledge you as you try to spot some wild animals along your way. You can even work for some badges that WIldside Trails hands out to recognise special moments and achievements (like the hippo sighting badge or night under the stars badge). You can also backpack this trail if you’d like.
North West
22. Peglarae Trail
- Type: Day Hike
- Distance: 5km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, North West
- All Trails Route: Here
Named after the rare Aloe peglerae (plants that flower as a crimson colour between June and August), this is a great half-day adventure full of mountain vistas and wildflower splendour. The ascent rewards you with views over the reserve that’ll make you feel like you’re in a scene from The Lion King and rocky ridges rich in birdlife like zebra and sable antelope. Hikers have said to look for yellow trail markings (and get a map if you want to explore more).
23. Kalahari Primitive Trail
- Type: Guided Wild Camping
- Distance: Varies
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Location: !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, North West
- Cost: R8 625 pp (3 nights) or R17 250 (6 nights) for full group of 8 + R550pp wilderness levy
- Make A Booking: Here
Trek deep into the heart of the Kalahari on the Kalahari Primitive Trail – a raw, off-grid wilderness immersion in the vast !Khamab Kalahari Reserve, where you’ll carry everything on your back, sleep under the stars and move entirely on foot. Led by professional Wilderness Trails Guides and limited to just 8 participants, this trail strips away all modern distractions – no tents, no tech, no trails – reconnecting you with silence, space and self.
