Trails
Hennops Hiking Trail Guide
The Hennops Hiking Trail, just an hour from Johannesburg, offers a popular Gauteng day-hike with routes ranging from 2 to 10 km. The 5 km Zebra Trail, which includes the crossing, is the…
JHB Hiking: South African hiking magazine
Long Trails
Fish River Canyon Hike
The Fish River Canyon is a must-do hike in Namibia, but there are strict requirements and a narrow season that South African hikers need to know before planning their trip. The trail, which…
The Amphitheatre and Chain Ladders Hike: Sentinel Car Park to Tugela Falls
The hike to the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, beginning at Sentinel Car Park in the Drakensberg, is a daunting but rewarding route for experienced hikers. The day trip, about 12 km in…
JHB Hiking trail desk2 min read
Long Trails
Booking the Otter Trail
For many a South African hiker, booking the legendary Otter Trail can be a quest in itself—one fraught with waiting lists, cancellations, and fierce competition for hiking group permits.…
Safety
Tick Bite Fever After Hiking
If you spot a black scab and have a headache about a week after a hike, watch for other symptoms, and take them seriously. High fever and headache are two of the main signs you might have…
Waterfall Hikes Near Johannesburg
Cape Vultures of the Magaliesberg
Kloofing in the Magaliesberg
Hiking Boots vs Trail ShoesLatest
Safety
Lightning Safety for Hikers
Thunderstorms are common on the Highveld in summer, with the rainy season from October to March bringing substantial afternoon storms, especially from November to January. For hikers, one…
Safety2 min read
Trails
Suikerbosrand Hiking Trails Guide
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is close enough to Johannesburg for a day hike, but the choice is really between short loops, a longer day trail, and a multi-day hut trail.
Trails2 min read
Long Trails
Slackpacking vs Backpacking Explained
For South African hiker looking to experience a multi-day trail, deciding between carrying a heavy backpack and booking a slackpacking trail will shape the overall experience - and the…
Long Trails3 min read
Safety
Snakebite First Aid on Trails
If you're hiking in South Africa and someone in your group gets bitten by a snake, the first thing to do is get them to a hospital as quickly and safely as possible. The best hiker first…
Safety3 min read
Long Trails
Wolkberg Wilderness Hiking Guide
If you're looking for an unmarked, take-it-as-you-go hiking getaway in Limpopo, the Wolkberg Wilderness Area is a good bet. Located south west of Tzaneen, this protected area prioritises…
Long Trails2 min read
Safety
Heat Exhaustion While Hiking
Feeling dizzy and nauseous on a blazing hot hike is your body’s alarm that heat exhaustion is setting in. In this kind of extreme heat, your core temperature rises, but your mind stays…
Safety2 min read
Trails
All trailsTrails
Hennops Hiking Trail Guide
The Hennops Hiking Trail, just an hour from Johannesburg, offers a popular Gauteng day-hike with routes ranging from 2 to 10 km. The 5 km Zebra Trail, which includes the crossing, is the…
Trails
Waterfall Hikes Near Johannesburg
When you're looking for waterfall hikes in and around Johannesburg, you'll find several excellent options that can serve as idyllic destinations. These hikes typically include pools or…
Trails
Kloofing in the Magaliesberg
Day hikers looking to try kloofing in the Magaliesberg must know: these are not hiking-anywhere cliffside paths. The kloofs here are ecological reserves, controlled by the Mountain Club of…
Safety
All safetyTick Bite Fever After HikingIf you spot a black scab and have a headache about a week after a hike, watch for other symptoms, and take them…Lightning Safety for HikersThunderstorms are common on the Highveld in summer, with the rainy season from October to March bringing substantial…Snakebite First Aid on TrailsIf you're hiking in South Africa and someone in your group gets bitten by a snake, the first thing to do is get them to…Heat Exhaustion While HikingFeeling dizzy and nauseous on a blazing hot hike is your body’s alarm that heat exhaustion is setting in. In this kind…
Long Trails
All long trailsLong Trails
Amphitheatre Chain Ladders Hike
The hike to the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, beginning at Sentinel Car Park in the Drakensberg, is a daunting but rewarding route for experienced hikers. The day trip, about 12 km in…
Fish River Canyon Hike
The Fish River Canyon is a must-do hike in Namibia, but there are strict requirements and a narrow season…
Booking the Otter Trail
For many a South African hiker, booking the legendary Otter Trail can be a quest in itself—one fraught with…
Slackpacking vs Backpacking Explained
For South African hiker looking to experience a multi-day trail, deciding between carrying a heavy backpack…
Wild
All wildWild
Cape Vultures of the Magaliesberg
The striking silhouettes of Cape vultures Gyps coprotheres soaring high over the dramatic cliffs of the Magaliesberg Mountains captivate hikers. But these birds are more than just scenic…
Gear & Skills
All gear & skillsGear & Skills
Hiking Boots vs Trail Shoes
Deciding between hiking boots and trail shoes for South African terrain? Forget the ankle-support myth. The right choice depends on terrain, load, and fit – not just boot height.
Gear & Skills
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
When planning a winter hike in the Drakensberg, choosing the right sleeping bag is crucial. Simply buying by limit or extreme temperature rating, which many people do, is a trap that could…
Two decades of trail notes, camp-fire tales and photo pages from the hiking club website that once lived on this domain are kept in the archive.
Open the archiveFriends & partners
South African National ParksWilderness, heritage and most of the long trails in this magazine: sanparks.org.
WWFGlobal wildlife protection and conservation work: worldwildlife.org.Discover the world with National GeographicFor breathtaking stories about nature, travel and adventure, visit National Geographic, a world leader in inspiring people to care about the planet.
Explore more interestsIf you enjoy discovering new perspectives, see how online platforms evolve in different regions. One example is rsa-bet.co.za, a look at digital entertainment trends tailored to the South African market. For indoor thrills after the trail, Betum Casino offers a mobile live casino with real dealers in roulette, blackjack and baccarat.