The 8 Best Hikes in South Africa

Ascending the iconic Table Mountain isn’t just one of the best things to do in South Africa; it’s an essential part of any trip to Cape Town. Many travellers opt for the five-minute cable car ride to the summit, but if you have a bit more time to spare, it’s also possible to reach it on foot. Either way, once you’re at the top there are plenty of shorter trails and viewpoints to enjoy.

Need to know: We recommend hiking Table Mountain with a local guide who can show you all the best spots. It’s also possible to include a shorter hike within a full-day tour of the city.

If you want to climb Table Mountain on foot, Platteklip Gorge is the simplest route. This popular trail begins near the lower cable car station and ends near the upper one. It’s not a particularly easy hike, with lots of steep ascents, but it’s accessible for beginners. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with beautiful views throughout the trek (and even better ones at the top).

Need to know: The Platteklip Gorge trail is about 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) long and takes around 2–3 hours. We suggest hiking to the summit and then descending in the cable car.

More experienced hikers can choose to summit Table Mountain via the challenging Skeleton Gorge trail, which begins at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. This route goes up the eastern side of the mountain, rather than the side facing the ocean. It’s significantly more difficult and less popular (and therefore less crowded) than Platteklip Gorge.

Need to know: The Skeleton Gorge trail is about 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) long and includes a 900-metre (3000-foot) elevation gain, plus a few ladders to climb. Although it’s more physically demanding, it has the benefit of being shadier than other trails thanks to its orientation.

Rounding out our list of hiking trails in Cape Town, Lion’s Head is a fantastic alternative – or addition – to the nearby Table Mountain. Whereas the latter is known for its large flat plateau (hence the name), Lion’s Head is topped with a pointed peak. The moderately difficult ‘spiral route’ winds around the mountain, offering views from all angles before reaching the summit.

Need to know: If you’re up for an even more thrilling challenge, there’s another path that allows you to climb straight up the mountainside using a series of metal staples, chains and ladders.

The Green Mountain Trail, also known as the Groenlandberg Trail, is located in the ruggedly beautiful Western Cape about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The entire trail is a four-day undertaking, though you can also choose to tackle just one or two sections. Either way, you’ll wander through native fynbos vegetation and discover gorgeous views of this mountainous region.

Need to know: The Green Mountain Trail traverses the Overberg region and the Elgin Valley, which also happens to be one of the best wine regions in South Africa. We highly suggest complementing your hikes with winery tours and tastings.

If you’re into hiking, South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains are a must-visit. And Cathedral Peak, located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, offers some of the mountain range’s best trails. Ascending the peak itself is a full-day trek that requires a high fitness level and an experienced guide – but you can also embark on shorter journeys to lakes, waterfalls and lookout points in the surrounding area.

Need to know: If you want to fully explore the area around Cathedral Peak, stay at the aptly named Cathedral Peak Hotel. Its staff will happily organise guides and picnics, and you can even get a certificate for completing four specific trails during your stay.

In South Africa, trekking often involves unforgettable wildlife encounters. This is especially true in Addo Elephant National Park – and you can probably guess which species resides there. It’s one of the best places to visit in South Africa for elephant lovers and avid hikers alike, offering both short trails and overnight treks through the arid valleys and coastal forests of the Eastern Cape.

Need to know: This is the only national park on earth where you’ll find all of the Big 7 – the classic Big 5 plus the southern right whale and the great white shark – making it a truly unique safari destination.

Undoubtedly one of the most renowned hikes in South Africa, the Otter Trail comprises around 44 kilometres (27 miles) of scenic paths through Tsitsikamma National Park (part of the Garden Route). Named after the Cape clawless otters that you might be lucky enough to spot along the way, this trail follows the coastline and promises plenty of panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Need to know: If you want to complete the entire Otter Trail, be prepared for a 5-day journey covering 5–14 kilometres (3–9 miles) each day. Only 12 people can start the trail per day, so you won’t run into any crowds – but you’ll also need to plan far in advance to get a permit.