Nine Provinces, Endless Paths: The Ultimate Guide to South Africa’s Best Hiking Trails

1. Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is a hiker’s paradise — rugged mountains, coastal forests and remote trails.

• Amatola Trail – One of South Africa’s most famous multi-day hikes through dense forests, waterfalls and streams near Hogsback.

• Otter Trail – World-renowned coastal trek along the Garden Route from Storms River to Nature’s Valley.

2. Free State

Golden grasslands and the Maluti foothills make for picturesque hikes.

• Rhebok Trail (Golden Gate Highlands NP) – Classic trail taking hikers through sandstone cliffs and highland scenery.

• Clarens Camino – A long-distance hike through gentler rolling landscapes near Clarens.

3. Gauteng

While South Africa’s smallest province, Gauteng still offers varied and accessible hikes.

• Melville Koppies Nature Reserve Trails – Urban reserve with rich heritage and nature walks.

• De Wildt Adventure Trails – More rugged, natural terrain outside central Gauteng near Hartbeespoort.

4. KwaZulu-Natal

From the Drakensberg to coastal wilderness, KZN offers dramatic hiking environments.

• Giant’s Cup Trail (Drakensberg) – Classic 5-day trail with mountain valleys, San rock art and streams.

• Amphitheatre/Tugela Falls Hike – Short but iconic hike to view the second-highest waterfall in the world (Drakensberg amphitheatre).

5. Limpopo

Lush forests, escarpments and bushveld trails characterize this northern province.

• Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail – Scenic trek through indigenous forest and waterfalls near Tzaneen.

• Kransberg Hiking Trails – Rolling mountain hikes around Thabazimbi.

6. Mpumalanga

Home to escarpments, canyons and highland forest scenery.

• Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail (Blyde River Canyon) – Multi-day trail with breathtaking canyon views.

• Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail – A popular backpacking route near Loskop Dam.

7. North West

Rolling hills and bushveld dominate this outdoor province.

• Pilanesberg Hiking Trails – Variety of routes through the Pilanesberg’s ancient crater landscapes.

• Kranskloof Trail – Natural trail with scenic rocky features and river valleys.

8. Northern Cape

Wide open spaces, desert scenery and floral wonders (in season).

• Namaqua Silver Sand Hiking Trail – Desert coastal and dune hiking near Namaqualand.

• Hantam National Botanical Garden Trails – Nine marked hikes through wildflower-rich landscapes near Nieuwoudtville.

9. Western Cape

Perhaps South Africa’s most famous hiking province thanks to its dramatic mountains and coastlines.

• Otter Trail (Garden Route) – Although it starts in the Eastern Cape, sections extend into the Western Cape’s Garden Route region.

• Cederberg Wilderness (Wolfberg Arch) – Iconic multi-day rock and wilderness trek with spectacular geology in the Cederberg.