Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in South Africa
4.5 stars on(7,912 reviews)- Choose from 11 South Africa tours
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10 best Hiking & Trekking South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Active South Africa: Kruger Safari & Tugela Falls
- Drakensberg Walking Tour
- SOUTH AFRICA – Cape Town with Garden Route
- Cape Town - Garden Route Adventure Tour - 5 Days
- The Garden Route 10 Days
- Hiking Through South Africa & Eswatini
- South Africa: Walking & Wildlife
- South Africa Walking Adventure
- South Africa at Every Turn
- South Africa - Hiking the Highlights of the Cape Region and Garden Route
The dramatic Drakensberg Mountains await, with challenging chain ladders leading to Sentinel Peak and Tugela Falls viewpoint. Take your pick between an intense 948m waterfall hike or leisurely Gudu and Mahai Falls trails. Guided wilderness walks through Pridelands Conservancy near Kruger complete the adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Royal Natal National Park, Hoedspruit Age Range up to 90 year olds Distance 734 mi Operator G Adventures From
- US$2,999
The challenging trails stretch from Cowslip Falls to Castle Rocks, spanning 20km in the National Natal Park Grotto hike. The Devil's Staircase and Amphitheatre's chain ladders lead to breathtaking viewpoints of the 948m Tugela Falls.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Royal Natal National Park, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1019 mi Operator World Expeditions From
- US$2,790
South Africa's varied landscapes unfold from Table Mountain's cable car access points to Wilderness National Park's gorges. The scenic Chapman's Peak Drive routes and Tsitsikamma's coastal paths lead to thrilling sandboarding sessions at Jeffreys Bay.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Sedgefield, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 800 mi Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$3,290
Cape Town - Garden Route Adventure Tour - 5 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“My husband and I enjoyed the trip very much, thanks again for all the arrangements.”
Amy, traveled in November
South Africa's diverse terrains showcase forest trails in Tsitsikamma National Park and serene beach walks along Natures Valley's pristine coastline. Ancient yellowwood forests and unique fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom await your footsteps.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Mossel Bay, George Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 352 mi Operator Explore South Africa From
- US$750
The Garden Route 10 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour was flawless from the airport connections to the backpackers lodges. This trip to South Africa was a trip of a lifetime.”
Brian, traveled in December
The dramatic Cape St. Blaize Trail rises above Mossel Bay's Indian Ocean cliffs. Coastal paths wind through Tsitsikamma National Park, while a 2km trail in Wilderness National Park reveals pristine waterfalls and rock pools. Table Mountain and Cape Agulhas offer additional walking routes.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Mossel Bay Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 939 mi Operator Encounters Travel From
- US$1,190
The 200km Ukhahlamba Drakensberg range and Wild Coast trails showcase South Africa's finest hiking. The 16km Thukela waterfall route, Sentinel Peak's chain ladders, and 9km Blyde River Canyon loop challenge serious hiking enthusiasts.
Duration 15 days Destinations Johannesburg, Graskop, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini, St Lucia, Dundee, Royal Natal National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park Age Range 18 to 75 year olds Distance 1029 mi Operator Local Safaris From
- US$3,200
South Africa: Walking & Wildlife
31 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great holiday with a mixture of walking and wildlife. We had a pretty mixed group and just about everybody enjoyed the experience.”
Stuart, traveled in May
Royal Natal National Park presents demanding hikes including Tugela Gorge and the chain ladder ascent to the Amphitheatre at 9,515ft. Leopard and Kadishi-Tufa trails at Blyde River Canyon showcase dramatic views and waterfalls.
Duration 15 days Destinations Johannesburg, Graskop, Belfast, Kruger National Park, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mbabane, St Lucia, Royal Natal National Park, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1270 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $4,348
5% Off- US$4,125You save $223
South Africa Walking Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Blown away by the diverse range of wildlife including the Big 5, lovely landscapes, interesting culture and history.”
G, traveled in July
South Africa's premier hiking destinations range from Blyde River Canyon's rim trails to the Drakensberg's challenging peaks. The Amphitheatre's chain ladders, Tugela Gorge, and eSwatini's Malalotja Nature Reserve offer elevation gains up to 859m.
Duration 14 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Hluhluwe, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 999 mi Operator World Expeditions From $2,610
4% Off- US$2,510You save $100
South Africa's premier hiking destinations stretch from Drakensberg's challenging peaks to coastal trails in Tsitsikamma National Park. Guided treks at Pinnacle Point and Table Mountain's famous routes create unforgettable memories.
Duration 20 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Eswatini, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Durban, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Plettenberg BaySee all destinations Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 2051 mi Operator Gebeco From
4% Off- US$5,661
Notable hiking routes include Table Mountain's Skeleton Gorge and Robberg Nature Reserve's coastal paths. Limietberg Nature Reserve tests your endurance before Hermanus's cliff-top trails unfold. German-speaking expert guides ensure safe navigation.
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus, Table Mountain, Skeleton Gorge Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 591 mi Operator DERTOUR From
4% Off- US$3,961
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in South Africa
What are the best hiking trails and difficulty levels available in South Africa?
South Africa's hiking trails span from gentle walks to demanding mountain ascents. The Drakensberg Mountains feature more challenging routes like the Amphitheatre hike which includes chain ladders and a 789m elevation gain. For easier options the Garden Route presents coastal paths through Wilderness National Park. Blyde River Canyon offers middle-ground hikes lasting 3-4 hours with 331m elevation changes. Royal Natal National Park includes both relaxed nature walks and full-day expeditions. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The highlight being the fabulous hiking including an ascent of the Amphitheatre. This trip offers much beyond a classic safari."
What type of accommodation can I expect on multi-day hiking tours in South Africa?
South African hiking tours provide varied sleeping arrangements from established lodges to wilderness camps. The Drakensberg area features properties like The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa and Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge positioned for mountain views. Kruger region trails combine bush camping experiences with safari lodge stays. Along the coast hikers can expect places like Cape St Francis Resort overlooking the ocean. As one TourRadar guest shared: "The diverse range of accommodations from comfortable lodges to bush camping under starlit skies added to the authentic African experience."
When is the best time of year for hiking in South Africa's different regions?
Each South African region has its prime hiking season. The Drakensberg area works best from March to June with clear skies and mild temperatures. Garden Route trails remain accessible year-round though September through November brings spring blooms and pleasant weather. For Kruger area walks May to September (the dry season) offers cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing chances. A past visitor noted: "Visiting in July provided perfect hiking conditions in the Drakensberg - clear skies and comfortable temperatures for tackling the challenging trails."
What wildlife might I encounter during hiking tours in South Africa?
The trails across South Africa offer regular wildlife sightings. Drakensberg hikers often spot eland antelope bearded vultures and numerous bird species. In the Kruger region guided walks provide safe viewing distances of the Big Five (lion leopard elephant rhino buffalo). The Garden Route's coastal paths present opportunities to view dolphins seasonal whales and sea life. One TourRadar guest reported: "The combination of hiking and wildlife viewing was incredible - from spotting rare bearded vultures in the Drakensberg to watching elephants while hiking in the Kruger area."
Are guided or self-guided hikes recommended in South Africa?
Safety and educational value make guided hikes the recommended choice in South Africa particularly in wildlife zones and challenging areas. Guides provide essential wildlife safety information local insights and emergency assistance. The Drakensberg requires local guides for navigation and weather assessment. Areas like the Wild Coast and Kruger only permit guided walks. A TourRadar participant observed: "Our guide's expertise was invaluable especially in the Drakensberg where weather conditions can change rapidly and their knowledge of local flora and fauna greatly enhanced the experience."
What are the typical group sizes for guided hiking tours in South Africa?
South African hiking tours typically keep numbers between 8-12 participants to ensure quality experiences and environmental consideration. Higher-end Drakensberg tours often cap at 8 people. Combined safari-hiking experiences may include up to 16 participants. Technical routes like the Amphitheatre climb maintain groups of 6-8 for safety purposes. According to one hiker: "Our small group of 8 was perfect for the challenging Drakensberg hikes allowing for individual attention from our guide while maintaining a social atmosphere."
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