Fear of the unknown is the single largest reason people “rather stay at home” than venture into nature. Tourists want reassurance. Thus, hotels are star graded, beaches are awarded Blue Flag status, and nature trails are Green Flag accredited.

Seasoned hikers rely on their own experience and that of fellow hikers when choosing trails. But most people have no objective way of assessing an advertised trail’s quality, risk level, or difficulty. Green Flag certification solves this problem.

The Green Flag Trails accreditation system—endorsed by South Africa’s main hiking trail providers—is not a grading system that promotes one trail as “better” than another. It is a scientifically based, objective assessment that allows hikers to make informed decisions, ensuring that what’s promised matches what’s delivered. No unexpected surprises.

Green Flag assessments consider the following aspects:

• Safety: Evaluates safety at huts and along the route, considering how risks are managed while acknowledging that a well-judged dose of adventure adds to the experience.
• Accommodation: Classifies accommodation as Luxury, Comfortable, Basic, or Rustic—without implying that luxury is better than rustic.
• Environment type: Classifies the environment as Pristine, Rural, or Semi-urban. Not every hiker seeks a wilderness experience.
• Environmental responsibility: Ensures trails are maintained responsibly and sustainably, protecting our natural heritage.
• Difficulty rating: Objectively ranked on a scale of 1–10+ based on energy required.
• Technical classification: Categorises trails as Walk, Scramble, or Climb—indicating experience level required.
• Service and facilities: Evaluates car parks, bridges, signage, access roads, and the accuracy of marketing materials.

Green Flag trails are thus “quality trails” in that you can trust you’ll have a good experience suited to your abilities.

Green Flag accreditation assures quality and safety on every trail.

Why Quality Trails Matter

Benefits to trail users

By hiking, paddling, riding, or climbing Green Flag Trails, users are assured of a rewarding experience. The trail character and facilities are exactly as advertised—safe, reliable, and well-managed.

Personal and community benefits include:

• Insight into how pristine the natural environment is.
• Classification of cultural heritage features along the route.
• Clarity about safety issues—come prepared for a little adventure.
• Details on facilities and services to help pack appropriately.
• Assessment of scenic values and special features.
• A well-managed, safe and relaxed experience—no surprises!

Green Flag Trails provide assurance of safety, scenery, and quality.

Benefits to trail managers and owners

In the event of injury claims, accredited trail owners are recognised as having provided a responsibly managed recreational product, verified by an independent professional body. While this doesn’t grant full indemnity, it demonstrates due diligence and responsibility.

Green Flag accreditation identifies and rewards trails that practice responsible management, contrasting them with poorly maintained or unsafe trails. The Green Flag logo builds trust with users, increasing satisfaction and repeat visits—resulting in sustainable income for trail owners.

Accreditation also helps overcome potential visitors’ apprehension about unknown or remote areas, thus expanding the tourism market. In addition, Green Flag provides professional maintenance and monitoring guidelines, helping conserve the environment and saving owners valuable time.

Auditors at work on the Giant’s Cup hiking trail.

Benefits to the environment

Green Flag Trails encourage the productive use of land often deemed “unusable” — such as mountain slopes, valleys, forests, and riverbanks. Hiking is non-consumptive, low-impact, and provides landowners with sustainable income opportunities.

Green Flag monitoring includes checks for invasive species, pollution, erosion, and other environmental issues.

Even 10cm of erosion over 1km equals 80 tons of lost topsoil—proper management prevents this.

Benefits to economy and eco-tourism

Green Flag Trails runs training in trail planning, building, and auditing—enhancing local capacity and creating jobs. As a service to both government and private sectors, the system helps assess and improve trail management quality.

• Boosts employment and skills development.
• Enhances credibility of trail-based tourism products.
• Increases the economic value of hiking, canoeing, horse-riding, and kloofing routes.
• Supports the outdoor equipment and adventure travel industries.

Green Flag accreditation supports sustainable eco-tourism and responsible recreation.

Application of the system

The Green Flag Trails system was developed at the University of Pretoria under Prof. Leon Hugo and is now implemented by all major trail agencies in South Africa: KZN-Ezemvelo, SANParks, Cape Nature, SAFCOL, KLF, Cape Pine (MTO), Johannesburg and Tshwane municipalities, and private operators such as Forever Resorts.

Which trails are Green Flag accredited?

Currently, 38 hiking trails in South Africa hold Green Flag Trail status, with another 30 under review or pending accreditation. Internationally, countries such as Nepal, Namibia, Peru, St Helena, Mozambique and Eswatini also host Green Flag Trails—including the Inca Trail (Peru), High Peak Trail (St Helena), Otter Trail (South Africa), Annapurna Panoramic Trail (Himalayas), and Khomas Hochland Trail (Namibia).

View all accredited Green Flag Trails (day walks and multi-day routes) at greenflagtrails.co.za/hiking-trails

For an overview of the Green Flag Trails system, visit www.greenflagtrails.org