South Africa offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the country, luring travelers with its vast plains, rugged national parks and abundance of wild animals and beautiful shrubbery. The other southern countries of Swaziland and Mozambique feature some wonderfully unspoiled regions.
With its lakes, national parks and magnificent mountains, Kenya is another popular trekking spot amongst travelers. Although it has become increasingly popular with tour companies in recent years, it is still possible to find some remote areas of stark beauty. Many keen trekkers head straight to Kilimanjaro for an incredibly rewarding experience.
Tanzania boasts some stunning scenery and incredible rugged mountains. Trekking with Masai warriors through vast savannah and game parks, visitors can experience stunning primeval wilderness.
Namibia is a haven for trekkers with its national parks, natural hot springs, deserts and rugged natural scenery. Naukluft Park attracts experienced hikers to its challenging terrain and stark beauty.
Morocco boasts unspoiled scenery and abundant wildlife, and with high levels of snowfall in the winter months many travelers enjoy snow trekking and winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains are South Africa’s highest mountain range, and it is possible to trek for anywhere from one day to a week. Featuring dramatic scenery and an abundance of rock paintings, the mountains offer a cultural experience as well as a chance to explore some of Africa’s finest countryside.
Tsitsikama National Park, South Africa Within this beautiful national park, many visitors are attracted to the wonderful Otter Trail, leading from the Storms River mouth rest camp along to the Groot River in nature’s valley. Trekkers wind their way through deep ravines, indigenous forest and trickling streams, following the craggy Tsistsikamma coastline.
Southern Africa Many people come to southern Africa to take part in treks lasting a month or more. Travel through South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and more, and explore the Sossusvlei Namib Desert, the fabulous Victoria Falls and the rugged Blyde River Canyon. Trekking can be combined with visits to national parks, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Standing over 19,000 feet, Africa’s highest peak can be climbed in just a week, with no need for technical equipment. With its three volcanic cones, Kilimanjaro features a number of routes, none of them easy, featuring stunning and dramatic scenery ranging from rainforest and moorlands to alpine desert.
Mount Kenya, Kenya An extinct volcano, Mount Kenya is home to many tribes. Featuring uncultivated forest and dramatic overhanging rocks, it is one of the world’s most popular climbing spots. Although eroded by glaciers, the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Namib Naukluft Park, Namibia The rough terrain of Namib Naukluft Park attracts experienced hikers to enjoy practically undisturbed natural scenery. Extremely high temperatures in summer mean that hiking is limited to the time between early March and late October.
High Atlas Mountains, Morocco Making up part of North Africa’s greatest mountain range, the High Atlas range features peaks reaching over 13,000 feet. Novices and experienced climbers and trekkers alike can enjoy treks in the area, with winter sports available in the high elevations.
Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda Named Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains may be somewhat off the beaten track but they are well worth a visit. Six massifs are divided by cavernous gorges, and travelers can enjoy tropical rainforest, alpine meadows and snow. Lucky visitors may see forest elephants as well as a wealth of beautiful birds.
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia This vast plateau separated by deep valleys is home to animals such as Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves and Walia ibex, to mention just a few. One of Africa’s few spots where snow falls year round, these rugged mountains are scattered with villages.
Malawi From isolated tropical islands to the rugged landscape of Mount Mulanje, Malawi is a popular trekking spot amongst novices and experts alike. At 3,004m, Mount Mulanje is Central Africa’s highest peak. Kayaking out to Mumbo Island is another local attraction.