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South Africa

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South Africa

Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa is a region characterized by its diverse geography, offering a wide range of natural features suitable for outdoor activities. Its landscapes include majestic mountains, expansive plains, lush forests, and extensive coastlines. This varied terrain provides a setting for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and more, making South Africa a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things to Do in South Africa

Outdoor activities in South Africa are extensive, with more than 4,000 routes available across…

208

Routes

4.7

(3028)

Average rating

69985

People visited

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Hiking in South AfricaSee all
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4.8

(147)

3,863

hikers

View of Camps Bay – Lion's Head summit loop from Table Mountain

8.42km

02:54

460m

460m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate
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4.9

(341)

3,470

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(3)

1,453

riders

47.8km

02:58

510m

510m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4.7

(6)

1,370

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(2)

483

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4.8

(32)

1,581

riders

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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4.5

(6)

513

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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5.0

(1)

444

riders

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
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Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
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Easy mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5.0

(2)

15

riders

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Top attractions in the region

Elephant's Eye Cave

Cave

Explore the region

Hiking in South Africa

Most popular attractions in South Africa

Places to see

Collections

Rhino Run 2022 – bikepacking in South Africa and Namibia

Mountain Biking Collection by

Max Riese

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Lesotho

Natural areas to explore nearby

Things to Do in Refúgio De Vida Silvestre Mata De Mussaíba

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in South Africa?

South Africa offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Mountaineering. The region features varied landscapes such as mountains, forests, coastlines, and plains. More than 4,500 routes are available across these sports. These routes have been explored by over 406,000 visitors, resulting in an average rating of 4.61 out of 5 stars.

What are the most popular hiking trails in South Africa?

South Africa features numerous popular hiking trails across its diverse landscapes. Notable areas include Table Mountain and Lion's Head in Cape Town, the Drakensberg Mountains, and the Garden Route, which hosts trails like the Otter Trail. Tsitsikamma National Park and De Hoop Nature Reserve also offer significant hiking opportunities. For more information, consult the Hiking in South Africa guide.

Are there easy hiking trails in South Africa?

Yes, South Africa provides many easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. Areas like the Cape Winelands offer gentle routes through vineyards, while some sections of national parks provide accessible paths. The komoot guide for Easy hikes in South Africa details specific routes.

Where can I find family-friendly hiking trails in South Africa?

Family-friendly hiking trails are available in various regions of South Africa, often featuring shorter distances and less challenging terrain. Many nature reserves and coastal areas offer suitable options for families. A dedicated komoot guide, Family-friendly hikes in South Africa, provides specific recommendations.

What are the best road cycling routes in South Africa?

Road cycling in South Africa is prominent, especially along the Cape Peninsula with routes like Chapman's Peak, and through the Cape Winelands with its scenic farm roads. The Garden Route also offers picturesque highways for road cyclists. The Road Cycling Routes in South Africa guide provides detailed information on these and other routes.

Are there mountain biking trails in South Africa?

South Africa offers numerous mountain biking trails, with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels. The Garden Route is a popular area for mountain biking, featuring trails through fynbos and forests. The komoot guide MTB Trails in South Africa lists many available routes.

What kind of touring cycling routes are available in South Africa?

Touring cycling routes in South Africa often traverse scenic areas like the Garden Route, the Cape Winelands, and the Wild Coast. These routes typically combine natural beauty with cultural experiences, passing through charming towns and vineyards. For more options, refer to the Cycling in South Africa guide.

Where can I find running trails in South Africa?

Running trails in South Africa are plentiful, often found within natural parks, along coastlines, or in urban green spaces. The diverse landscapes provide varied running experiences, from flat paths to challenging uphill sections. The Running Trails in South Africa guide offers specific routes for joggers.

What are some notable natural features for outdoor activities in South Africa?

South Africa is home to several iconic natural features that attract outdoor enthusiasts. These include Table Mountain, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Garden Route, Blyde River Canyon, and the Cape Winelands. Other significant areas are De Hoop Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma Forest, and the Wild Coast Region, all offering unique landscapes for various activities.

Are permits required for hiking in specific areas of South Africa?

Yes, permits are often required for hiking in certain protected areas and national parks in South Africa. For example, multi-day treks in the Drakensberg Mountains or trails like the Otter Trail typically necessitate advance booking and permits. It is advisable to check with the specific park or reserve authority before planning a trip.

Are there waterfall hikes in South Africa?

Yes, South Africa features several regions known for their waterfalls, offering opportunities for scenic hikes. The Sabie Waterfalls Route in Mpumalanga, west of Kruger National Park, is particularly noted for its concentration of beautiful waterfalls. The komoot guide Waterfall hikes in South Africa provides routes in these areas.

How can I contact South African Tourism for more information?

The official national marketing agency for South African tourism is South African Tourism. Their official website is www.southafrica.net. For general inquiries, the email address is info@southafrica.net. The main office number in Johannesburg is 011 895 3000, and a general international line is +27 83 123 6789.

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