Discover south africa’s Best HIKING ROUTES with africamps
Some hikes challenge you to reach the summit, while others reward you with hidden waterfalls, ancient forests, dramatic coastlines or sweeping mountain views. From the rugged sandstone formations of the Cederberg and the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg to the indigenous forests of the Garden Route and the fynbos-covered mountains of the Cape Winelands, AfriCamps places you close to some of South Africa’s best hiking trails. Whether you’re planning a day hike, a weekend escape or a hiking holiday, return to the comfort of boutique glamping with a hot shower, indoor fireplace and private outdoor wood-fired hot tub after every adventure.
Hiking Map
AfriCamps | 
Hiking Trails & Reserves
Why Go Hiking at AfriCamps?
The best hiking getaways begin with the right base. Here are some of the best AfriCamps locations for a hiking getaway, each offering easy access to renowned hiking trails, spectacular mountain scenery and some of South Africa’s most rewarding hiking regions.
AFRICAMPS CHAMPAGNE VALLEY
DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL
Stay at the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains with direct access to the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. The Monk’s Cowl trailhead is just 2.3 km from AfriCamps Champagne Valley, placing some of the Central Drakensberg’s most iconic hiking trails within easy reach. Whether you’re exploring independently or joining a guided hike with a licensed guide, unforgettable mountain adventures start right on your doorstep.
Top hiking trails:
- The Sphinx (Monk’s Cowl – Maloti-Drakensberg Park)*: 5 km | Approximately 2-3 hours
- Hlathikulu Forest Trail (Monk’s Cowl – Maloti-Drakensberg Park)*: 9 km | 3 hours
- Champagne Castle (Monk’s Cowl – Maloti-Drakensberg Park)*: 38 km | Overnight hike
- Cathkin Peak (Monk’s Cowl – Maloti-Drakensberg Park)*: 28 km | 14 hours+
- Sterkhorn (Monk’s Cowl – Maloti-Drakensberg Park)*: Approximately 17 km | Approximately 8-10 hours
- Cathedral Peak (Maloti-Drakensberg Park.)*: 19 km | Approximately 9–10 hours
- Battle Cave (Injasuthi Nature Reserve)*: 11.4 km | Approximately 4–5 hours
- Tugela River Gorge (Royal Natal National Park)*: 11 km | Approximately 4 hours
- Giant’s Castle Main Caves (Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve)*: 5 km | Approximately 2 hours
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (March to May or September to November): Autumn generally offers cooler walking temperatures, clearer mountain views and less intense summer heat. Spring brings comfortable conditions and greener landscapes.
AFRICAMPS AT MILORHO
MAGALIESBERG, NORTH WEST
Situated within the UNESCO-listed Magaliesberg Biosphere, AfriCamps at Milorho is located on a property renowned for its spectacular hiking trails. Surrounded by one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, guests can explore scenic routes through rocky gorges, past waterfalls, and natural rock pools.
Top hiking trails:
- Brown Hiking Trail (on-site): 4.5 km | 2 hours
- Escape Route (on-site): 7 km | 3–4 hours
- Green Hiking Trail (on-site): 9 km | 4–5 hours
- Kloof Trail (Mountain Sanctuary Park)*: 10 km | Approximatley 4 hours
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (March to October): Autumn and winter usually bring cooler temperatures and drier conditions, making longer walks more comfortable. Winter mornings may be cold, but the days are often clear.
AFRICAMPS AT PAT BUSCH
ROBERTSON, WESTERN CAPE
Located in a private nature reserve at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, AfriCamps at Pat Busch is surrounded by fynbos-covered slopes and mountain landscapes with three rewarding hiking trails right on the property.
Top hiking trails:
- Middelrug Trail (on-site): 7.5 km | Approximately 5 hours
- Hermits Ridge Trail (on-site): 4 km | Approximately 3 hours
- Karin’s Trail (on-site): 4 km | Approximately 3 hours
- Rooikat Trail (Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve)*: 19 km | 8 hours
- Boesmanskloof Trail (Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve)*: 14 km (one-way to Die Galg) | 7–8 hours
- Heron Trail (Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve)*: 3 km | 1 hour
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (April to October): Cooler autumn and winter temperatures make walking more comfortable in the Robertson Valley. Winter rainfall refreshes the fynbos, while late winter and spring bring greener scenery and seasonal flowers.
AFRICAMPS AT INGWE
PLETTENBERG BAY, WESTERN CAPE
Located in the heart of the Garden Route, AfriCamps at Ingwe is an excellent base for hikers wanting to experience South Africa’s famous coastal trails. Explore the coastline at Robberg Nature Reserve, walk through the forests around Nature’s Valley or visit the Tsitsikamma section of Garden Route National Park.
Top hiking trails:
- Gap Circuit (Robberg Nature Reserve)*: 2.1 km | Approximately 30 minutes
- Witsand Circuit (Robberg Nature Reserve)*: 5.5 km | Approximately 2 hours
- Point Circuit (Robberg Nature Reserve)*: 9.2 km | Approximately 4 hours
- Salt River Mouth Trail (Nature’s Valley)*: 5 km | 2-3 hours
- Waterfall Trail (Tsitsikamma National Park)*: 6 km | 2–3 hours
- Kranshoek Trail (Garden Route National Park – Knysna Section)*: 9 km loop | Approximately 3–4 hours
- Perdekop Trail (Harkerville Forest)*: 9.5 km | Approximately 3–4 hours
- Otter Trail (Tsitsikamma National Park)*: 42 km | 5 days
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (Year-round): The Garden Route has relatively mild conditions throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly comfortable for longer routes, while cooler mornings are best for exposed coastal walks during summer. Rain can occur in any season, so hikers should carry a light waterproof layer.
AFRICAMPS AT OAKHURST
WILDERNESS, WESTERN CAPE
Surrounded by indigenous forest and close to Garden Route National Park, AfriCamps at Oakhurst offers easy access to some of the Garden Route’s best forest hikes, waterfalls and river trails.
Top hiking trails:
- Giant Kingfisher Trail (Garden Route National Park – Wilderness section)*: 7 km | 3–4 hours
- Half Collared Kingfisher Trail (Garden Route National Park – Wilderness section)*: 7 km | 3-4 hours
- Brown-hooded Kingfisher Trail (Garden Route National Park – Wilderness section)*: 5 km | 3 hours
- Bosduif Loop (Garden Route National Park – Wilderness section)*: 2 km loop | 1 hour
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (Year-round): Much of the route passes beneath a shaded forest canopy, which makes it manageable in different seasons. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, while the shade is especially welcome on warmer summer days. Rain can make sections slippery, so suitable footwear is important.
AFRICAMPS MAGOEBASKLOOF
MAGOEBASKLOOF, LIMPOPO
Explore the colourful gardens of AfriCamps Magoebaskloof on foot or follow the popular Swartbos Trail for elevated views over Tzaneen Dam. The region offers a diverse network of trails ranging from short scenic walks to challenging full-day hikes.
Top hiking trails:
- Swartbos Trail: 11.3 km | 3–4 hours
- Louis Changuion Hiking Trail*: 9.7 km | 3-4 hours
- Debengeni Falls Trail*: 4.3 km | 1-2 hours
- Iron Crown Summit (Wolkberg Wilderness)*: 9.5 km | Approximately 5–6 hours
Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply at selected hiking trails.
Best time for hiking (March to May and September to November): Autumn offers mild temperatures and often more settled walking conditions after the summer rains. Spring brings fresh growth and abundant flowers throughout the gardens.
AFRICAMPS AT DE PAKHUYS
CEDERBERG, WESTERN CAPE
Set in the heart of the Cederberg, AfriCamps at de Pakhuys offers direct access to one of South Africa’s most celebrated hiking regions. The area is renowned for its dramatic sandstone formations, ancient San rock art, spring wildflowers, and iconic hiking trails.
Top hiking trails:
- Waterfall Trail (on-site): 6 km | 2–3 hours
- Sylvains Trail (on-site): 30 minutes
- Heuningvlei Trail (on-site): 4–5 hours
- Die Plaat Trail (on-site): 2 hours
- Sevilla Rock Art Trail (Travellers Rest Farm)*: 5 km | Approximately 1-2 hours
- Pakhuisberg Day Hike (Cederberg Wilderness Area)*: 13 km | Approximately 4-6 hours
- Heuningvlei Jeep Track (Cederberg Wilderness Area)*: 11 km | Approximately 4-5 hours
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (April to October): The cooler months are generally more comfortable for hiking through the Cederberg’s exposed and rocky terrain. Visit in August and September for colourful spring wildflowers along the trails.
AFRICAMPS AT DOOLHOF
WELLINGTON, WESTERN CAPE
Nestled on the foothills of the Limietberg Mountains, AfriCamps at Doolhof combines vineyard scenery with mountain views. The surrounding area is popular for its nature reserves, mountain passes and scenic valley trails.
Top hiking trails:
- Blue Route/Warthog Loop (on-site): 7.5 km | 2–3 hours
- Mountain Trail (on-site): 13 km | 5–6 hours
- Welvanpas Trail (on-site): 13 km | 5–6 hours
- Happy Valley Trail (Limietberg Nature Reserve)*: 9 km | 6 hours
- Krom River Trail (Limietberg Nature Reserve)*: 7 km | 5 hours
- Rock Hopper Trail (Limietberg Nature Reserve)*: 7.5 km | 5 hours
- Bobbejaans River Waterfall (Limietberg Nature Reserve)*: 8 km return | Approximately 4–5 hours
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (March to May or August to November): Autumn offers cooler conditions after the heat of the Cape summer. Late winter and spring bring greener vineyards, flowing streams and fynbos flowers. Summer walks are still possible but are best started early.
AFRICAMPS AT STANFORD HILLS
STANFORD, WESTERN CAPE
Set on a boutique wine and protea farm on the foot of the Klein River Mountains, AfriCamps at Stanford Hills is an ideal base for scenic walks and gentle hikes through the Overberg. Venture a little further to discover mountain trails, ancient rock art and spectacular coastal scenery.
Top hiking trails:
- Three Peaks Challenge (Phillipskop Mountain Reserve)*: 8.5 km | 5–6 hours
- Haarkapper Hiking Trail (Phillipskop Mountain Reserve)*: 12.8 km | 5–6 hours
- Aasvoëlkop Summit Trail (Fernkloof Nature Reserve): 13 km | 5–6 hours
- Galpin Hut via Platberg (Fernkloof Nature Reserve): 15.4 km return | Approximately 6 hours
- Fernkloof Waterfall Trail (Fernkloof Nature Reserve): 2.3 km | Approximately 1 hour
- Walker Bay Dune Walk (Walker Bay Nature Reserve)*: 11 km | 3-4 hours
*Please note: Conservation fees or permits apply to all marked trails.
Best time for hiking (March to October): Cooler autumn, winter and spring temperatures make hiking more comfortable in the Overberg. Winter brings lush green landscapes and flowing streams, while spring adds colourful fynbos and wildflowers to many of the surrounding trails.
