South Africa is a hiker’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of landscapes - from rugged mountain trails to dramatic coastlines and magnificent deserts. In this guide, we explore some of the best hiking trails South Africa has to offer, so get ready to discover some of the world’s most scenic hikes and plan your next adventure!

Take it easy in the new Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve

Called the Northern Drakensberg Nature Way is a new 55km slackpacking trail launched in September 2025 by the Carte Collection in KwaZulu-Natal province. It’s a stunning four day route starting at The Cavern and going through Greenfire, The Berghouse and Montusi Mountain Lodgse in the Northern Drakensberg Nature Reserve which was established in 2024. The route includes views of beautiful waterfalls, ridges, and viewpoints of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Hike among the icons in Cape Town

There’s nothing better than a sunrise hike with views of the breathtaking Table Mountain and 360-degree panoramas of Cape Town. You can experience this from the summit of Lion’s Head, 669 m above sea level. With a relatively short 2–3 hour round trip, it’s the perfect addition to your stay in the Mother City. Book this hike with Captivate the Cape for the best experience, and if you're feeling adventurous, they also offer longer hikes.

Take it up a notch in Limpopo

Image credit: Endangered Wildlife Trust

The Old Salt Trail in the Western Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo is a 5-day, 73 km hike for hiking enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge. This region boasts incredible biodiversity, including yellowwood forests, proteas, ancient baobabs, and lucky hikers may even spot leopards!

This trail is rich in Venda culture and also features ancient San and Khoikhoi rock art along the route. It’s also a birding hotspot and a favourite among photographers so get your camera ready. Each day, you will cover 11–19 km before arriving at your accommodation for the night that range from cozy campsites to unforgettable lodges.

Go wild in the Eastern Cape

A fan-favourite in South Africa, the Wild Coast Hike offers untouched natural beauty and pristine beaches. This 61 km hike starts in Port St Johns and ends in Coffee Bay or the other way around. It spans five days with four nights in rural villages, giving hikers a chance to experience local life up close.

For those seeking more, you can extend it with a hike to the iconic landmark Hole In The Wall. Wild Side Hiking, who organise the hike, also offer experiences like cooking classes, fishing, surfing, and Xhosa language lessons. It’s the perfect mix of nature and cultural immersion.

Step into golden landscapes of the Free State

With its golden cliffs, expansive grasslands and winding trails, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a real stunner. It offers a variety of hiking options, from short family-friendly walks like the 30-minute Mushroom Rock Trail, to multi-day treks such as the Ribbok Hiking Trail, where you might spot black wildebeest, springbok, and zebras. You can also combine your adventure with a scenic horse ride. Some trails require guides, so be sure to book ahead! For a shorter hike, stay in the charming nearby town of Clarens, known for its quaint local shops, delicious restaurants, and even its own craft brewery, perfect for unwinding after a day on the trails.

Unplug and hike off the grid in Mpumalanga

Image credit: Explore with Francois

The Num Num Trail is a 40 km self-guided slackpacking route traversing through the spectacular highlands of Mpumalanga. Along the trail, you’ll pass through lush forests, rugged gorges, sandstone mazes, twisting rivers, and rolling grasslands, with plenty of opportunities for bird and game spotting.

Luggage is transported between eco-friendly huts, making this an ideal off-grid escape for nature lovers. It’s open year-round and suitable for solo travellers or small groups but note that children must be 12+ due to challenges like swing bridges and ladders!

Wander the wild just outside of Joburg

The Magaliesberg Mountain Range, part of the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve proclaimed by UNESCO, is celebrated for its natural, cultural, and human heritage. Just outside Johannesburg, it spans the Gauteng and North West provinces and is close to the Cradle of Humankind.

Perfect for a day trip or a stopover en route to Pilanesberg or Madikwe Game Reserve, the area offers a wide range of trails. One of the highlights is the Shelter Rock Trail, known for its panoramic views over Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounding landscapes.

Roam the remote trails of the Karoo

Image credit: Wide Open Spaces

Step into the wide open spaces of the Karoo on the Stone Folk Slackpacking Trail which is a fully guided 3-day, 4-night hiking experience that showcases the rugged beauty and ancient geology of this unique semi-desert region. This circular 53 km route starts and ends at Weltevreden Farm near Nieu Bethesda, with nights spent at comfortable farm stays and all luggage being transported to your accommodation. At altitudes between 1,250 and 1,500 metres, this moderate-to-strenuous trail offers a true escape, following sheep tracks, riverbeds, and wide-open grasslands.

No matter your experience level, South Africa’s hiking trails offer something for everyone. Some of our other favourites across the country include the Namaqua Silver Sands Trail in the Northern Cape, where you can admire spring flowers and the coast; the Cederberg Heritage Route, winding through rugged sandstone formations and ancient rock art sites; and the Chokka Trail, meandering through fishing villages in the Eastern Cape. Lace up your boots and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

To find out more about this spectacular country, visit South Africa Tourism at Stand E10.