A Hiker's Guide to the Garden Route in South Africa

This trail is great for the elderly or families with young children. There are picnic facilities on the trail and wheelchair friendly walkways through the forest. The wilderness area is known for its amazing scenery, so make sure to visit the Map of Africa viewpoint, where the bends of the Kaaimans River create a silhouette resembling the African continent.

Duration: 1 hour
Rating: Easy
*Free

This trail along the beach starts at the Outeniqua Resort and offers unmatched coastal and bush views. Hikers should carry drinking water, as none is available along the trail. The small seaside town of Glentana is situated between George and Groot Brakriver, and is a popular holiday destination among locals—largely due to its pristine beach.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Rating: Easy/average
*Free

This circular route starts at the Millwood picnic spot and features include the remains of an old mining village and a waterfall, which is the perfect spot for taking a breather and having lunch. Hikers can leave their cars at Mother Holly’s Tea Room and visit the old gold mining museum before trekking off.

Duration: 2 hours
Rating: Moderate
*Entrance fee

The Dune Mole Rat Trail is an extremely sandy route that offers no shade, so remember to pack sunscreen and a hat. The trail, however, is wonderful for viewing fynbos and proteas up close and offer beautiful views of the Rondevlei and Swartvlei lakes.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Rating: Moderate
*Free

The circular Pass to Pass Trail has two starting points, the top of Montagu Pass or Outeniqua Pass, and can essentially be done in any direction. Hikers can, when following the 1.3 kilometers (0.8 mile) detour, view George and sometimes Victoria Bay (if the weather permits) and break for lunch at this spot.

Duration: 3 hours
Rating: Difficult
*Free

The starting point for the Elephant Trails is at the Diepwalle Forest Station and it offers three circular routes through the old Yellowwood forest. The water in the streams is drinkable so there’s no need to pack too much. The Knysna Elephant Park is a must-visit; the park was the first in the country to care for orphaned elephants.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Rating: Easy
*Entrance fee

If you’d like a hike with some whale watching added in, this trail is for you. The trail starts at the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and continues along the cliffs until ending at Dana Bay. Remember to take water and watch out for snakes in summer months—it’s wise to carry a walking stick.

Duration: 4 hours
Rating: Moderate
Permit: None

This two-day hiking trail offers the best of the Garden Route, all along the coastline. The best way to take on this hike is to start early, and as accommodation at Harkerville Hut is included, this isn’t difficult to do. The route includes many climbs and challenging points, so a moderate fitness level is required. Also, if you have a fear of heights this hike is not for you.

The five-day Otter Hiking Trail is the oldest official hiking trail in South Africa and also one of the most popular in the country. Needless to say, bookings should be made far in advance. The trail starts at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and continues through the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. Daily distances covered vary from 4.8 kilometers (2.9 miles)–13.8 kilometers (13.8 miles) and a moderate level of fitness is necessary.

This five-day slack-packing trail is a must for those wanting to get close to nature, and combines hiking and canoeing in some of the most awe-inspiring settings. The trail starts in Wilderness and ends at the Knysna Lagoon and includes a 16-kilometer (9.9-mile) beach stage. Hikers can look forward to spotting African Fish Eagles and Eagle Owls, among other birds, and there are many swimming opportunities along the route. The fact that luggage is transported to each accommodation option sets this hike in a class of its own.