Lizzy Williams walked the popular Otter Trail in South Africa. She is a high-class traveler who has published several travel guides, in particular, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Namibia.

The trail itself includes many picturesque beach and forest areas. The trek takes 5 days and guarantees a chic visiting experience, especially for all lovers of wildlife.

Cape

This is one of the best relaxing itineraries for the average traveler in South Africa. If you have no claims to extreme sports, you should definitely take a walk along the cape, which was named after the clawless otter. These pretty animals often appear along the trail, especially in the late afternoon, when they come to hunt for marine life. By the way, they thrive here, as they are in complete safety, under the reliable protection of the rangers of the Tsitsikamma Reserve.

Trail

The route starts from the mouth of the Storms and ends at the wild valley in the west of the starting point. In a straight line on the map, this is only 26 km, but in fact, the curves of the terrain turn them into 42, especially taking into account walking. This is a relatively flat section of the path, which in some places reaches 150 m above sea level.

It is worth considering that the association SANParks of the country’s parks closely monitors the condition and attendance of the trail. This is due to the great popularity, both among the local population and visitors. To reduce environmental damage from cruising pilgrims, the park management allows no more than 12 people to travel daily.

The degree of preparation implies the ability to walk at least 14 kilometers daily on dirt roads and wild trails. Such a rhythm is available to everyone in a normal physical condition, aged 12-65 years. The passage runs between several strongholds equipped with log cabins for overnight stays. They are equipped with beds with mattresses, firewood is brought in, and the lulling sound of the surf is a gift!

Attention: for the hike you will need a standard set of equipment, tents and bedding, supplies.

The hike consists of quite simple segments even for beginners. However, some sections pass through rough terrain with a large elevation difference. A special relish for the transition is given by 11 rivers that must be crossed by fording or by boat. In such places there are many large boulders and it is quite difficult to pass, but even with minimal training, a person will cope.

On the way, desert landscapes are accompanied, which are replaced by beaches with azure waves, rocks, forests and plains, painted with flowers. You can get acquainted with dozens of representatives of the local fauna, ranging from insects to dolphins.

When to go?

The trail is accessible all year round, but in spring and summer (April-October) it is covered with flowers, and you can swim along the way. It is important to know the tide schedule when hiking, as it is unwise to cross the river when it is overflowing.

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In South Africa, you can find a hiking trail for every taste. Here are deserts, wild places with an abundance of animals, sea coasts, mountains and flat massifs. However, in order to go on such an exciting adventure, it is worth having some information about them and their location.

Common routes:

• Otter trail. Not too difficult, but the most popular in the country. Passes along the coastline of the Tsitsikamma Park;

• Dolphin trail. Lightweight version for less effort. Here are guest houses with food, for more comfort, the backpack is transported by car while you walk;

• The Wild Coast. Here are more difficult and less saturated routes, but interesting for sufficiently prepared tourists. You can request comfortable conditions, up to the transportation of a backpack, but you need to do everything in advance. For lovers of Spartan conditions, there are huts scattered along the routes;

• Cedarberg or Dragon Mountains. These are two wild routes, where there is nothing prepared, except for the daredevil who decided to conquer them. Permission is required to enter here.

This is only a small part of the available directions, but it is worth considering that some may lie on private land. To verify this fact, check out the FootprintHikingClub data.

Good to know

Active Escapes – This company is a leader in organizing hiking tours along the coast of South Africa. They support any format, from hiring a support car to wild extreme travel.

ADI organizes mountain trips and trekking around the globe, including team building meetings as part of Peak Tims.

Berg Free is owned by Dave Sklanders, who organizes hikes along the most scenic routes of the Drakensberg. Usually deals with routes lasting within 1-5 days.

The Boksburg Travel Club is one of the organizations involved in travel arrangements. The activists gather to discuss key issues every first Wednesday of the new month.

Cape Nature is a trusted source for information about planned itineraries. They specialize in reserves, offer alternatives to conventional hiking.

Drifters operates as a tour operator that can organize bike tours, walking tours, and walks. The asset has a three-day option and 6 days on the road.

The All Ways company allows you to evaluate route options, as all relevant maps and many photos are loaded into it. Of the useful functions of the application, we highlight satellite images and an indication of the height above sea level.

Excelsior’s Wine Walk takes a different look at holidays and offers a tour of Cape Town’s finest vineyards. In addition to visiting wineries and tastings, you can walk along the mountain ranges.

Ezemvelo is an organization that oversees all protected areas from the coast to the Dragon Mountains. The organization’s website has a huge amount of information, as well as a whole list of routes. In addition, there are links to a number of tour operators.

The Walking Club provides accurate reports on the routes traveled, in addition, the club is actively involved in social life. The key points of his activity are the preservation of the environment and helping people to find harmony with nature.

Most of the contacts for communication are present on the websites of organizations. In addition, such as Garden Route Hiking Trails, contains data on many routes in cities and beyond.

HAA is an organization dedicated to the training of mountain guides. Located in Cape Town, but covers the entire region, especially large peaks. If necessary, provide information about other guides.

“Tourism and Trekking” can be found on the Internet, the site specializes in short one-day trips. Includes guided or speed variations for running. Each developed route includes a detailed description with distances.

The Info Hub similarly provides information about tour operators, as well as many itineraries for vacationers.

The Johannesburg Hiking Club, as the name implies, is busy with organizational issues in the field of tourism. Its representatives constantly take part in social life, independently organize educational events. The main message is environmental protection.

Komatiland Eco-Tourism is located in Nelspruit. As part of their activities, they offer 4X4 trips, cycling and walking passes. At the moment, the company has 8 daytime directions and 7 night ones.

Linx Africa – Trailsin Southern Africa is an excellent online resource that provides information to tourists in a convenient interactive way. You can view the entire map, area by area, and get information about popular routes in the selected area.

The South African Mountain Club is fully immersed in the provision of organizing services and accompaniment during hiking. A list of one-day hikes is offered and with increasing difficulty up to multi-day trips in remote mountainous areas.

MTO Forestry takes care of the protected area. An excellent direction along the coast, which has the infrastructure and everything you need to pass. The total length is 40-60 km (depending on the exact choice of trails).

Namaqua Silver Sands offers two coastal tour options. With full provision, it lasts 6 days, with independent – 5. This adventure is called Namaqua.

Num-num (Mpumalang) includes a 42 km trail that requires a 5-day hike. Here, forests of incredible beauty are full of animals and birds, so a meeting with representatives of the local fauna is inevitable. There are more than 1000 waterfalls on the square. Each overnight stay will be like in a camp, of which there are 5 on the route.

Ridgway Ramblers is an operator that not only demonstrates historical beauties, but also works outside the city. Serve clients of all ages and levels, in large teams and individuals.

National parks conduct management activities in the territory of the surrounding parks. They are aimed at preserving and displaying the flora, fauna, as well as the cultural heritage of the country.

Sandpiper Safaris is a trekking and safari based hotel near Mossel Bay. Guides work on the routes, there is all the necessary infrastructure.

Ecotrails are called Serendipity, which are located on the territory of the Tirklough farm. You can go on foot, on motorcycles or quad bikes, while overnight stays take place in equipped campsites.

SHAKAbarker Tours operates in a protected area. The organization of trails of various lengths, from a day hike to the 65-kilometer Emoeni, is in the asset.

In addition to a detailed description, information about the length, condition, complexity, as well as photographic materials is published. Like South African Hiking Trails, which includes a huge database of hundreds of trails.

SA AdventureTrails in the Hilton gathers people for hiking and cycling adventures. The site on the Internet has all the information on available events.

Spanafrican Adventures acts as the organizer of the hikes in the park. In addition to nature, you can admire rock art here. The company’s assets include the famous Giant’s Cup crossing, which lasts 5 days and includes 60 kilometers.

The Strandloper Hiking Trail stretches along the coast for 60 km. It usually takes 4 days to pass it, during which you have to overcome a vast stretch of sandy beaches. It starts from the mouth of the Kei and leads to the Gonubi.

Trail Guide South Africa contains an extensive knowledge base of local trails and their difficulty. Includes walking and cycling options, including those available through the app.

Cape Town is home to Trails of South Africa, a club with a wide range of hiking activities. Most of the variations will take 2-4 days, among them there are city trips and those associated with participation in social events.

Among the peaks that can be visited are Kilimanjaro, Table Mountain. Venture Forth International is a club combined with a mountaineering school. There are many accredited guides who will gladly take you to the mountains.

Wild Coast Holiday Reservations will guide you through unique places. All the best can be visited within the framework of hikes for 4-6 days. Parking lots are organized, there is the necessary infrastructure and equipment. Of the famous trails, the Hole can be noted, which will take 4-5 days.

WMA offers relaxation in comfortable conditions with service. From the rest, you can choose a format such as fishing or horseback riding, 4×4, rafting and much more.

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Not everyone knows South Africa as a place to organize ideal trips. However, there is stunning nature and reliefs, flora and fauna, as well as hundreds of different destinations. The degree of comfort is different, you can relax when a backpack with things will be transported between car parking lots, or you can go on a real adventure when you can rely only on yourself.

Forests, flowering plains, mountain ranges, deserts, seas, rivers, waterfalls and the majestic ocean – all this can be explored on foot!

15 day itinerary:

Day 1. Actually, the arrival in Johannesburg – the economic capital of South Africa. You will be picked up by a car and transferred to the hotel, where you can stay and spend the rest of the day at your own discretion. At your disposal will be a huge number of museums and places to comprehend the culture of the continent.

Day 2. A trip to the Soutpansberg Ridge, which is located in the wild on the territory of the Vhembe Reserve (included in the World Heritage Lists). Here, the prepared infrastructure and the hotel will allow you to take a breath after the trip.

Day 3. Actually, a visit to the ridge, which begins with a departure at 7 am. The climb leads through a luxurious forest to the ruins of Venda. Brunch back at the hotel, and then another walk to choose from a list of short routes available. Morning hike for 4 hours, afternoon hike for 3.

Day 4. This day is a visit to the world famous Kruger Park. Here you can get acquainted with the largest representatives of the fauna of South Africa, ranging from lions and cheetahs to ferocious elephants. Lunch will take place in the camp, after which another segment of the walk and return to the hotel.

Day 5. Kruger Park is so huge that one day won’t get rid of it, so today the group goes to its very heart. The journey takes place with a ranger through the region of the Olifants River. Breakfast at the camp, and before sunset there will be another off-road walk through the park, which will allow you to spend the Sun at a majestic sunset. Be careful, in the dark, their predators appear. Takes 3-4 hours, but there are many options for trips around the territory.

Day 6. On the sixth day, the trip goes through the thickets and forests of the park, where you can see hundreds of species of incredible birds and native animals. If the ranger learns that a herd of animals is passing near the route, he will be corrected to meet them.

Day 7. Trekking along the Bushpig trail, starting from 1535 above sea level. Leads through the forest, where there are unique local species of trees, fauna, and waterfalls. Stop at the camp for rest, after which return to the hotel for evening activities. The total distance of the hike is small – 8.5 kilometers, which takes 4 hours.

Day 8. This morning you will have breakfast on the way to Hazyview. This farming community is surrounded by orchards and incredible South African landscapes. Stop in the canyon of the Blyde River, after which visit Burka – a section of the river with powerful whirlpools. Next, the Window of God – you have never seen anything more epic, this is a natural object of rock formations and waterfalls. You can descend 51 meters into the gorge and walk along the hanging paths, exploring the surrounding splendor. 3 hours are allotted for this stage, during which about 8 km will have to be overcome.

Day 9. Next, the path runs through the former kingdom of Swaziland, which is now called Eswatini. This country has no access to the seas, but it has a rich history. The city of Kaapsehupe was chosen as a stop, famous for its artists and horses roaming the streets freely. The trail leads into the Barberton Valley past rocky ledges, from which point in clear weather you can see almost all of Mozambique. The city itself is also notable, as it is built in the Victorian style. In 2 hours of the hike you will have to overcome 4 km.

Day 10. Today waterfalls, in particular, Mayolomba and Malolotya. Observation platforms are equipped here, the views of which will forever remain in your heart. In 4 hours you have to overcome 12 kilometers, reaching the flat part with zebras and antelopes. Further return and rest.

Day 11. The trip today will be long, but with a couple of unique stops. The result is the Northern Drakensberg, whose peaks reach 3 kilometers in height. The “menu” includes rock paintings, waterfalls and the indescribable atmosphere of South Africa. On the way there will be KwaZulu-Natal, a city of pastoralists, where you can replenish supplies. The next historical point is the battlefield of Spioenkop, which is the threshold to the savannah in front of the Dragon Mountains. The distance is small, only 3.5 km, but it is saturated to the limit.

Day 12. Today is a guided trek through Royal Natal National Park. On the way, there is a waterfall in Mahai and many trails under the mountain ranges. The walk is quite long and is 19 km, which takes 6 hours. After that, you can relax in your room and go about your business.

Day 13. Naturally, 6 hours is not enough to comprehend even a small fraction of the beauties of Natal. Therefore, today the continuation, the trail will pass along its other part, the end point of which will be the Police Helmet. This formation is a natural form of rock ledges. The length is also 19 km and the time is 6 hours for everything about everything.

Day 14. Before leaving, we recommend visiting the Golden Gate National Park. The trail along Holcrans leads to impressive caves. Tonight will be the last opportunity this weekend to enjoy the views of South Africa and its inhabitants. It is supposed to cover 7 km in 2 hours.

Day 15. Departure for home begins with early packing, and a light breakfast will give you strength to start the return journey.

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This is a wilderness area of untouched beauty where the magnitude of the vista is breathtaking. The Drakensberg separates the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho from South Africa, hiking or trekking on the escarpment you see the best of both.  It was granted Cultural & Natural UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2000 for the unique environmental diversity & priceless legacy of Rock Art preserved in sandstone rock shelters which offer us a glimpse into the enigmatic lives & rituals the San people who once lived in these mountains.

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If you love overnight hiking trail, but don’t want to carry a heavy bag, try out one of our indulgent guided Garden Route slackpacking trails. We transfer your luggage between overnight stops, so all you need to do is carry a day bag, this smart option is available on the Whale Trail, Tsitsikamma Trail, Knysna Slackpacking trail and Sea & Summit tours. The hikes  are amazing, all trails are beautiful, no matter what you choose, the beautiful scenery and excellent Cape hiking will be a memorable experience. GoTrekking Africa, take care of all the logistics so you can just enjoy the beauty of this area.

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As Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro 5895m is a popular trekking mountain, there are various routes on the mountain and the trek (multi-day hike) to Uhuru the summit is normally completed in 6 or 7 days. All treks are fully porter supported, which means all you carry is a day pack of necessities while following your guide to the glaciers that crown Kilimanjaro.

Mt Kenya provides a greater choice of adventures. The highest trekking peak on the mountain is Pt Lenana- a respectable 4985m above sea level while the twin peaks of Mt Kenya are Nelion 5188m & Batian 5199m, accessible only by technical rock climbing. Fully portered options are available, but if it’s true a wilderness backpacking experience you’re after, then we’ll gladly guide you on a self sufficient Mt Kenya expedition.

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