Moderate Hiking Trails Across South Africa

Posted on 15 December 2023 By Nomvelo Masango

South Africa is filled with breathtaking beauty. Sometimes, the best way to experience this beauty includes lacing up one’s boots and exploring certain parts on foot.

Source: Getty Images

Being a hiker’s paradise, South Africa offers plenty of different hikes to enjoy. If you’re keen for a moderate hike, here are a few to consider:

Rosemary Hill Farm, Gauteng

Escape the city buzz and enjoy the natural beauty of Rosemary Hill Farm and its surrounds. Their trails are laid out to give you a tour of the farm while you get those steps in. Moreover, the additional man-made obstacles are manageable even for beginners.

Hikers are welcome to bring their dogs along. Moreover, there is an on-site restaurant where you can reward yourself with a scrumptious farm-style breakfast afterwards.

Elephant’s Eye Cave

Although the hike at Elephant’s Eye Cave may be slightly challenging, it is not too difficult and thus perfect for those who prefer moderate hikes.

Leave your car in the car park at Silvermine’s reservoir and make your way on the signposted jeep track up the mountain. The trail is located near Noordhoek and it can get quite congested during summer time. As such, ensure that you arrive early if this trail tickles your fancy.

Lion’s Head, Western Cape

Looking down on Lion’s Head. Image credit: Alison Westwood.

Located in the heart of Cape Town, the popular Lion’s Head trail offers gorgeous aerial views of the Mother City.

You can enjoy a relatively easy to moderate hike which begins and ends at the same place. Whether sunny or cloudy, you can hike at pretty much any time, except in extreme weather conditions. Plus, it’s free! If you’re a fan of watching the sunset, this is the ideal hike for you.

Waterfall Bluff, Eastern Cape

Situated in the Goso Forest, 20 kilometers outside of Lusikisiki in the Transkei, one finds this amazing hiking trail.

Image credit: Trish Wheeler

There is the option of a one-day adventure to the iconic Waterfall Bluff where you will be guided by trained and experienced professionals. It is the perfect experience for a group of any size that does not have much time but wants to view incredible falls and enjoy an awesome day. Moderate fitness and a lust for adventure are necessary prerequisites.

Lotheni Nature Reserve, KwaZulu- Natal

The southern Drakensberg is superbly underrated and just as beautiful as the northern side. The Jacobs Ladder Falls trail includes several river crossings, but the waterfall at the end of the trail is actually the cherry on top.

As you hike, the stunning  views of the Lotheni River and mighty mountains keep you company. You can also pack a costume and a towel if you wish to jump into the fresh berg water. Additionally, enjoying snacks near the waterfall is also an excellent idea.

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ALSO READ: The quiz that all adventurers need when planning their next holiday




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