SA's Multi-Day Hiking Bucket List | Part 1

South Africa is blessed with a rich variety of landscapes and some of the best hiking trails in the world, most of which can be done any time of the year. These are my “bucket list” multi-day hikes, segmented between hikes that most hikers can do (Part 1), and hikes that are the domain of the fit and experienced (Part 2).

Otter Trail

Often called the fairest trail in South Africa, this iconic route draws hikers from across the globe. Traversing the rugged and spectacular coastline between Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley, your adventure will include swimming in rivers and streams, walking through dense coastal forest, relaxing on beautiful beaches, gawking at huge waves crashing into the shoreline, enjoying the rich floral, insect and bird life, exploring the underwater world in tidal pools, and gazing at dolphins playing in the waves.

Some Tripadvisor reviewers called the Otter the hardest thing they have ever done, but the trail is actually on the shorter side of 5-day hikes, albeit with a healthy dose of steep ascents and descents, some technical sections and potentially tricky river crossings. This trail falls well within the realm of possibility for most hikers, and the most difficult part is to get a booking.

For more information on the Otter Trail read our trail description here.

Giant’s Cup Trail

Experience some of the best the Drakensberg has to offer, without the extreme physical exertion required to conquer the big passes, the need to search for campsites or having to navigate off-trail. Instead you spend 5 blissful days enjoying glorious panoramic views, grassy plains, picturesque valleys with clear streams and pools, weathered rock formations and varied terrain on a well laid-out, well-marked trail.

The Giant’s Cup Trail is a relatively unknown gem, and within reach of both Johannesburg and Durban’s hiking communities. This trail claims the number 2 spot on our bucket-list and should definitely be on yours as well.

For more information on the Giant’s Cup Trail read our trail description here.

Fish River Canyon

Africa’s largest canyon is magnificent to behold and even better to hike. Although this unique trail is in neighbouring Namibia, it is a staple winter’s hike for South Africans (open between May and September). The expanse and environment that one walks through is immense and creates a feeling of surrendered independence – it is just you and your backpack, surrounded by ancient rocks, sand and water. It is, however, a harsh landscape, and one needs to be entirely self-sufficient.

The route is long (approximately 90km, or 75km with shortcuts) and the terrain varies between hard-pack soil, soft sand, boulder hopping and some minor stream crossings. Although there is far less climbing than mountainous hikes of a similar length, the terrain – especially soft sand – adds a layer of difficulty that makes it an appropriate and immensely satisfying challenge.

For more information on the Fish River Canyon hike, read our trail description here.

Whale Trail

Situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve (a World Heritage Site), this is another superb coastal hike – the shoreline perhaps less dramatic than the Otter’s, but no less enchanting. The Whale Trail is of moderate difficulty for a 5-day hike and offers the additional benefit of a slack-packing option, which makes this magical hike a good option for beginners and older hikers.

The trail traverses through varied terrain, from pristine fynbos mountain areas, to striking orange cliffs that offer superb views across the Indian ocean, to long stretches along blinding-white beaches with incredible calcrete formations and rockpools full of marine life. A definite highlight is some of the world’s best shore-based whale watching during the Southern Right whales’ calf-season (August to October).

Oh, and did we mention that there are some award-winning huts with seaside bomas? As if you need more reasons…

For more information on the Whale Trail, read our trail description here.

Outeniqua Trail

The Outeniqua Trail explores valleys and forested mountain slopes where the grandeur of the primordial forests still holds sway. This 7-day trail offers the chance to experience South Africa’s indigenous forests in all their splendour – from towering yellowwoods to chameleons and Knysna Loeries. It’s lush, mystical, and full of life.

For more information on the Outeniqua Trail, read our trail description here.

Wild Coast

The Wild Coast is a place of raw beauty — rugged cliffs, endless beaches, green hills, and river mouths. There’s no fixed trail; you walk through wilderness and Xhosa villages, crossing rivers and soaking in the unspoiled coastline. It’s remote, soulful, and unforgettable.

For guided options, check the Hiking the Wild Coast Facebook page or read our full account here.

Special Mention

I can’t put everything on a bucket list, but here are some other worthy trails that will not disappoint: Fanie Botha Trail, Magoebaskloof Trails and the Leopard Trail.

Part 2 coming soon…