15+ Best Hikes in South Africa With Mind-Blowing Views [2026]
Growing up, I didn’t think much of hiking in South Africa.
“Why must I go for a walk!? In nature!? There are bugs!”
Thankfully, I grew out of that phase, and while my phobia of bugs still creeps up on me from time to time, it hasn’t stopped me from fully appreciating my favourite hobby – trekking through the wilderness.
Over the years, I’ve ticked off some of the best hikes in South Africa from my bucket list. I conquered the mighty Otter Trail (right before the world shut down), camped underneath the famous Wolfberg Arch, and spent many a night exploring the majestic Drakensberg hiking trails.
If you’re equally obsessed with mountains and you want a new hike to sink your teeth into, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re up for a challenging day hike or a multi-day trek that will put your mental tenacity to the test, you’ll find the creme-de-la-creme of the top hiking trails in South Africa down below.
Psst…Want more hiking in South Africa travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- 12 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views
- 10+ Best Hiking Trails in Johannesburg
- The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away
- 10+ Spectacular Multi-Day Hikes in the Western Cape
- Hiking the Mnweni Circuit: A Spectacular 3-Day Drakensberg Hike
- Crystal Pools Hike: Everything You Need to Know
The Best Multi-Day Hikes in South Africa
Without further ado, here are some of the best multi-day hikes in South Africa to add to your bucket list.
| Trail | Location | Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Day Hikes | ||||
| Otter Trail | Garden Route, Western Cape | 45km | 5 days | Moderate |
| Whale Trail | De Hoop, Western Cape | 56km | 5 days | Easy–Moderate |
| Amatola Trail | Hogsback, Eastern Cape | 100km | 6 days | Difficult |
| Wild Coast Waterfall Trail | Port St Johns, Wild Coast | 20km | 3 days | Moderate |
| Outeniqua Trail | Knysna, Garden Route | 108km | 7 days | Moderate |
| Cape of Good Hope Trail | Cape Point, Cape Town | 34km | 2 days | Moderate |
| Giant’s Cup | Sani Pass, Drakensberg | 60km | 5 days | Moderate–Difficult |
| Rim of Africa | Cederberg to Outeniqua | 750km+ | Sectional | Difficult |
| Rhebok Trail | Golden Gate, Free State | 31km | 2 days | Moderate–Difficult |
| Fanie Botha Trail | Mpumalanga | 58.8km | 5 days | Moderate–Difficult |
| Swellendam Trail | Marloth, Western Cape | 60km | 5 days | Difficult |
| Day Hikes | ||||
| Tugela Falls | Drakensberg, KZN | 14km | 5–6 hours | Beginner–Moderate |
| Hole in the Wall | Coffee Bay, Wild Coast | 9km | 3 hours | Easy–Moderate |
| Kasteelspoort | Table Mountain, Cape Town | 12km | 4–5 hours | Moderate–Hard |
| India Venster | Table Mountain, Cape Town | 3.5km | 2–3 hours | Moderate–Difficult |
| Wolfberg Arch | Cederberg, Western Cape | 16km | 6–8 hours | Moderate |
Otter Trail in the Western Cape
- Distance: 45km over 5-days
- Difficulty: Moderate with some technical elements
When it comes to multi-day hikes in South Africa, the Otter Trail is the creme-de-la-creme.
The gorgeous five-day hike hugs South Africa’s eastern coastline. Starting in Stormsriver inside Tsitsikamma National Park, you’ll trek along the Garden Route and end in Nature’s Valley.
Opening to the public in January 1968, the Otter Trail earned its place in history as the first multi-day trail in South Africa.
Want to tackle this trail? Permits go on sale (and sell out) a full year in advance!
Read More: Hiking The Otter Trail in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know
Whale Trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve
- Distance: 56km over 5-days
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Searching for the most legendary slackpacking trail in the Western Cape?
Sign up for the Whale Trail hike.
The 5-day trek is the epitome of spectacular, and it comes with something few other hiking trails in South Africa can offer…
…Creature comforts.
Instead of lugging a hefty backpack around De Hoop Nature Reserve, all you need is a small day pack. The rest of your gear is transported from hut to hut, making the trail accessible to most fitness levels.
And speaking of the huts, the Whale Trail hike doesn’t skimp on accommodation.
You’ll have hot water, a fully equipped kitchen, and ridiculously good-looking views from your stoep.
But the highlight of this hike is, of course, the whales!
Snag your permits between June and September, and you can catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures migrating down the coast.
Good to Know: Permits go on sale one year in advance. If you want to hike in September, tickets open on the 1st and are for the following year.
Read More: Whale Trail Hike in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know
Amatola Trail in Hogsback
- Distance: 100km over 6-days
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Amatola hiking trail is one of the toughest multi-day hikes in South Africa.
Taking you through a dense, ancient forest, you’ll need to conquer steep hills, ascend hundreds of meters, and walk long distances each day to make it to the next hut.
But if you put in the time at the gym and throw in a few challenging day hikes into your weekend regimen, you will reap the rewards.
Known as the waterfall trail, you’ll trek past beautiful rock pools and rest your weary feet in the cold rivers.
Once you make it to the top of the hills, your aching legs will soon be forgotten as you gaze out onto the panoramic views of the valley below.
Tip: Before heading back home, spend a night or two in Hogsback (the endpoint of the hike). Stay at the backpackers, Away With The Fairies, and celebrate completing one of the best hikes in South Africa while unwinding in their famous bathtub on a cliff.
Wild Coast Waterfall Trail
- Distance: 20km over 2 or 3 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for waterfall hikes…
Difficult: Moderate
…And the Wild Coast?
It has plenty!
But instead of seeing Magwa Falls, Waterfall Bluff, and the rest one by one, combine it all into one epic 3-day hiking trip.
Arrive in Port St.Johns (the stoner capital of South Africa), and meet your guide. You’ll navigate through dirt roads and past traditional Xhosa huts until you reach the start of the trail.
Walking past kraals and the impressive Wild Coast coastline, you’ll start ticking off one waterfall after the next.
The best part?
You can also opt for a homestay and experience what life is like in a Xhosa village.
Outeniqua Trail in Garden Route National Park
- Distance: 108km over 7-days
- Difficulty: Moderate
Want to put your legs to the ultimate test?
Set aside a week and make your way to the beautiful Garden Route National Park in Knysna.
Here, you can complete one of the best hikes in South Africa – the Outeniqua Trail.
It winds past gigantic yellowwood trees, thick forests, and if you’re lucky, you might spot tracks of elephants and other wildlife.
There are huts along the trail, but there is no water or electricity. So if you’re a hiking noob, level up your outdoor skills before attempting the Outeniqua trail.
But if 7-days sounds like too much for your feet, you can still sign up for the hike. You can drop in at different points on the trail and adjust the hike length to suit your needs.
Read More: An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary
Cape of Good Hope Slack Packing Trail
- Distance: 34km
- Difficulty: Moderate
On the hunt for a multi-day hike that doesn’t require a 60L backpack that weighs 20kg?
Try Cape Point’s slackpacking trail, the Cape of Good Hope. It’s one of the best hikes in Cape Town, and the views are incredible.
The 2-day 1-night hike that hugs the Cape’s spectacular coastline winds past shipwrecks, herds of antelope, and lets you rest your weary feet inside a cabin (with electricity nogal!)
With only 2-3 uphills similar to Lion’s Head, it’s an easy trail for beginners who want to start training for longer, more strenuous overnight hikes in South Africa.
Read More: The Ultimate Cape of Good Hope Guide
Giants Cup in the Drakensberg
- Distance: 60km over 5-days
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Looking for something similar to Otter Trail? Tackle the Drakensberg’s Giant’s Cup hiking trail.
With spectacular views that meander past rock pools, otherworldly rock formations, herds of antelope, and sprawling grassy plains – it’s worth the aching feet and tired legs.
The trail has a maximum walking distance of 13.3km per day, making it perfect for hikers looking for an introduction to multi-day hikes in the Drakensberg.
Read More: Hiking the Mnweni Circuit: A Spectacular 3-Day Drakensberg Hike
Rim of Africa in Clanwilliam
- Distance: 900km
- Difficulty: Difficult
The Rim of Africa hiking trail is NOT for the faint of heart.
Beginning in the Cederberg, you’ll trek to the Outeniqua mountains, a journey totalling 650km, making it one of the most difficult hiking trails in South Africa.
Seems insane, right?
The good news is that you don’t need to conquer the entire trail in one go.
Most hikers break it up into sections ranging from 60 to 100 km.
Rhebok Trail in the Free State
- Distance: 31km over 2-days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Taking place in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains inside Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Rhebok Trail serves up some of the best mountain scenery in South Africa.
As you explore the trail over 2-days, you’ll have opportunities to cool down in rock pools and summit the highest point in the national park.
Plus, you’ll have an unbeatable vantage point to take in the beauty of Mont-aux-Sources and the Malutis.
Fanie Botha Hiking Trail in Mpumalanga
- Distance: 58.8km over 5-days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The Fanie Botha hiking trail is considered one of the best hikes in South Africa.
It has absolutely everything I could want from a multi-day trek:
- Incredible waterfalls? Check.
- Mindboggling scenery? Check.
- Huts, so I don’t have to lug a tent around? Check.
Over 5-days and 58.8km, the trail will take you past some of the best waterfalls in South Africa – Mac Mac Falls and Lisbon Creek Falls.
But if 5 days is pushing your fitness levels, you can opt for a shorter 2-day hike.
Read More: The Best of the Panorama Route, South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary
Swellendam Hiking Trail
- Distance: 60km over 5-days
- Difficulty: Difficult
If you’ve done the Otter Trail and you’re looking for your next hiking challenge, round up a group of friends and head to Marloth Nature Reserve in Swellendam.
The Swellendam Hiking Trail is a demanding 5-day trail, but it’s considered one of the best hikes in the Western Cape.
Meandering through fynbos-covered valleys and past towering mountains, you’ll experience a part of the reserve that few get to see.
But keep in mind this isn’t a beginner’s hiking trail.
The first day is long and tough. You’ll need to arrive at the office at 08:00 (the latest), and it’s recommended to spend a night in Swellendam the day before to get an early start and beat the heat of the day.
Read More: A Cosy Swellendam Getaway at Eco Treehouse
The Best Day Hikes in South Africa
Work your way up to longer treks with these top day hikes in South Africa.
Tugela Falls in the Drakensberg
- Distance: 14km
- Difficult: Beginner-friendly if you can handle inclines
Unofficially, the highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls, is an incredible day hike in the Drakensberg.
Although if you REALLY want to experience the magic of the Amphitheatre, spend a night or two on top of the escarpment.
I’ve camped on top of the falls multiple times (I’m about to hit double digits soon!), and it never disappoints.
The sunrise coming over the mountains, the cloud inversions, the honey-coloured sky, and the wild horses… It’s something you’ll rave about for years.
Trust me.
Read More: Hiking Tugela Falls: Africa’s Highest Waterfall
Hole in the Wall Hike in Coffee Bay
- Distance: 9km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
There’s something special about South Africa’s Wild Coast.
The off-the-beaten-track province has an abundance of gems and “holy shit, is this real?!” moments scattered around its coastline.
The crowning glory?
Coffee Bay’s Hole in the Wall.
But instead of driving there like a pleb, opt for the 3-hour 9km hike.
As you traverse across running rivers and past local Xhosa villages, you might spot whales or dolphins in the distance.
When you reach your final destination, you’ll get to explore the legendary Hole in the Wall rock formation and take in some of the most beautiful landscapes the Wild Coast has to offer.
Read More: 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Don’t Want to Miss
Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail in Cape Town
- Distance: 12 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to High
The Kasteelspoort hiking trail is one of the best one-day hikes in South Africa.
Okay.
It’s a hard toss-up between Kasteelspoort and India Venster, but the famous “surfboard” rock at the end of the trail wins me over.
Starting on Theresa Road, you’ll follow the Jeep track until you hit the Pipe Track. From there, you’ll start your ascent to the top of Table Mountain, with jaw-dropping views of Camps Bay in the distance.
Fair warning: This hike is a glute workout of note.
Prepare for buckets of sweat and questioning your life decisions.
But the iconic Kasteelspoort picture at the end of the trail? Worth it.
And if the trail really kicks your butt, you can always take the cable car back down.
Tip: Still got energy? Explore the Tranquillity Tracks on top of Table Mountain before making your way back down.
Read More: Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail: Everything You Need to Know
India Venster in Cape Town
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (scrambling is intermediate)
Rock scrambling.
Chains.
Phenomenal views.
What more could you want from a hike in South Africa?
Starting at the base of the cable car station on Table Mountain, the India Venster trail will put your fear of heights to the test.
Using chains, you’ll hurl yourself up the rock face and through crevices to reach the top of the highest point in Cape Town.
While the trail isn’t too technical, it’s not beginner-friendly. If you’re starting out, try a few easy hiking trails in Cape Town, like Lion’s Head (which also has chains), and get comfortable trusting your feet and lifting your body weight.
Want to make this a longer hike? Once you get to the top of Table Mountain, hike down Platteklip and follow the contour path to Kloof Corner.
Time it with sunset, and you’ll have the best view in Cape Town to end off your day.
Read More: India Venster Hike: Everything You Need to Know
Wolfberg Arch in the Cederberg
- Distance: 16 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Cederberg is a magical place.
Never been?
Turn your life around and plan a hike to Wolfberg Arch.
It’s a challenging trail with little to no shade that will have you climbing through rock crevices, traversing across a Martian-like landscape, and past towering boulders until you arrive at the famous arch.
The adventurous can spend a night camping here (I’ve done this countless times, and it’s always worth it!), or you can complete the hike as a day trip.
Whatever you decide, don’t forget your sunblock and water. There are NO water points on the trail, and you’ll need at least 3 litres per person if you’re spending the night.
Read More: The Ultimate Wolfberg Arch Hiking Guide
Hiking Safety Tips
Always Get Travel Insurance
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking in South Africa or abroad – always make sure you have medical / travel insurance.
You never know what might happen on a trail.
You might fall and twist your ankle, or an underlying health condition could creep up, and you’ll need to be airlifted to the hospital.
For short-term trips, I recommend World Nomads. It’s travel insurance that will cover all sorts of extreme activities, from hikes in Africa to snowboarding in the Alps.
If you’re a digital nomad and on the road for longer than two weeks, look into Safety Wing. It’s medical and travel insurance for long-term travellers and works anywhere in the world.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Read More: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views
Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Don’t pitch up to a trail (especially a multi-day hike) with your favourite pair of Vans.
You need proper hiking shoes for:
- Ankle support (prevents rolling your ankle)
- Good grip (helps you not fall and climb steep inclines)
- Prevent injuries (blisters, sore feet, etc.)
The hiking shoes I’m currently using are:
- Hi-Tec Women’s Altitude V Ultra 1
- K-Way Women’s Edge Mid Hiking Boot
- K-Way Men’s Edge Waterproof Shoe
- K-Way Men’s Edge 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot
Yes, I wear men’s hiking shoes.
Pack Warm and Wet Weather Clothes
Even if the weather is 32 degrees when you start the trail, temperatures can change on a whim.
Case in point: Table Mountain in Cape Town.
Once the “tablecloth” starts to pour over the mountain, temperatures plummet, putting you at risk of exposure.
Always pack a lightweight jacket and rain gear just in case.
Trust me.
It’s always best to over-prepare than regret your life choices on the top of a mountain somewhere.
My go-to is the K-Way Men’s Down Jacket. It’s made from sustainably sourced down, and you can squish it into a tiny ball to save space in your bag.
For wet weather, I’m currently using the K-Way Women’s Solstice Rain Jacket.
Read More: The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
Check The Weather Before You Leave
Whether you’re tackling day hikes in South Africa or multi-treks across the country, you need to know the weather.
It will help you prepare for the trail and make sure you can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
Some of the things to check for are:
- High and low temperatures
- Wind chill
- Wind gusts and knots
- Snow/hail/rain predictions
- Cloud cover
Read More: The Best Time to Visit South Africa
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
The essence of the seven Leave No Trace principles is to reduce your impact on nature.
Leave the trail in its natural state.
Don’t throw your trash into the bushes (or hide it behind rocks).
Bury your toilet paper (use one-ply, it biodegrades faster).
If something is not naturally found there, put it in a plastic bag and take it with you. This includes orange and banana peels! These items take a long time to biodegrade, and if everyone leaves their peels behind, the trail will look kak.
Plus, those items aren’t natural food sources for wildlife. By leaving it behind, you’re altering their diets and potentially associating humans with food.
South Africa Hiking Trails FAQ
Yes, it is safe to hike in South Africa. If you’re not comfortable self-navigating, book a guide and always go in a group in case something goes wrong and you need to contact mountain rescue.
The longest hiking trail in South Africa is the Rim of Africa. It’s 650km long, starting in Clanwilliam and ending in George.
There are 2,348 hiking trails in South Africa.
The oldest hiking trail in South Africa is the Otter Trail. Opening in 1968, the trail was also South Africa’s first multi-day hiking trail.
The Best Hikes in South Africa: Conclusion
Whoop whoop! You made it to the end of this mega round-up of the best hikes in South Africa! Did I leave out any of your favourite hiking trails? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below.
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I would love to do multi day hikes with my dog, is there any hikes would allowed dogs
I’m not sure. I would imagine the ones inside national parks would not allow dogs. But some of the trails on Table Mountain like Lion’s Head are open to dogs.
Namaste Lauren!
It is very interesting to read about hiking tours in South Africa with more than mind-blowing views in this article. It is all about the details of your adventure journey tours based on your experience. It was a pleasure reading your blogs, I hope that all of your readers will enjoy reading them as much as I did,
thank you
Himal