menu facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube search chevron-down chevron-up
Be My Travel Muse
  • About
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Press
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
    • Archives
    • Best of BMTM
  • YouTube
  • Solo Female Travel
    • Bucket List
      • The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025
      • 31 BEST Places in the USA for Solo Female Travelers in 2025
      • 25 Unexpectedly Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
      • 25 Best Countries to Travel Alone for the First Time
      • 13 Perfect Weekend Trips for Solo Female Travelers in the USA
      • 10 Best Weekend Trips from Phoenix, Arizona
    • Resources
      • How to take the best travel selfies
      • 41 safety tips for solo female travelers
      • The ultimate solo female travel guide
      • Best group tours for solo female travelers
      • Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone
    • All solo female travel blogs
  • Be My Travel Muse
  • Tours
  • Destinations
    • USA
      • Hawaii
      • California
      • Nevada
      • Idaho
      • Arizona
      • Florida
      • Alaska
      • Utah
    • North America
      • Mexico
      • Costa Rica
      • Canada
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Philippines
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Aruba
      • Chile
      • The Galรกpagos
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
    • All Destinations
  • Trip Planning

12 Short Treks in South Africa (All Difficulties)

12/22/2024 by Laura Meyers 22 Comments

So, South Africa will be your next travel destination, and you’d like to do some short treks there? Then you will find exactly what you’re looking for in this guide!

Its mountains, forests, beaches, and deserts make South Africa one of the most diverse countries in Africa. It’s also a hiking lover’s paradise, with amazing trails throughout the country.

While there are plenty of long treks, there’s an abundance of short ones too. These are perfect if you’re short on time or don’t feel like hiking for a couple of consecutive days.

From the Drakensberg Mountains to Cape Town and Cederberg, here are the best short treks in South Africa. (The distances mentioned in this guide are for a round trip.)

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. Rainbow Gorge, Drakensberg Mountains (7 miles)
  • 2. Tugela Gorge, Drakensberg Mountains (8.7 miles)
  • 3. Sentinel Peak (Chain Ladders), Drakensberg Mountains (9.3 miles)
  • 4. Platteklip Gorge, Cape Town (3 miles)
  • 5. Lion’s Head, Cape Town (3.2 miles)
  • 6. Skeleton Gorge, Cape Town (8.8 miles)
  • 7. Cape of Good Hope Trail, Cape Town (3 miles)
  • 8. Leopardโ€™s Kloof, Harold Porter (1.9 miles)
  • 9. Lesodi Trail, Magoebaskloof Mountains (2.4 miles)
  • 10. Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg (15 miles, 1 or 2 days)
  • 11. Dolphin Trail, Tsitsikamma (10.5 miles, 2 days)
  • 12. Rhebok Trail, Golden Gate Highlands (19 miles, 2 days)
  • Map of the Best Short Treks in South Africa

1. Rainbow Gorge, Drakensberg Mountains (7 miles)

short treks south africa

The Drakensberg Mountains are home to some of the best hiking trails in the world, including Rainbow Gorge, one of the most popular and most scenic in the region.

This easy trek either starts at Didima Camp or Cathedral Peak Hotel (which makes it a little longer), and it will take you to the beautiful Rainbow Waterfall. (Depending on the sun’s position, sometimes a rainbow can be seen at the waterfall, hence its name.) On the way, you will be treated to mesmerizing views of the Drakensberg Range and Cathedral Peak.

All in all, if you’re looking for a short, 4โ€“5-hour trek without too much ascent, Rainbow Gorge is a great choice!

2. Tugela Gorge, Drakensberg Mountains (8.7 miles)

short treks south africa

Offering spectacular views of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls (the second-highest in the world), the Tugela Gorge hike is an impressive one.

The trail starts at Thendele Camp. It will take you through dense forests before joining the river and reaching Tugela Gorge. It takes 4โ€“5 hours to trek to the viewpoint of the falls and back. This is relatively easy, but you will ascend about 1475 feet.

If you would like to add some difficulty and make the experience a bit longer, you can do so by hiking further up Tugela Gorge. The path will take you to an even better view of the falls. It’s quite strenuous, though, as it will require you to climb up a chain ladder and steep gully.

3. Sentinel Peak (Chain Ladders), Drakensberg Mountains (9.3 miles)

short treks south africa

Also known as the Chain Ladders Hike, the Sentinel Peak Hike will take you to the top of Tugela Falls.  Although it’s not very difficult, it does require you to ascend 1492 feet and climb up ladders, thus the alternate name. So, if you’re afraid of heights, this might not be the best choice.

short treks south africa

If you’re up for an adventure, however, this is one of South Africa’s most unique treks. After the climb, you will be rewarded with some amazing mountainscapes. The view of the Amphitheatre and Tugela Gorge will surely mesmerize you!

4. Platteklip Gorge, Cape Town (3 miles)

Platteklip Gorge, one of the best short treks in South Africa

Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Africa. This city is surrounded by amazing hiking trails, of which Platteklip Gorge is one.

Although this popular trek might be short, it’s not the easiest, as you will ascend 2,132 feet over a length of just 1.5 miles.

The Platteklip Gorge Hike will take you to the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s most famous landmark. As this is the shortest way up, it’s quite steep, but the scenery along the way is beautiful. Most people take the cable car up, but hiking will be a more rewarding experience.

It all depends on your pace, but it should take around three hours to climb up the mountain, enjoy the landscapes, and head back down. I spent about an hour on top, as the view was truly breathtaking.

5. Lion’s Head, Cape Town (3.2 miles)

short treks south africa

Located in Table Mountain National Park, Lion’s Head is a peak that offers a 360ยฐ view of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, Camp’s Bay, and Cape Town.

The hike to Lion’s Head is only 1.6 miles one way. Keep in mind that there’s an elevation gain of 2,195 feet, though. It depends on your pace and fitness level, but it takes an average of 2โ€“3 hours to reach the top.

There are two routes: the Spiral Route, which is moderately easy, and the more adventurous Chains Route. While you will have to climb up some ladders during the Spiral Route, the Chains Route is steeper and will require you to climb up rocks using chains. So if you’re afraid of heights, the Spiral Route is the one for you.

6. Skeleton Gorge, Cape Town (8.8 miles)

short treks south africa

If you’re looking for a strenuous trail up Table Mountain, the Skeleton Gorge Hike is a great choice.

This trail can be found on the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It will take you to this mountain’s highest point, Maclear’s Beacon (3,563 ft above sea level). From here, you will have a spectacular view of Table Mountain and its surroundings.

During the trek, you will be surrounded by indigenous forests while you climb up rocky boulders and wooden ladders. You will ascend about 3,000 ft over a distance of 4.4 mi. This takes the average person 3 to 5 hours.

Make sure to have a high level of fitness if this is the hike you’re going for as it’s pretty challenging.

7. Cape of Good Hope Trail, Cape Town (3 miles)

Cape of Good Hope Trail, one of the best short treks in South Africa

If you would like to do a short hike that includes some of Cape of Good Hope’s best sights, this one is for you. It will take you to the Old Lighthouse, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, and Diaz Beach.

What makes this trek so nice are the amazing landscapes along the way. You will walk on boardwalks along cliffs before reaching Diaz Beach, one of Cape Town’s most beautiful.

This is an easy hike, but keep in mind that you will have to climb up some stairs to reach the Old Lighthouse.

8. Leopardโ€™s Kloof, Harold Porter (1.9 miles)

The Leopard’s Kloof Trail may be one of the shortest treks in South Africa, but it’s a very beautiful one!

This walk can be found in the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It will take you through forests, and you will pass some waterfalls along the way.

You will have to climb some ladders, and there’s a bit of an incline. Apart from that, this is a very easy hike. It’s good to know that once you get higher up the trail, you will be rewarded with a view of the sea.

9. Lesodi Trail, Magoebaskloof Mountains (2.4 miles)

Also called the Swartbos Trail, the Lesodi Trail is a moderately challenging, 2.4-mile loop in the Magoebaskloof Mountains in Limpopo Province.

This hike is perfect for nature lovers. It will take you through beautiful indigenous forests full of strangler fig trees. You will also have a chance to spot Samango monkeys and various bird species.

On average, the Lesodi Trail takes about two hours to finish. It all depends on your fitness level and pace, though.

10. Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, Cederberg (15 miles, 1 or 2 days)

short treks south africa

The Cederberg Wilderness Area is known for its unique landscapes full of dramatic rock formations. Although it’s just 110 miles from Cape Town, the scenery is completely different here.

There are plenty of hikes in the Cederberg, but the most beautiful area can be found around the Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks, two of the region’s most impressive formations.

For this eponymous trek, you will have to head to the Driekhoek Tourist Farm, where there’s a trail that leads to Gabriel’s Pass, the Wolfberg Arch, and the Wolfberg Cracks.

The route can be done in one or two days, depending on how much time you have. This area is one of the top stargazing spots in South Africa, so if you have the time, spending the night here will be an unforgettable experience (if the sky is clear).

Note that there’s an incline of 2441 feet one way, and that it’s 15 mi from the Driekhoek Tourist Farm to the Wolfberg Cracks and back. It can be a little challenging if you decide to do this in one day.

11. Dolphin Trail, Tsitsikamma (10.5 miles, 2 days)

short treks south africa

The Dolphin Trail is one of the most popular short treks in South Africa, and it’s easy to understand why.

It follows the coastline of the Indian Ocean from Tsitsikamma National Park Rest Camp to the mouth of the Storms River. This is a moderately difficult, two-day hike that passes natural fynbos and indigenous forests. If you’re visiting South Africa between July and November, you will have a chance to spot dolphins and whales on the sea.

A nice way to cool down during this trek is by swimming and bathing in some of the rock pools that you will pass.

All in all, the Dolphin Trail is one of South Africa’s best short hikes for beach and nature lovers.

12. Rhebok Trail, Golden Gate Highlands (19 miles, 2 days)

short treks south africa

Last but not least, a list featuring the best short treks in South Africa wouldn’t be complete without including the Rhebok Trail, one of the country’s most famous hikes.

This is a 19-mile, circular route that starts and ends at Glen Reenen Rest Camp in Golden Gate Highlands National Park close to the Lesotho border, famous for its amazing scenery and wildlife.

It takes two days to complete this moderately difficult hike, but the views of the mountains along the way are breathtaking as you pass rock pools and ravines. If you’re lucky, you might also spot zebras, wildebeest, vultures, and springbok.

Map of the Best Short Treks in South Africa

With hikes in the mountains, by the coast, and in forests, South Africa offers a lot of variation, with something to offer to any type of trekker. The country is full of natural beauty, and hiking is the perfect way to see some of the most gorgeous spots that you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise.

I hope that this guide full of short treks will inspire you and that you have found the ideal one for your trip to South Africa.

Happy hiking!

READ: 7 Essential Tips for First-Time Hikers

Get the guidebook for solo female travelers!

About Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers has been traveling solo since 2017. She's mostly drawn to lesser-known destinations where she loves to adventure and immerse herself in the local culture. In 2022, Laura exchanged her 9 to 5 for a life on the road and she's been traveling across Asia ever since. Apart from writing for Be My Travel Muse, Laura also shares her guides and itineraries on her blog, www.laurewanders.com.

« The Best Things to Do in Lombok: 10-day Itinerary
Where to Travel in the USA in February »

Hello There!

headshot

Welcome to Be My Travel Muse, one of the top female travel blogs in the world, welcoming over 5 million readers annually.

I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

Click here!

Get the Solo Female Travel Guidebook

Popular Posts

I am currently in:

The USA!

Check it out on Instagram Stories!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Ryan says

    02/11/2015 at 12:38 pm

    So beautiful, I need to see Africa soon, seems like it’s been getting a lot of attention lately and just looks incredible. And awesome glasses by the way. Glad to see you’re doing videos now!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/12/2015 at 6:20 am

      Thanks for watching. I wish they got more views but it’ll come in time and I need to learn patience!

      Reply
  2. Jo (The Blonde) says

    02/11/2015 at 8:48 pm

    These are amazing! The photos are simply stunning!

    Reply
  3. Renuka says

    02/12/2015 at 5:43 am

    The hike sounds amazing! And the views..ah! So gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/12/2015 at 6:18 am

      was just so beautiful!

      Reply
  4. Christine | The Traveloguer says

    02/12/2015 at 5:44 am

    Gorgeous photos Kristin. South Africa looks and sounds amazing. I’m glad you ended up travelling there. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/12/2015 at 6:22 am

      I’m glad to be here too.

      Reply
  5. Kristin says

    02/12/2015 at 6:22 am

    Thank you! It’s nothing I’m doing, it just is beautiful! I hope more people visit because it’s just stunning.

    Reply
  6. Kristin says

    02/13/2015 at 2:51 am

    It so is

    Reply
  7. Simone says

    02/23/2015 at 2:13 am

    I have to say that I’ve never had this massive desire to go to South Africa…that is until this post! I’m absolutely awestruck by your video and photos, just wow! Really enjoying your vlogs ๐Ÿ™‚ Love that you’ve got Hakuna Matata playing too! haha

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/23/2015 at 2:24 am

      That’s so wonderful, Simone! I hope you do come here and if so, let me know! I see myself spending a lot more time here in the coming years.

      Reply
  8. Chalsie says

    02/24/2015 at 4:26 am

    Holy crap! That is incredibly beautiful!!
    South Africa, you’re now on my travel list ๐Ÿ™‚

    Chalsie | The Workshop Co. x

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/24/2015 at 4:55 am

      Glad to read that!

      Reply
  9. Chris says

    09/21/2015 at 12:00 pm

    Nice trip report. It’s a lovely place. But I think the falls in your picture is eland falls. Tugela falls is about one km further once you climbed the chain ladders. Much much higher falls.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/21/2015 at 2:22 pm

      Nope, definitely Tugela. You had me wondering but the Lesotho horsemen and the locals I met who were returning for a third time had confirmed in Person. Then I looked up eland on images and I never actually saw that one. I went as high as one could go.

      Reply
  10. Dez says

    01/11/2017 at 9:56 pm

    I’m planning a backpacking trip across South Africa now and loving all of your tips and tools for reference! Very good, detailed writing!

    Reply
  11. Chris says

    07/29/2017 at 11:05 am

    I would definitely like to attempt one of these treks. Those chains do not look like they are for the faint at heart!

    Reply
  12. Gioko Pat says

    10/04/2017 at 10:46 am

    Even for short treks, these trails seem to be quite a mouthful, you know, the things that can make one say “I have been to Africa.” Nice information and pictures too.

    Reply
  13. Wendy says

    12/17/2017 at 7:46 am

    Hi Kristin! I’m wondering if you felt it was safe to leave your stuff in your car while you hiked? We have large backpacks and would like to just take day packs on hikes. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/18/2017 at 6:11 pm

      I mean in general it’s best not to leave anything of value at all in the car in South Africa, and if you must make sure it’s not showing. We were just out for a day hike so we didn’t leave anything in the car.

      Reply
  14. Archana Vallabhaneni says

    09/24/2018 at 3:09 am

    Hey Kristin,

    I am finally embarking on this roadtrip route myself after putting you and Callum up to it, 3 years ago ;). I would love to repeat the exact same itinerary that you did. Drive from JoBurg to Wodehouse Trail and start hiking right away. Spend the night around there and then drive to Sentinal the next morning to do the Amphitheater Hike.

    Now, I have been reading various resources and been seeing a bit of conflicting info. So would you answering a few of my questions so I can plan my days better please?

    1. How hard is Wodehouse Trail hike, considering one would have to drive nearly 4hrs to get to it first? Would you advice a beginner to attempt it or not?
    2. Same question as above about the Amphitheater Hike. This one especially reads to be quite difficult in different sources. How much of an altitude gain does it involve not counting the ladder climb?
    3. Are both these hikes easily accessible to do on my own? As simple as driving up to the trail head and beginning the walk? Do you have to pay any fee at any point? Any chances of getting lost without a guide?
    4. I am guessing you’d suggest to start the hikes early in the morning but would it be too terrible to do start midday?

    Thank you so much!
    Archana

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/24/2018 at 10:54 am

      Hey Archana!
      First of all thank you so much for introducing Callum and I! He was the best road trip buddy, honestly. It was so much fun.
      1) It’s so hard to say because hiking is subjective, but I don’t recall it being very long nor steep. I would say it’s moderate to easy, though it is uphill.
      2) It’s pretty flat up until the ladder climb. I think the ladders really freak out some people, which I get. That part is over quickly, though.
      3) They’re easy to follow trails. I think we maybe did pay a fee but it was small. I remember the road to Sentinel being pretty bad but it was under construction so it’s probably all paved now. If you can find a hiking buddy that’s always better of course.
      4) I did Wodehouse by midday and the other in the AM and it worked out well. Neither take all day.

      Have fun!

      Reply

Stay Connected

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Archives
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer

© 2025 · Be My Travel Muse. All Rights Reserved

footer-icon