Hiking adventures in South Africa

Walking and hiking are an absolutely essential way of getting truly in touch with a landscape, and the only real way to get yourself truly off the beaten track, and far from the crowds. It’s a wonderful way to really experience a destination, and this is as true in South Africa as it is anywhere.

And walking holidays in South Africa are about so much more than flat-topped mountains and beautiful beaches, even if you do have them in abundance. Whether you’re venturing on a hike along the old forest trails through beautiful gorges, or heading up on sky-walks to discover secret caves and lookout points, there’s always a characterful pub to rest your weary feet at the end of the day.

Hiking in South Africa represents a chance to see the things that most tourists don’t, incredible ravines and waterfalls far from the Cape Town city centre, hidden caves at the top of beautiful peaks, deep gorges that lead to incredible panoramic views you simply wouldn’t find without the help of a local.

A walking or hiking holiday in South Africa is about finding these hidden gems, these off the beaten track locations, and with a local guide, passionate about their home and the trails that wind through the hills, you’ll be sure to find the very best locations and the most thrilling walks.

You can relax and soak up the scenery, let go of worrying about directions or places to stay, and simply drink in the experience of exploration.

Where to experience walking holidays in South Africa

Head to the south coast and the stunning city of Cape Town, set dramatically against the misty, swirling Atlantic Ocean and the stunning saw-toothed mountains at its back, then get off the beaten track and trek into these mountains on the search for jaw-dropping trails that climb to some of the most beautiful views in the country.

Wherever you head for your walking holiday in South Africa, one thing is guaranteed, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

Who are our South African walking holiday guests?

Experienced hikers, people looking for a way to get in touch with the landscape, and those who just fancy getting out into the fresh air; absolutely anyone and everyone is welcome on our South Africa walking holidays.

Your guides will be experts in judging the lengths and difficulties of each hike, and the experience will be totally tailored to you, so that you can simply relax and enjoy the feeling of getting your legs pumping, filling your lungs with fresh, clean air, and discovering the hidden gems far from the tourist trail.

All you need to bring is lots of energy, a willingness to discover new things and a love for the outdoors. Sound like you?

Why choose Not In the Guidebooks?

We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

We’ve got local partners all across South Africa, from the wild coastlines of Cape Town in the south, all the way to the savannahs of the Kruger National Park in the north. Choosing a Not In The Guidebooks holiday in South Africa means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.