A Hike for Every Season

At some point, all of us have had some free time, thought of going on a multi-day hike and then changed our minds because it was too hot, cold, wet, dry, or some other weather-related excuse. Fortunately, South Africa has such varied landscapes and climatic regions that there are trails for every season.

Spring? Summer? Autumn? Winter? Here’s a list to keep you hiking year-round:

Spring

Spring is probably the most all-round hiking season for the whole country, but if there is one area that really shines in spring, it has to be the Karoo and West Coast regions with their extravagant display of wildflowers.

The splendour of spring on the Steenbok Flower Trail in the West Coast National Park. Photo by Alison Westwood.

Trails like the Leopard Trail in Baviaanskloof and the Steenbok Flower Trail on the West Coast are something to behold in spring. After the winter rains, water is abundant, making multi-day hikes a lot more doable.

Pretty Erica flowers seem almost out of place in the harsh landscape of the Baviaanskloof.

Summer

With most of the country unbearably hot, we look to the Eastern Cape for our summer escapes on ultra-classics like the Otter Trail and Amatola Trail. Both of these multi-day hikes have an abundance of forested sections and swim spots, making them an absolute delight in the hot summer months.

One of the tidal pools along the Otter Trail. Photo by Willem Boshoff.

The Amatola Trail is a waterfall and rock pool bonanza.

Humid, but shaded — in the heart of the ancient forests of the Amatola.

Autumn

Although many people enjoy hiking in the Drakensberg in summer, the Berg truly shines in early autumn. The daily thundershowers become less frequent, but the almost luminous green of a well-watered, sun-kissed Dragon remains.

Views for days on the Giant’s Cup Trail.

With an abundance of drinking water and long daylight hours, you have many options. From the Giant’s Cup Trail in the south, to Tugela Falls in the north, and the Drakensberg Grand Traverse for everything in between.

The vastness of the Drakensberg. Photo by Willem Boshoff.

Other classics like the Fanie Botha Trail and Magoebaskloof are also prime early-autumn hiking options.

Winter

Winter, strangely enough, brings us back to the Western Cape. While much of the Cape is cold and wet, the Cederberg turns into a hiker’s paradise, with crystal-clear mountain streams, cool sunny days under steely blue skies, and frosty evenings under a night sky that is truly magnificent.

Surreal fortress-like rock formations and the magnificent Cederberg night sky captured by Stuart Apsey (@stuartapsey).

The Cederberg does receive rain and snow in winter, so proper clothing and gear are essential — but don’t let that deter you. A multi-day hike here will enchant you with its rugged beauty and have you waxing poetic in no time.

The super-sized landscape of Groot Krakadouw.

Wolfberg Arch in the early morning light after a storm.

Conclusion

Although there are ideal seasons for certain trails, all of South Africa’s hiking trails have been enjoyed year-round in all kinds of weather. As legendary cold-weather explorer Ranulph Fiennes said: “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

This list is by no means exhaustive — feel free to share your seasonal trail recommendations in the comments below.