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Hiking in South Africa

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This article is a travel topic.

There is a large number of hiking trails in South Africa with levels of difficulty, accecability and luxury to suit any taste.

To ensure that you have a safe, healthy and enjoyable hike, also see Wilderness backpacking and Packing for a week of hiking. You may also be able to find more detailed descriptions of each trail on WikiOutdoors

[edit] Short Walks

[edit] Trails

  • Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Gauteng (From the R21, take the Irine Rietvlei Dam offramp and follow the signs), ☎ +27 (0)12 345-2274, [10]. A little bit of Africa left in the hart of Gauteng R40 for day hikes and R80 for overnight hikes.  edit
  • Table Mountain, (Starting point is 1.5km past the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road). Always open, but you might want to start early enough to catch the last cable car down. Cape Town, 3km (all uphill), 1 to 3 hours, Platteklip Gorge to the Upper Cable Station. No fees are charged.  edit
  • Gecko Trail, Montagu, ☎ +27 (0)23 614-1895 (), [11]. Montagu, A wilderness hiking trail, starting at the Nuy Valley (near Worcester) and making its way through the Nuy River Gorge to Simonskloof (or vice versa). The route is 16 km and includes some serious ascents and descents. R25.  edit
  • Nuy River Gorge Kloofing, ☎ +27 (0)23 614-1895 (), [12]. Montagu, Oct-Apr. A one- or two-day kloofing (canyoneering) trip into a remote gorge including abseiling, boulder hopping, bivouacking and swimming. Meals and guiding included. R850.  edit
  • Devil's Hoek Valley. Royal Natal National Park, Starts next to the Tugela river at the car park near Thendele, 6km, 2 hours, easy walk. Some Bushman rock art along the way.  edit
  • Tugela Gorge Walk, [13]. Royal Natal National Park, The trail starts next to the Tugela river at the car park near Thendele, 23km return trip, 5 to 6 hours. A relatively easy walk except for the last 2km that required 3 river easy crossings and some boulder hopping. At the far point of the walk you will see spectacular view of the Amphitheatre, Sentinel and Tugela Falls.  edit

[edit] Kruger National Park

Prior booking is essential for all trails in the park.

Kruger Park Central Reservations, ☎ +27 (0)12 428-9111 (), [14].  edit

[edit] Wilderness Trails

All trails are 2 Days and 3 Nights, starting at 3:30PM. R2 350 per person, hut accommodation and meals are included.

[edit] Other

  • Olifants River Back Pack Trail, [15]. 42km, 4 Days, from Olifants to Letaba, no frills, no trace camping, no camps provided, sleep in your own tent out in the park with the wildlife. R10 560 for up to 8 people.  edit

[edit] Luxury trails

Designed for the not so fit or those who do not want to rough it.

On luxury trails you generally only have to carry a light daypack, you will sleep in luxury accommodation every night and all meals are prepared for you.

[edit] Trails for the disabled

  • Glenholme trail for disabled & blind persons, Glenholme Nature Reserve, ☎ +27 (0)031705-5448. Durban, Caters for wheelchairs and the blind with elevated walkway and guide rails and braille plaques.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Most of the larger stores have a basic outdoors section. Makro and Game might stock the items you need.

There are also a number of stores specializing in outdoors equipment and supplies. You will find anything from water purification tablets to hiking boots and sleeping bags at Camp World and Outdoor Warehouse.

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