DISCOVER SA’S BEST HIKES

By Teneal Da Fonseca

South Africa is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and bucket-list mountain trails. With many of these just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of city living, those with an adventurous spirit can easily explore nature’s manifold wonders. If spending more time outdoors is on your list of health and lifestyle goals, our round-up of the best hiking routes in South Africa is for you. Whether you’re a hiking hero, couch potato, or simply just wanting to see what all the hype is about, it’s time to dust off those boots and get moving!

WESTERN CAPE

The Pipe Track Starting at Kloof Nek and following the contour, the Pipe Track trail offers incredible scenery of indigenous fynbos and views over Camps Bay, the 12 Apostles, and the vast blue reaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s what makes it so unique - over 70% of the flowers are endemic to Table Mountain, thus making it one of the largest contributors to the Cape Floral Kingdom. Not to mention that Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world!

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 9,3 km Dog-friendly: Yes

Jonkershoek Waterfalls Located near Stellenbosch, the Jonkershoek hiking trail has waterfalls, picnic spots and beautiful views of the Boland mountains. It’s perfect for hiking at any time of year, and offers incredible bird and flower biodiversity for nature lovers.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 9,8 km Dog-friendly: Yes (with a permit)

Uitkyk Trail A spectacular trail with glorious views! The trail itself is superbly maintained and a pleasure to walk. The views from the Uitkyk lookout point are truly breathtaking and worth every stride. If you are feeling brave, attempt a trail run, as this track is perfect for it.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 6,8 km Dog-friendly: No EASTERN CAPE

Hole in the wall Home to one of the richest ecosystems in the world, this trail attracts followers of the sardine run each year during the winter months, and offers a fascinating mix of estuaries, mangrove swamps and seaside cliffs - thus making it a top priority on anyone’s bucket list.

Suggested starting time: Mid-morning or early afternoon Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Loop Length: 2.4km Dog-friendly: Yes, but you will need to notify the local guide.

Storms River Mouth Trail Perfect for all levels and sporting a breathtaking coastal line plus the adventure of suspended bridges, Storms River Mouth Trail is not one to miss. Suggested starting time: Early afternoon Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 3.7 km Dog-friendly: No

Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop Perfect for beginners, this trail is comfortably shaded, with hidden natural treasures dotted around most corners. Cool off at the waterfall, or challenge yourself with the boulder crossing. Suggested starting time: Morning or afternoon Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route type: Loop Length: 5.6 km Dog-friendly: No

NORTHERN CAPE

Diamond Coast Trail Taking three days to complete, the Diamond Coast Trail is a true treasure for hikers. You’ll come across an array of wildlife, such as water mongoose, springbuck, hyena, gemsbok, ostriches, buzzards, and hawks. It’s a particularly good spot if you’re a lover of history, as it’s home to San rock art, diamond diggings, and one of the biggest battlefields.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 50 km Dog-friendly: No

Spergebiet Located near Nama Khoi NU, this trail has been described as the perfect hike, with low-level intensity and short duration, while offering incredible vistas, sunrises and sunsets.

Suggested starting time: Morning or early afternoon Difficulty: Easy Route type: Out and back Length: 2.6 km Dog-friendly: Yes

Oorlogskloof Here’s one for the more experienced hikers: this trail really makes you work hard for the stunning views, rock formations and waterfalls! Be sure to take extra water, a first aid kit, and let others know that you’ll be hiking here, as it is a lightly trafficked trail.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Hard Route type: Out and back Length: 14.8 km Dog-friendly: No

GAUTENG

Hennops Zebra Trail Ideal for adventure-seekers, this one involves crossing suspended bridges and taking the cable car. Hikers will also be able to experience one of the few remaining conserved nature areas in the area. In just a few hours, you could see a variety of game, including zebra, gnu, impala, blesbok, kudu and zonkie.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route type: Loop Length: 6.15 km Dog-friendly: No

Cradle Moon This is one of the busiest hiking trails in the area, so it’s best to skip the traffic and start early in the morning. It follows a circular root that leads you around the famous cradle lake. If you love birds, flowers and wild zebra, this is perfect for you! There’s even a restaurant at the end of the trail to reward yourself after all your hard work.

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Loop Length: 8.2 km Dog-friendly: No

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Geological Trail The hiking trails at the gardens start at the waterfall, and offer beautiful picnic spots to enjoy after your hike. One of the great escapes of Johannesburg, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden trail comprises almost 300 hectares of landscaped and natural veld that’s a haven for wildlife!

Suggested starting time: Early morning Difficulty: Moderate Route type: Loop Length: 3.9 km Dog-friendly: Yes

KWAZULU-NATAL

The Drakensberg Rainbow Gorge Trail This coastal province is often appreciated for its rich culture, ocean views and natural beauty, with some of the most spectacular scenery. It’s an incredible area that’s perfect for those thrill-seeking hikers who love a challenge. One of the main reasons hikers do this trail is to see the cascading rainbow waterfall and rich birdlife. However, it is also known for its sudden and extreme weather changes, and thus needs to be approached with caution. The weather can change in an instant, especially if you are at high altitudes, with strong winds, mist, snow and extreme cold at times.

Suggested starting time: Mid-morning or early afternoon Difficulty: Easy to moderate Route type: Out and back Length: 5.5 km Dog-friendly: No

Tugela Falls Hike via Sentinel Peak Involving climbing chain ladders that scale up rocks, this is a hike that’s sure to get your adrenaline going. If you’re a true adventurer or wanting to conquer your fear of heights, this one’s for you.

Suggested starting time: Mid-morning or early afternoon Difficulty: Hard Route type: Out and back Length: 11.7 km Dog-friendly: No

Kloof Falls via Molweni Trail The sheer beauty of this hike will truly have you captivated. Think giant rock formations that look like stairs, with a waterfall between them. It truly looks like something straight from a storybook. Being relatively shaded and cool, as well as having a low-intensity level, it’s a hike that can be started at any time and done by anyone.

Suggested starting time: Mid-morning or early afternoon Difficulty: Easy Route type: Out and back Length: 2.9 km Dog-friendly: Yes