Rim of Africa | Traverse 4

Beauty: 5/5
Difficulty (fitness): 10+/10 (Extremely tough, both physically and mentally)
Technical Rating: Mostly off-trail hiking, involving dense fynbos, uneven rocky terrain, and steep ascents and descents.
Duration: 7 Days

This traverse is strenuous, but for those with some off-trail hiking experience, it offers an immersion into true mountain wilderness. Remote and wild, Traverse 4 includes extensive off-path sections with occasional trail walking and a demanding final descent into the Hex River Valley.

Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

Setting out just outside Ceres, the route eases gradually into the mountains. On Day Two, after passing ancient rock paintings, a long, steep climb rewards you with endless views across the spectacular Hex River mountain wilderness. You may even find patches of lingering snow, depending on the season. A steep, technical descent with careful boulder hopping leads to the gem of the Hex — a remote, wild valley that feels worlds away.

Rest stop with a view. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

On the morning of Day Three, the rising sun paints the enormous sandstone walls above camp in deep red hues — an otherworldly sight straight from Tolkien’s Middle-earth. A cool shower under a high, slender waterfall leaves you refreshed and ready to continue the journey.

Early sunlight glows on the vast sandstone wall above camp. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

Reluctantly leaving this idyllic camp, the route descends through a shaded kloof filled with old indigenous trees, flowing streams, and hidden waterfalls — a complete contrast to the exposed mountain slopes above.

Hidden waterfalls deep in the kloof. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

Later, a surreal moment of contrast — a brief stop at a small local spaza shop for a cold drink — before crossing the N1 and tackling another long ascent. Thick fynbos gives way to the vast, open Klein Karoo. Looking back from the ridge, the full sweep of the Hex River Mountains stretches behind you — a rare and humbling perspective.

The high ridges of the Hex Mountains. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

The final night under the stars is spent beside a clear mountain stream overlooking the Nuy Valley. The next day’s descent includes a refreshing swim in a large farm dam before finishing at the beautiful Simonskloof camp — a welcome return to comfort and warm hospitality.

Heading toward Simonskloof. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

This stage of the Rim of Africa stands out for its wild, rugged beauty and the sense of deep wilderness that few trails can match. It’s a rare immersion into one of South Africa’s most untouched mountain environments.

Remote mountain wilderness. Photo credit: Fran Hunziker

A Note on the Difficulty of Rim of Africa

Hiking South Africa’s difficulty ratings use the Amatola Trail as a benchmark for 10/10. Most sections of the Rim of Africa are significantly more demanding and technical than Amatola. The Rim is not a marked “trail” but a mountain traverse, and should never be underestimated. Conditions vary from year to year, depending on weather, route choice, and vegetation density.

For more information or to join a guided expedition, visit rimofafrica.co.za.