Some views are instantly recognisable and Table Mountain towering over Cape Town is one such sight that most people are familiar with. If you love nature and walking holidays South Africa is one of the best countries to explore. The flat-topped Table Mountain has a whole ecosystem to itself, with more endemic species of plants than the whole of the United Kingdom.
Heading east, the rugged peaks and high plateaus of the Drakensberg (meaning Dragon’s Mountain) await, forming the backdrop for some of the country’s best hiking trails. You’ll spend several days on foot in the Drakensburg Mountains, taking in some of the most phenomenal views in South Africa.
As well as exploring dense forests, savannah and dramatic peaks, walking in South Africa also gives you the opportunity to see some of the country’s most revered wildlife. On a guided tour of Kruger National Park, go in search of big cats, elephants, rhinos and giraffes and learn about the behaviour of the amazing wildlife.
Walking in South Africa isn’t just about the game parks, you’ll also get to visit the traditional town of St Lucia, known for its large populations of hippo and crocodile. You might even see the odd hippo plodding through the town, which is quite a surreal experience. St Lucia Lake is the largest estuary in Africa and is a stomping ground for various species of birds and other wildlife.
Top 5 Wildlife Experiences on Walking Holidays South Africa
Game Drive in Kruger National Park: One of the most famous and oldest wildlife parks on earth, Kruger National Park was founded in 1898 by Paul Kruger, the South African president of the time. As you embark on a game drive through Kruger, you’ll have the opportunity to see awesome animals in their natural environment. With the likes of giraffe, hippo, lions and leopards occupying the plains, this is one of the greatest wildlife adventures you’ll ever experience. Setting off early in the morning will optimise your chances of spotting more game and watching the sun rise over the park is simply breath-taking.
Walk in Royal Natal National Park: Home to some of the most impressive mountain scenery in South Africa, Royal Natal National Park is a great place to explore on foot. Spanning an incredible 5km, the world-famous natural Amphitheatre is one of the most notable sights of the park alongside the Drakensberg escarpment which forms the border between Lesotho and Kwa-Zulu Natal. There are various hiking routes in the Royal Natal National Park with some leading you among ancient bushmen paintings and the incredibly beautiful Fairy Glen.
Hike to Tugela Falls: Laying claim to being the second tallest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls is a phenomenal sight that thunders down the rugged sides of the Drakensberg Mountains. You can begin the hike from Sentinel Gate and make your way along the side of the mountains. Look out for the endemic mountain baboon or the bearded vultures en route. Climbing up the ladders to the dizzying summit of Tugela Falls presents you with 360-degree panoramas of the Amphitheatre and the surrounding landscapes.
Walking in Malolotja Nature Reserve: Covering 18,000 hectares of mountain wilderness, Malolotja Nature Reserve is one of the most impressive natural parks in South Africa. The diverse ecosystem is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna which can be seen on one of the many walking trails through the reserve. An incredible 280 bird species as well as antelope can be found throughout Malolotja. To the east of the reserve is the Malolotja River which flows over several waterfalls, including the Malolotja Falls, the highest in Swaziland, before reaching the Nkomati River. From Malolotja Falls there are uninterrupted views over the valleys and gorges.
Game Walk at Letaba Ranch Game Reserve: Spanning 42,000 hectares and making up part of the Greater Kruger National Park, Letaba Ranch Game Reserve is home to buffalos, wild dogs and elephants as well as other species of wildlife. Along the Letaba River you might spot crocodiles and hippos sheltering in the water and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard may even make an appearance. A local guide will lead you to many of the best game viewing locations in the reserve as you track the movement of the animals.
Although I travelled from quite far away, (Vancouver Island, Canada), I was so very pleased at the kindness and friendly attitude of everyone in the group. I was the eldest in the group (73 years young), but had absolutely no trouble keeping up. I would say this trip is not for the feint of heart; even at the end of October/early November the days were quite hot (although the evening temps were perfect). We experienced no bugs and no rain throughout the week. Definitely expect long days and some arduous climbs as well as steep descents. Hiking poles were essential. It was occasionally windy and cool at each summit but I was able to hike in shorts all week. I’m quite used to climbing mountains and found this itinerary to be just perfect. The accommodation was basic but comfortable; the food was good but at times limited for me as a vegetarian. Breakfasts outside were fantastic and the triple-decker sandwiches that José made for us were to die for. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
Who would have thought (without this trip) that there could be such astonishingly lively, unspoiled and (for the most part) unfrequented mountain terrain – and such beautiful and varied walking – just a stone’s throw from the infamous high-rise resort of Benidorm?
Who would have thought (without this trip) that there could be such astonishingly lively, unspoiled and (for the most part) unfrequented mountain terrain – and such beautiful and varied walking – just a stone’s throw from the infamous high-rise resort of Benidorm?
