Midland hilly savanna near the South African By Gossipguy – Wikimedia Commons

10 Most Beautiful Mountains to hike in South Africa


 

South Africa is defined by sheer natural beauty and so it probably comes as no surprise that some of the best ways to fully take in all of that are by setting out on foot! Indeed, some of the best hikes in South Africa are guaranteed to take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the country you’d otherwise not get to see

Hiking is one of the best ways to reconnect and appreciate the beauty of nature. South Africa has some of the finest hiking trails in the world, where the opportunities for adventure are endless.

Whether you prefer to hike along rivers or tread up mountains, South Africa has the best hiking trails for hikers of every fitness and skill level.

To help you discover the unparalleled natural beauty of South Africa, here’s a list of the Top 10 Hiking Trails in South Africa.

1. Lions Head

Located in Cape Town, Lions Head is popular with both tourists and locals alike. Generally, the walk takes about 90 minutes and is fairly manageable although there are a few chains and ladders that one might need to negotiate along the way, especially as one nears the steeper sections of the climb. the trail winds around the mountain, and you’ll have the unique opportunity to see every side of Cape Town from above.

The views of the city of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton. are spectacular, and well worth the walk. The Lion’s Head hiking trail is eight miles round-trip and takes about three to four hours to complete, depending on your pace

For something a bit different, walk the route during a full moon. It is best to start the walk during the early evening, watch the sunset and then walk back down in the moonlight. It is advisable to carry a torch, water and a light sweater with you as temperatures can drop. A bonus feature is that its free

2. The Cederberg mountains

Table Mountain mountain, Cederberg By Meganbeckett27 – Wikimedia Commons

These mountains are famed for their eerily beautiful rock formations and offer one of the best hikes in South Africa due to its sheer natural beauty.

The 15-km strenuous hike will lead you through some narrow passageways, just before taking you to the highlight of this hike – the majestic Wolfberg Arch.

The Wolfberg Arch is a wonderful place to camp for the night, though it must be mentioned that baboons are present in this area, and they can be downright hostile, though usually their actions are limited to just being rather loud noisemakers and pilfering unguarded supplies.

Be sure to get an early start on the ascent and descent, as you do not want to get caught in the brutal heat of mid-afternoon

3. Sani Pass

located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is known for its winding twists, hairpins, plunging drops, and mind-blowing scenery. Its roads are also considered among the highest in the country. The pass is often closed due to adverse weather conditions, especially during winter and opens at 0600 hours to 1800 hours.

4. Table Mountain

Table Mountain By Mattias Hill – Wikimedia Commons

Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town and now boasts the accolade of New 7 Wonders of Nature. Famous for the tablecloth of clouds that pours endlessly down its slopes when the south-easter blows, this is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a range of routes that vary from light strolls to rigorous hikes.

You decide whether you want to reach the summit and revel in spectacular views of the city or simply stroll along in the cool shade of indigenous forest – whichever you choose you won’t be disappointed. The ancient Afromontane Forest has a fairy charm as vines and canopies create a magical atmosphere. However please remember that it offers challenging climbs and sheer cliffs and cold weather

5. The Twelve Apostoles

Mountain Range forms the back of Table Mountain, where you’ll find one of the most scenic stretches of coast in the world. It runs roughly from Kloof Nek to Hout Bay Victoria Road runs along the entire length of the series of mountains. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the one side boasting magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles.

Each peak, however, has its own name: from north to south, they are Kloof, Fountain, Porcupine, Jubilee, Barrier, Valken, Kasteel, Postern, Wood, Spring, Slangolie, Corridor, Separation, Victoria, Grove, Llandudno Peak, Llandudno Corridor, and Hout Bay Corner. The Twelve Apostles are not as high as Table Mountain, but they are arguably more interesting.

6. Fish Hoek Mountains

Sesawangan ing Pasisir Fish Hoek, Cape Town By Notanotheramy – Wikimedia Commons

It has been frozen in time, hardly affected by the push for development that has altered much of the Cape’s coastline Whether you’re getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities. Beautiful view over fish hoek and surrounding areas.

Be prepared to get cuddled by salamanders who think they own the place . Easy to walk up. 40 min from the centre of fish hoek . All Trails has 11 scenic trails in the Fish Hoek area namely;

  • Elsie peak trail
  • Clovelly road to echo valley loop
  • Trappies kolp kal bay

 

7. Giant’s Castle

Giant’s Castle is a mountain located within the Drakensberg range in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It includes a grassy plateau nestled among the deep valleys of the southern end of the central Drakensberg. Together, the shape of the peaks and escarpment are thought to resemble a sleeping giant’s profile; hence, its name.

Giant’s Castle is best known for its nature reserve and the bushman rock art preserved at its main caves, and the game reserve is home of the eland as well as the bearded vulture and Cape vulture. The area is considered one of South Africa’s many adventure areas, and attracts hikers, nature enthusiasts, and other tourists. 

There are currently 14 recognized escarpment passes in the region

  • Corner Pass  around the Corner Pass (variation route on Corner Pass with alternative summit)
  • Judge Pass
  • Gypaetus Pass
  • Bannerman Pass
  • Thumb Pass

8. The Du Toitskloof Mountains (Dutoitsberge)

The a range in the Cape Fold Belt in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The highest point is Du Toits Peak (Dutoitspiek[3]) (1,995 m or 6,545 ft) which is the highest seaward facing peak in the Cape Fold Belt ranges.

9. Matroosberg

Matroosberg By Andresdewet – Wikimedia Commons

is a peak in the South African Hex River Mountains, which belong to the Cape Fold Belt. With a height of 2,247 m (7,372 ft)[2] above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the Cape Winelands District Municipality. The mountain is located in the Witzenberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape.

The mountain got its name because a rock formation below the summit is said to resemble a sailor next to his ship when viewed from the south.

Matroosberg is located around 35 km (22 mi) east of Ceres on the east side of the Ceres Valley. The closest town is De Doorns in the south, around eleven kilometers away. The private Matroosberg Nature Reserve is operated on the Erfdeel farm. From there, it is reachable to the summit by four-wheel drive. In winter, the mountain is often covered with snow with a small ski area on the north slope, which is the seat of the South African Ski Association

10. Thaba Putsoa

Thaba Putsoa is located in Lesotho. It has an elevation of 3062 meters above sea level. It is located at the following coordinates: (-29.7322, 27.9232)