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Published: 10.05.2021
Last Updated: 28.09.2021
Vast and incredibly diverse, the hiking trails that crisscross the continent of Africa are once in a lifetime experiences to complete.
With 54 countries and hundreds of formal routes to choose from, it’s tricky to know where to start.
When you think of Africa, the obvious stuff tends to jump to mind; safaris, dry heat and dusty deserts.
Africa is such a massive continent, with imposing mountain ranges, lush rivers and virtually uninhabited islands all yours for the taking.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker with decades of experience or you’re just dipping your walking boots into a brand new hobby, Africa really is the place to be.
For the widest range of different hiking trails, South Africa in particular is incredibly hard to beat.
With a broad range of abilities catered for, there are plenty of opportunities to encounter the fascinating wildlife and friendly locals whilst taking in some of the best scenery on the planet.
Some of the treks we’ve included here are easier than others, however all of them will require a fair level of fitness and preparation.
But whether you’re looking to get away from it all or set yourself a new challenge, there’s something for everyone.
If you crave a hike that’s varied and comes with the kind of panoramic views you’ve always dreamed of, then this one’s for you.
Mount Kenya is situated in the former Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya, now Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi counties, around 16.5 kilometres south of the equator.
It’s an extinct volcano with only one central vent. The main peaks are found almost in the middle with valleys and ridges that come out from the summits similar to the spokes of a wheel.
The trekking routes here trace the valleys up to the massif with hikers then ascending rock and scree to the glaciated summit of Lenana. Of the three main peaks, the two highest are extremely technical (Nelion and Batian).
Because of this, they are climbed much more rarely than the third (much easier) peak, Point Lenana. There are of course other trekking options in the area which also offer some particularly interesting rock climbs.
In terms of routes up the mountain, there are three main ones to choose from that are all very popular with tourists.
The first is Naro Moru to the West, then there’s Chogoria on the South East and finally Sirimon on the North West.
Most people take one route up before choosing a different route to go back. All three offer camps or huts and it generally takes around 5 days to get up to Point Lenana and back down again.
If you’re in the market for some routes that are a little less touristy, there are some much quieter ones to try: Timau on the North, Burguret on West, Meru on the North East, Kamweti to the South and Ithanguni on the East.
Think wild camping here though, with rangers doing the rounds due to high numbers of wild animals. It is much harder to find these routes however, and they don’t have any official park gates.
Accessing the mountain is relatively straight-forward, with the drive from Nairobi taking around four hours.
Most hikers use Chogoria town or Embu as their base on the east side and Naro Moru as their base on the west side.
This is a more challenging hike, best suited to those with experience of multi-day hikes in hotter climates.
Second only in size to the Grand Canyon in the US, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world.
Forming part of the state-run Ais-Ais Richtersveld Transfontier Park, the entrance to the Park can be found 10 kilometres from the famous view point Hell’s Bend at the Hobas Restcamp.
Over the summer months the Canyon is closed to hikers because of the ferocious heat. When open (during the months of April to September), the Fish River hike will take around to 4 to 5 days to finish, depending on fitness levels.
Descent into the Canyon is only permitted to hikers undertaking a guided trek, and day visitors are not allowed. This one is a toughy!
The starting point for the route is Palm Sulphur Springs, before heading on to Three Sisters, Von Trotha’s Grave and then finally back to Ai-Ais.
There are no overnight huts along the way, so everything you need for 4-5 days must be carried on your back.
There’s also no stopping points, showers or electricity – this is about cutting off from life and enjoying the African wilderness.
The iconic Rim of Africa is a hiking trail that takes place over several days, stretching from the magnificent Cederberg mountain range all the way to Outeniqua. This hike is particularly demanding, and is divided into 9 traverses.
Each traverse is anything from 7 to 10 days’ duration. Some of these days will be more challenging than others, particularly when walking older trails across rough rocks and through dense vegetation.
The weather can also be very changeable, with searing heat one day and pouring, cold rain the next. This one’s all about high level fitness and a thirst for adventure.
The Rim of Africa is best suited to hikers with plenty of experience of very long distance hiking behind them over mixed terrain.
You will also need to be fit enough to carry all your sustenance and equipment for the duration.
If you’re feeling really ambitious of course, there is the option to take on a combination of all nine traverses at once. Called the “Thru-Hike”, the total distance is more than 750 kilometres and takes around 58 days to complete.
It’s all about physical and mental stamina, a long-distance adventure that takes you through a huge variety of weather conditions and terrains.
If you’re a very seasoned hiker looking for something a bit different (and you have the time and flexibility to do it) the Thru-Hike really is worth it.
The great thing about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is there’s a broad range of routes to suit every hiker’s tastes and abilities.
The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira.
Towering almost 6,000 metres above sea level and approximately 4,900 metres above its plateau base, it’s a bucket-list experience not to be missed.
There are a number of routes to the summit and the one you go for will be largely dependent on the time you have available, your budget, your personal preferences and your experience level.
July to October on the mountain is when it’s at its busiest – it’s cooler and dryer than the months around Christmas but the nights can be very cold so be prepared.
You can tailor your climb on most routes to make your adventure slightly longer or shorter. Some people choose to make a very quick ascent to the summit by skipping the acclimatisation days but we strongly advise against this.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro there are seven routes to choose from.
The most common and touristy ones are the Marangu Route (nicknamed the Coca-Cola route thanks to the many hut along the way that sell it) and the Machame (or “Whiskey”) Route.
Both of these are good options if you’re looking for a mid-range challenge with a few creature comforts.
For those craving something more difficult and less crowded, there’s the Rongai Route, Shira Route, Umbwe Route, the Northern Circuit and the Lemosho Route.
This last route we particularly recommend if you want something very wild and natural.
There are also plenty of chances along the way to see some of Africa’s best loved wildlife, including tembo (elephant).
The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is a once-in-a-lifetime South African hike you’ll be talking about for years (in fact we think it’s one of the very best in the world).
For experienced hikers with a thirst for adventure, this one’s all about physical endurance, a strong mental attitude and a good sense of humour!
Detailed planning and excellent teamwork are also crucial.
Well known for its majestic beauty and remote location, the DGT begins at the Sentinel Car Park and ends at the Bushman’s Neck Border Post.
During the route you’ll summit Mont Aux Sources, Cleft Peak, Champagne Castle, Mafadi, Giant’s Castle and Thabana Ntlenyana.
Although the route across each of these points isn’t actually predefined, there have been a number of record attempts over the years to complete the trek in the fastest time.
But for most hikers, the reality is you’ll follow bends and river beds on the same route, making it somewhere between 220 kilometres and 240 kilometres long (minus any stop-offs of course).
As we mentioned this place is remote – wilderness in fact. You’ll spend a lot of time heading off cross-country and there are no shops or facilities along the way.
Although it’s not especially technical (think cattle trails, some easy river crossings and plenty of shrubland) it is very taxing in that you’ll need to carry absolutely everything you need with you.
This one’s very different to anywhere you’re likely to have hiked before. Baron and hot you’ll need to be especially fit and able to cope with hiking in high temperatures.
Found in the Afar region of northeastern Ethiopia, the Danakil Depression is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth.
Geographically close to the border of Djibouti and Eritrea, it’s intensely hot and dry all year round. At 125 metres below sea level, three tectonic plates meet here at the section known as the Afar Triple Junction.
When these giant plates move, fissures, lava lakes, hot springs and geysers are created.
The route kicks off in Mekele and then meanders east towards Erta Ale volcano. After that, you’ll come to Erta Ale, trekking on to Lake Afrera, then Dallol and finally back to Mekele.
Make no mistake here, this is maximum impact adventure travel! It’s baking hot, the terrain is rough and there’s more than a little danger involved.
By day you’ll hike the volcanos and salt flats, before sleeping out under a billion stars by night.
Note that at some points you’ll be escorted by armed guards and generally, when not hiking, you’ll travel in a convoy.
The Amathole Trail is another very popular and enjoyable but very challenging hike that’s not for the uninitiated.
Regarded as one of South Africa’s top hikes, the Amatola region is as diverse as it is beautiful. Situated in the Eastern Cape, this one’s very popular and can sometimes be a little crowded.
However, once you get going you’ll be greeted with rich indigenous rainforests, mountain fynbos, lush vegetation, streams, pools and waterfalls as far as you can see.
Generally, in one day, you can expect to cover between 16.5 and 19 kilometres depending on your speed, experience and agility. It also depends how many times you stop to soak up the scenery.
Come night time you’ll head to one of the wooden huts along the way, most with hot showers and toilets.
Bring all weather clothing though, as weather up in the mountains can be extremely changeable regardless of the time of year.
Some of the peaks reach over 2000 metres and are likely to be snow-capped.
Top tip: take extra pairs of socks as there are numerous river crossings
Officially the oldest and most iconic hiking trail in South Africa, the Otter trail traces the spectacular coastline between the Storms River mouth and Nature’s Valley.
Named after the clawless (and very shy) Cape Clawless Otter that swims the streams and estuaries of the South African coast, the trail was opened in 1968 and found on the “Garden Route”.
Again, it’s not massively technical or difficult, but if you’ve not been hitting the gym regularly enough you’re really going to feel it.
Permits are also incredibly hard get hold off and it’s not uncommon to need to book a year in advance. But the phenomenal array of scenery and wildlife make up for that.
Spread across 5-ish days, you’ll cover 45 kilometres of pure natural beauty, not to mention the chance to meet some very friendly locals.
This one isn’t about speed though, it’s about taking in the incredible environment around you.
Relax on the many beaches and coves with their crashing waves, enjoy the various bird, plant and animal life and take a dip in the rivers and streams you encounter along the way.
Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains standing at just over 4,167 metres.
Despite not being particularly technical, it does require strong mental as well as physical fitness.
Often referred to as Jbel Toubkal, it’s easily reachable from Marrakech and is surrounded by a network of trekking routes packed with lush valleys, mountain scenery and rural Berber communities.
Toubkal can be climbed all year round, although in winter time from November to May ice axes and crampons will be needed over 3000 metres due to settled snow.
One of the really attractive aspects of the mountain, in practical terms, is its easy accessibility.
All you really need is a good level of fitness, and a willingness to take it slow and steady as you acclimatise.
The local Berber communities that live in the remote villages are extremely hospitable and tourists are welcomed.
The trek will begin in Imlil which is your primary chance to acclimatise to the altitude.
From here, basecamp is reached after hiking for around five to six hours. Acclimatisation will continue here overnight before heading to the summit the next day.
It’s a well-trodden route of ancient Berber tracks that’s pretty easy to follow.
Having reached the summit, you’ll then head back down to basecamp for the night before going on to Imlil. If you’d rather just keep going, you can skip basecamp and hike directly back to Imlil.
The skies are typically very clear, offering incredible top-of-the-world views at every turn. Daytimes are often warm and sunny but at night it turns very cold.
The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia.
It’s also the biggest ‘green canyon’ due to its rich subtropical forests and deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon in the world.
At 26 kilometres in length, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the most visited attractions in South Africa, with an average depth of around 800 metres.
The Blyde River Canyon Reserve is located against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment, winding its way round with a series of spectacular views and sheer drops.
As you follow the trail you’ll reach various natural wonders including the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.
Many visitors coming to this area also combine a hike round the Blyde River Canyon with some wildlife spotting in the Kruger National Park – a stunning hiking experience that should be top of your bucket list!
If you love hiking, climbing, trekking and the mountains, you’re in the right place.
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