The Best Trails in South Africa

42,700 trails

(284)
Photo of Lion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town) Photo of Woodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo of Cascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop - (Mahai, Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg)
  • near Higgovale, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.73mi
    Elevation +
    1266f
    TrailRank
    90| Rating 4.45
    Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town) Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town) Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

    Lion's Head! Named as such by the Dutch in the 17th century because the mountain resembles a Lion or Sphinx with signal hill being the body. It's an iconic trail and very likely the most walked day hike/trail in South Af...

    I did not find the wally cave but it was a beautiful hike
    Elodie Victor
    Wally’s cave was very cool, would recommend.
    Thomas Missault
    Lions head is a classic, everyone must do this hike at least once. The trail isn't too long or difficult and can be done...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Vredehoek, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.10mi
    Elevation +
    1158f
    TrailRank
    89| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town)

    A true icon overlooking Cape Town’s skyline, Woodstock Cave is a highly recommended and relatively easy hike accessible from Tafelberg Road. Carved out of Table Mountain Sandstone over the millennia, the 4-meter high, by...

    This is an easy but rewarding hike very close to Cape Town. A short drive up the road and you start the trail next to De...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Bonjaneni, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.85mi
    Elevation +
    1030f
    TrailRank
    88| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop - (Mahai, Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg) Photo ofCascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop - (Mahai, Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg) Photo ofCascades, Lookout Rock, and Tiger Falls Loop - (Mahai, Royal Natal NP - Drakensberg)

    This scenic loop is an easy option and suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, the surrounding forests, waterfalls, peaks and vistas are truly spectacular. The trail which starts and ends at the Mahai campsit...

    I did almost the same trial. I chenge at the end. One of the most beautiful places that I saw.
    Alejandro Aran
    This trail is so beautiful! It's not at all tough and there are so many waterfalls and forest sections. There is a sligh...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Wuppertal, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.04mi
    Elevation +
    2333f
    TrailRank
    87| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort)

    Recorded on Saturday 23.09.2023. Love it or hate it the Wolfberg Cracks and Arch have become one of the Cape’s more popular hiking attractions thanks to Instagram and other social media platforms. Each post seems to brin...

    We started at Sandrift camp where you can stay the night before which makes an early start easy. You can walk up to the ...
    Maxime Yates
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  • near Bakoven, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    7.68mi
    Elevation +
    4485f
    TrailRank
    87| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town). Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town). Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town).

    One of the many, many highlights of Table Mountain are the numerous routes and paths established over the centuries which hikers can pick and choose from. The almost endless permutations of potential routes to choose fro...

    This hike had some very steep sections that were slippery from rain the night before. It would have been much easier if ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Bishopscourt, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.14mi
    Elevation +
    3862f
    TrailRank
    86| Rating 4.89
    Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town) Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town) Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town)

    This one way variation of a Table Mountain climb starts at Kirstenbosch, after parking and entering the gardens (there may he an entrance fee depending on the route you take to the trailhead) it follows the signs up to s...

    The trail was awesome (from. my point of view), the first ascent it's a little step, but it has lots of steps and infras...
    Galguilu
    Long trail but will need an Uber from the other side
    Thomas Missault
    Skeleton Gorge through the forest is still my favourite route up Table Mountain 😊 This route down hurts the knees and f...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Molen Drift, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    9.98mi
    Elevation +
    2231f
    TrailRank
    85| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George) Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George) Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George)

    The Doringrivier Circular Trail in the Doringrivier Wilderness Area of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve has been on my personal to do list for quite some time and after finally attempting this trail I can conclude that it do...

    Entrance to this trail is unclear. We had to climb through an unmarked gate. It had rained recently so we had to walk th...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Forest Ranger, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
    Distance
    15.04mi
    Elevation +
    3999f
    TrailRank
    83| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofMarble Baths Trail with a detour to Battle Cave - (Injisuthi - Drakensberg) Photo ofMarble Baths Trail with a detour to Battle Cave - (Injisuthi - Drakensberg) Photo ofMarble Baths Trail with a detour to Battle Cave - (Injisuthi - Drakensberg)

    Important Information!!! Battle cave is securely fenced off with a locked gate. All previous gaps in the fence have been securely fixed. Entering the fenced off area illegally is a criminal offence. The rangers always fi...

    This was a very long day on the feet. The cave paintings were very interesting and the blue pools at the baths were beau...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kalkoond, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.18mi
    Elevation +
    3f
    TrailRank
    83| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town) Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town) Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town)

    This recording is a straightforward in and out beach hike through loose sand which we used as training for our group’s upcoming Fish River Canyon Hike. The trail starts at the Derdesteen Parking Lot just outside of Bloub...

    Very easy casual leg stretch, nothing to strenuous. Beautiful view of Table mountain. There are patches of sharp shells ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Pringle Bay, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.33mi
    Elevation +
    666f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay) Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay) Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay)

    Recording done on 09 Aug 2023. This trail is an easy loop in the Cape Hangklip or Betties Bay areas and can be competed by most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. The trail features Fynbos, Beach Walking and some st...

    This has been a favourite route of mine for years it is easy with very little uphill. The path follows the ocean for a l...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Sir Lowry's Pass, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    7.65mi
    Elevation +
    1207f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West) Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West) Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West)

    Please note that to hike this trail you will likely need to organize permission from various landowners as access is gated and locked. I’m unaware of the particulars as I joined another hiking group, but the exact detail...

    Gantouw pass was a very interesting hike. It was a long gradual uphill which wasn't too steep. There are a few unmarked ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Franschhoek, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.96mi
    Elevation +
    3009f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek) Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek) Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek)

    Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve at the top of the Franschhoek Pass is always a great day in the mountains no matter which trail you choose to do. On a clear day the views in all directions are truly spectacular. The fact th...

    Perdekop has such amazing views! It's quite a long trail but it's only steep for a short section and then it flattens ou...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Shoebury Heights, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.03mi
    Elevation +
    1857f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town)

    The Constantia Nek Trail is a good alternative to ascending Table Mountain’s back table via the commonly used Jeep track. The single-track footpath runs parallel to the road up past the Eagles Nest corner and on to meet ...

    The uphill in the beginning was quite long but the scenery from the top was beautiful. The forest section was my favouri...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Constantia Heights, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.44mi
    Elevation +
    1263f
    TrailRank
    81| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town) Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town) Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town)

    Did this short loop through a section of forest to take the dogs for a good leg stretch. The trail starts and ends at Cecelia Forest parking lot, if you are not able to find a parking in the main parking area try use Hoh...

    Very beautiful forest scenery and views over the suburbs when you get up high. There is a slight uphill section but it's...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Oude Raapkraal, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.37mi
    Elevation +
    1309f
    TrailRank
    81| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town) Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town) Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town)

    Silvermine East boasts a vast network of trails and paths leading to peaks, pools, caves, forests and more. This route was selected as a first day’s training route for its minimal altitude gain with a relatively long non...

    This was a very enjoyable walk around Silvermine Nature Reserve. The waterfall was flowing rapidly and the reserve was b...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Paternoster, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.61mi
    Elevation +
    233f
    TrailRank
    81| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster) Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster) Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster)

    This easy loop starts and ends at the Seekombuis restaurant in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. It is a good option for a walk when staying in Paternoster or somewhere close by on the West Coast. A short drive out on P...

    A very easy walk along the coast. Beautiful ocean views all along. The water is a bright blue at the bay and the trail h...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Brightwater, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    6.53mi
    Elevation +
    1358f
    TrailRank
    80| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town) Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town) Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town)

    Trail time: 3hrs and 30mins including stops. Nothing quite describes the "at end of the earth" feeling one gets when visiting Cape Point. If one considers a Southwest bearing, then in many regards this reserve really ...

    Cape point is amazing when it's good weather and the wind isn't blowing too strongly. The hike was straightforward and n...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Makhwelela, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.73mi
    Elevation +
    2333f
    TrailRank
    80| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofMushroom Rock, Ribbon Falls and Doreen Falls Loop - (Cathedral Peak NR - Drakensberg) Photo ofMushroom Rock, Ribbon Falls and Doreen Falls Loop - (Cathedral Peak NR - Drakensberg) Photo ofMushroom Rock, Ribbon Falls and Doreen Falls Loop - (Cathedral Peak NR - Drakensberg)

    This moderately challenging loop begins and ends at the parking lot near the Cathedral Peak Hotel Gate. It visits the interesting Mushroom rock which is an eroded sandstone feature which almost perfectly resembles a mush...

    This trail had some steep sections but on the whole it is not too waterfalls are some of the most beautiful anywhere. De...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Bonjaneni, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa)
    Distance
    10.68mi
    Elevation +
    4715f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofTugela Falls Overnight via the Chain Ladders – (Royal Natal NP – Drakensberg) Photo ofTugela Falls Overnight via the Chain Ladders – (Royal Natal NP – Drakensberg) Photo ofTugela Falls Overnight via the Chain Ladders – (Royal Natal NP – Drakensberg)

    Starting and ending at the Sentinel parking lot, this hike up the Chain Ladders to Tugela falls on top of the great Southern African escarpment must be one of South Africa’s most iconic trails. To arrive at the Sentinel ...

    This is an easy trail for the most part but the chain ladders are difficult if you are not comfortable with wind can be ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Gouna, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.73mi
    Elevation +
    686f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest) Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest) Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest)

    Starting and ending at grootdraai on Kom se pad in the Gouna region of the Knysna Forest. The trail starts with a descent down to a river and then followed by a sharp ascent of stairs thereafter the "hard" work for the d...

    Enjoyable forest trail
    Andre Eady
    Beautiful hike through the forest. Easy walk, well marked trail
    Maxime Yates
  • near Pringle Bay, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.16mi
    Elevation +
    1486f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay) Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay) Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay)

    Cape Hangklip climb is an easy to moderate route that has spectacular coastal views. The trail starts from a suburban road in Pringle Bay and follows the stream into the valley before ascending up to the summit. The trai...

    This trail is absolutely beautiful. The views over the sea with the surrounding mountains is really amazing. The path do...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Glen Reenen, Free State (South Africa)
    Distance
    6.26mi
    Elevation +
    2234f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofBrandwag Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine and Natural Pool Loop - (Golden Gate Highlands NP - Clarens, Free State) Photo ofBrandwag Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine and Natural Pool Loop - (Golden Gate Highlands NP - Clarens, Free State) Photo ofBrandwag Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine and Natural Pool Loop - (Golden Gate Highlands NP - Clarens, Free State)

    This trail at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State is a good option if you are pressed for time and want to see a few of the park’s main natural attractions which are near to the Glen Reenen Camp and the...

    Easy enough but the air is thinner than down at the coast!! Interesting scenery and the colour of the sun on the rocks i...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    9.01mi
    Elevation +
    3668f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch) Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch) Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch)

    The ever popular Panorama circuit in Jonkershoek done in reverse with a detour to the summit of Guardian Peak or Sterrekykerskop. This is one of the most scenic trails around with vistas starting as soon as one parks and...

    Always a nice trail, good breaks between steep sections. Expect a long day out. Loads of good picnic spots with awesome ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Paarl, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    6.83mi
    Elevation +
    1129f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl) Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl) Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl)

    Starting and ending at the Paarlberg main picnic site this trail mostly follows well established Jeep tracks through the nature reserve. The route initially winds up the Jeep track until a pay-point is reached this is wh...

    Incredibly beautiful and engaging 🙌
    Nikita Leys
    Very nice trail not difficult or technical at all, beautiful scenery and flowers. Hat and sunscreen essential in warmer ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.42mi
    Elevation +
    1168f
    TrailRank
    78| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofBanghoek Waterfall - (Kylemore/Stellenbosch) Photo ofBanghoek Waterfall - (Kylemore/Stellenbosch) Photo ofBanghoek Waterfall - (Kylemore/Stellenbosch)

    This short walk is an easy to nagivigate trail to the Banghoek Waterfall. The trail starts at a parking lot and follows jeep tracks through the level foreground to the slopes of the Drakenstein range. Thereafter a well d...

    Nice easy walk to a beautiful waterfall. Take care on the ropes near the falls.
    Maxime Yates

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