Our Top Five / Hikes >>

God must have liked hiking because when he got round to creating South Africa he knew what he was doing. There is such a range of awesome hikes (and we don’t pretend to have done them all) it’s very difficult to pick the top five. So we’ve selected a nice range for all abilities and budgets. Contact us for advice so we can create an itinerary tailored to you preferences.

So, in no particular order…

The Otter and Dolphin Trails (Tsitsikamma National Park, The Garden Route, Eastern Cape)

The Otter Trail is probably the most famous (and booked up) hike in South Africa. The 42KM, five day hike follows the coastline from Storms River to Nature’s Valley through indigenous forest, along remote beaches and fording some rivers (check tide times for crossings). There’s a chance of seeing the elusive and rare Cape Clawless Otter. We’re not surprised it’s rare because hunting as an Otter normally revolves strongly around having claws. Accommodation is basic and can be booked up to a year in advance (but there are cancellations), however you’ll not have a problem sleeping – the hike is quite strenuous in places. The more civilised and relaxed three day Dolphin Trail runs the other way from Storms River. You don’t have to carry your own bags (they are taken by vehicle for you) and accommodation is comfortable. However there are a couple of steep climbs up and down to the shoreline.

Walking Safari (most major game reserves and national parks, especially Kruger)

We always opt for a walking safari rather than the conventional 'game drive' safari where possible. Although safari virgins should definitely start with game drives, because this is the best chance to cover a lot of ground and see and photo the Big 5), a walking safari is a lot more intimate experience. The sense of adventure and a realisation of where we sit in the food-chain starts when you notice your guide is carrying a gun and takes the safety briefing a lot more seriously. Always take a qualified guide (usually you will have two guides) and ensure they are responsible conservationalists - this isn't about threatening animals and endangering yourself by trying to get as close as possible to them. Seeing an elephant from 100 metres away on foot gets the heart pumping much faster than almost touching them from a vehicle. Away from the noise of diesel engines and other tourists, all your senses are on high alert. You'll learn to understand what happened where you're standing by looking at the tracks and spoor from the night before. You'll become a lot more aware of vegetation (and their medicinal properties), insects, birds and small mammals that make walking safaris the preferred option for seasoned safari-goers. Walking safaris come in many forms - from comfortable early morning strolls to avoid the midday heat (followed by a drive in the afternoon) to multi-day 'carry-everything-you-need' wilderness hikes. All are recommended.

Wild Coast Hiking Trail (Msikaba, Eastern Cape)

The new Wild Coast Hiking Trail is the best, and practically only, way to discover this pristine stretch of north Eastern Cape coastline. You make your way through relatively easy terrain (you can pay for porterage) along cliff tops, past waterfalls, natural swimming pools and deserted white beaches. You’ll be unlucky to see more than a few people during the day. Accommodation is varied but comfortable.

McGregor to Greyton (Western Cape)

Situated conveniently just off the Garden Route and Route 62, this two day / one night hike can be done in either direction staying in cabins at the pass between two valleys. You gently climb for a day up a wild and remote valley, descending on the other side on the second day. But this is not a boring hike – the scenery is wild and constantly changing, as can the weather. And both the towns of Greyton and McGregor have a lot to offer by way of relaxation and revitalisation at the end of a hard couple of days. Remember to organise transport back to the beginning.

The Drakensberg (Kwazulu-Natal)

The Drakensberg offers such a range of excellent hikes it’s difficult to pick one out. We’ve never done the longer, multi-day hikes but have seen some astounding photos! Probably the best hiking area is within the Royal Natal National Park and the highlight for us is the long, hard day hike to the top of The Amphitheatre which culminates in a climb up a rope ladder which is not for those with vertigo. However there’s something for all levels of fitness within the park, for example the Tuguela Falls Trail is a gentle six hour walk. Please check local weather forecasts and tell people where you are planning to go and return – several hikers die in the Drakensberg every year.

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