From the Rim of Africa to the Otter and Whale trails, this is our selection of some of Mzansi’s finest hikes…
Rim of Africa
Western Cape
Traversing the entire length of the Cape Fold Mountains, this is Africa’s longest hiking trail, spanning nature reserves, wilderness areas and private land – both on and off hiking paths. The route includes several high-mountain sections, starting in the Cederberg, crossing the Hex River and Langeberg ranges to reach the Outeniqua Mountains on the Garden Route. Don’t panic at the thought of hiking 750 kilometres in one go, though. It’s broken down into more manageable sections – nine traverses in total – each lasting from seven to 10 days. You can choose to do one or a few of these, or the full thru-hike. The Traverse happens each year in spring. rimofafrica.co.za
The Amphitheatre Trail
Kwazulu-Natal
An iconic Drakensberg experience, this hike offers a jaw-dropping adventure, taking you to the mountain-top plateau (at 3 000 metres above sea level) in a few hours – and to one of the most impressive natural wonders in South Africa: the Amphitheatre, a cliff face stretching five kilometres long and rising 1220 metres high. It’s a breathtaking experience and a moderately challenging trek. The route begins at Sentinel car park, accessible by 4×4 only, and leads you through a mix of rocky terrain and panoramic vistas. Along the way, you’ll need to negotiate metal chain ladders, adding an extra thrill to the adventure. Reaching the top rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world, which plunges 928 metres down over the cliffs. On a clear day, you can see the entire landscape of the Royal Natal National Park sprawling below. You really are on top of the world! It’s a 12-kilometre round-trip that can be done in one day but most hikers opt to camp overnight on the plateau – not least for the reward of a spectacular sunrise. It’s best to sign up with a guided hike. A shuttle to Sentinel car park is available from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. witsieshoek.co.za
Drakensberg Northern Traverse
Kwazulu-Natal
Unless you’re very good with hiking maps and carrying GPS equipment, it’s essential to hire a guide for this epic backcountry hike covering around 65 kilometres over five or six days, from Mont-aux-Sources to Cathedral Peak. Rated among the world’s 10 finest walks, it’s also not for the inexperienced, starting off with chain ladders then crossing a vertiginous escarpment with wild rock formations, stupendous high-altitude views, waterfalls (including the second-highest on Earth), river crossings, caves, San rock paintings and Basotho huts and herdsmen, before culminating at Cathedral Peak Hotel. Tough and remote, if this doesn’t sort you out, you could try the Grand Drakensberg Traverse, which is around 220 kilometres and will properly test your mettle (and best undertaken with a reputable hiking specialist).
The Cradle Of Humankind
Gauteng
Cradle Moon is a 1600-hectare conservancy within the Cradle of Humankind, and offers one of the most scenic hikes close to Johannesburg. The 10-kilometre trail winds around a picturesque dam called Lake Heritage, complete with an Instagram-worthy stone dam wall. With shorter trails and mountain-biking routes also available, this reserve caters to all kinds of nature lovers. Hikers are likely to encounter wildlife along the way, adding an extra layer of excitement to the journey. The diversity of the landscape, coupled with the opportunity to spot animals, makes every step worthwhile. After your hike, the reserve’s relaxing gardens and an artificial white-sand beach provide the perfect spot to unwind. A leisurely boat cruise or canoe paddle on the dam, home to a family of hippos and a variety of waterbirds, offers a tranquil end to your adventure. There are also rondawels to stay the night. cradlemoon.co.za
Strandloper Trail
Eastern Cape
Stretching from Kei Mouth to Gonubie, just outside East London, this four-day, 57-kilometre trail takes in the spectacular Wild Coast’s sand and boulder beaches, estuaries (including four river crossings), lush coastal forests rich with birdlife, high cliffs and rock ledges affording vast panoramic views (perhaps spotting dolphins). While there’s often a deep sense of remote isolation and quiet, you also pass through little settlements with pub food and even overnighting at the Haga Haga Hotel. strandlopertrails.org.za
Amatola Trail
Eastern Cape
Commencing from Maden Dam outside Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), this epic six-day, 100-kilometre hike ends in Hogsback, taking hikers through thick Afromontane forest with countless rivers, waterfalls, rock pools, wildflowers and sometimes heart-stopping thunderclaps echoing through the valleys. Each day’s walk averages around 16.5 kilometres, so it’s fairly hard-going (it’s known as the toughest trail in SA), but there are huts with water, toilets and firewood at the end of the day. There is also the option of ‘Goodie Drops’ of supplies at the huts (so you don’t have to carry these yourself, plus pizza and beer at the end of Day 5. amatolatrails.co.za
Whale Trail
Overberg
As the name hints, this five-day, 55-kilometre hike is a chance to spot southern right whales from the shore, on a route that hugs the coastline at the southern tip of Africa – from Potberg to Koppie Alleen in De Hoop Nature Reserve near Swellendam. Winding through fynbos and over limestone formations, with caves along the way, hikers will spot marine creatures and sea birds and a variety of antelope, and pass a vulture colony. Whale-spotting happens from June to November – up to 50 can be seen at one time. Hikers sleep in comfort in cottages in prime, pristine locations, with the option of luggage porterage. capenature.co.za
Words by: Katie Bigelow
Text: Courtesy of Escapes Magazine.
Additional text: Charndre Emma Kippie
Photos: hikingsouthafrica.co.za, Alamy, Shutterstock, Gallo/Getty Images
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