The best hikes you’ve never heard of…

If you’ve been hiking for any length of time, you’ve definitely heard of some of South Africa’s famous hiking trails, like the Otter Trail on the Garden Route, the Tugela Falls trail in the Drakensberg, the Fanie Botha Trail in Mpumalanga, and Namibia’s Fish River Canyon Trail.

Here is a list of three other great multi-day hikes that don’t receive nearly the attention they deserve…

Giant’s Cup Trail, KZN

Panoramic mountain views on the Giant’s Cup Trail, Drakensberg.

The only fully hutted trail in the Drakensberg, the Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail rivals the Otter Trail in terms of views, terrain, trail quality, and accommodation — an absolute five-star hiking experience.

Giant’s Cup boasts glorious panoramic views, grassy plains, spectacular valleys with clear streams and pools, weathered rock formations, herds of antelope, and regular sightings of the endangered Bearded Vulture.

The trail traverses the foothills of the southern Drakensberg, starting just outside Himeville and finishing at the Bushman’s Nek border post. With a maximum walking distance of 13.3 km per day, the Giant’s Cup Trail is the perfect introduction to hiking in the Drakensberg.

Length: 60 km over 5 days
Difficulty: Moderately difficult – similar to the Otter Trail.
Contact: Permits available through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife: Phone 033 845 1000 or email bookings@kznwildlife.com

Outeniqua Trail, Garden Route

Misty forest views on the Outeniqua Trail near Knysna.

When you think of hiking on the Garden Route, the first trail that comes to mind is usually the Otter Trail — perhaps followed by the Tsitsikamma Trail — but in the heart of the Knysna forest lies the lesser-known Outeniqua Trail, a pristine wilderness that feels like stepping back in time.

Giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees, centuries old, stand like guardians of the forest. Tea-coloured streams cross your path, elephant tracks imprint the soft soil, and the silence is occasionally broken by the call of the Knysna Loerie. The Outeniqua Trail is like something out of a dream.

This is a long and challenging trail, which might explain why it isn’t as famous as the Otter or Tsitsikamma, but it will capture your imagination like no other — a walk through Tolkien-like landscapes of lush forest and mountain mist. If seven days sounds too long, you can complete it in shorter 2- or 3-day sections.

Length: 108 km over 7 days (shorter options available)
Difficulty: Difficult – for fit and experienced hikers.
Contact: Bookings through SANParks: Phone +27 44 302 5600 (Knysna) or +27 12 428 9111 (central), or email reservations@sanparks.org

Amatola Trail, Eastern Cape

Deep forest paths and waterfalls along the Amatola Trail.

Often called the toughest hutted hike in South Africa, the Amatola Hiking Trail deserves far more attention than it gets. This six-day trail takes you through ancient forest where sunlight barely reaches the forest floor, up steep ascents, across grasslands, and past countless waterfalls and swimming spots.

The trail’s hilly nature and long distances between huts make it very challenging, but its beauty and sense of accomplishment make every step worth it.

Length: 100 km over 6 days
Difficulty: Extremely difficult due to long ascents and descents.
Contact: Bookings through the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries: Phone 043 642 2571 or email amatolhk@daff.gov.za

This article was originally published on Getaway Magazine.