Hiking in Eastern Cape

Walking and Hiking in the Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape boasts some of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa and takes you through a wide variety of magnificent terrain.

The Tsitsikamma coast in South Africa is exquisitely beautiful, boasting gorgeous terrain and the most popular hiking trails through lush forests, sandy beaches and misty mountains. The Otter Trail is probably the most popular of the Eastern Cape Hiking Trails and indeed in the country. Lush forests, rugged shorelines, mountain streams and waterfalls and fragrant fynbos make this an exceptional one. It is a rather strenuous hike with many ups and downs but an unforgettable one.

Did you know? Please remember to always carry some communication device with you so that you can be in contact with emergency services, family or the managers of the reserve in which you are hiking.

For a scenic trail but with fewer struggles and more luxury, try the Dolphin Trail. The Dolphin Trail passes through similar terrain to the Otter and joins up with it in places. Instead of staying in huts however, you will stay in fully catered guest houses with awesome views and great food. Your pack is transported to your next overnight spot by vehicle so that all you have to carry with you is your lunch, water, camera and swimsuit.

For Day trails, go on the scenic Blue Duiker in the Tsitsikamma National Park. It is approximately 4km's and will take roughly 3hrs to complete. You will see an abundance of birdlife and ancient trees along with magnificent coastline views.

Hogsback offers magnificent hiking trails that will give you the opportunity to witness the Madonna Falls, the Big Tree and the Swallow Tail Falls. These are day walks that will astound you with beauty and awesome wildlife. Bring along your swimsuit and swim through streams and under the beautiful waterfalls.

The Amatola Trail is one of the country's most celebrated hikes. It is 6 days and 100 kms of strenuous hiking from Maden Dam - 22kms from King Williams Town - to 3kms outside Hogsback. The trail passes through forests, mountain plateaux, river valleys and the Auckland Nature Reserve, where birdlife is plentiful. Bring your friends and family and go hiking through magnificent terrain.

The Wild Coast Walk is a 5-day, 64km moderate hike along the lower section of the magnificent Wild Coast from Mazeppa Bay in the Transkei to Haga Haga in the Eastern Cape, through sandy beaches, beautiful lagoons, estuaries and coastal forests. Hotels in the Eastern Cape are plentiful along the route and trail packages are available.

Bushbuck Day Walk in Port Elizabeth is 23.3 km long and is 2 night hiking trail. It is a one way hike but transport back is available. Accommodation will be in huts. You will experience picturesque scenery of indigenous forests, wild-life and coastlines. Port Elizabeth also offers numerous day hikes over mountain tops and through lush forests.

Zuurberg is absolutely stunning boasting misty mountains, waterfalls and streams, beautiful wild-life and lush forests. Zuurberg offers two hikes namely the Doringkloof Walk and the Zuurberg Walk. The Doringkloof hike is 11km long and should take about 4hrs to complete. The Zuurberg walk is 2.5 km long and will take roughly an hour to complete. Both hikes promise magnificent views.

The Eastern Cape has numerous magnificent hiking trails all promising picturesque scenery and unforgettable times with friends and family.