As the weather starts warming up, it’s the perfect time to start planning a few days away from the city and into the mountains, forests and coastline.

From five-day coastal adventures to week-long mountain traverses, these are 15 multi-day hikes across South Africa worth taking time off for.

1. Oorlogskloof Trail

Northern Cape | 5 days / 4 nights

Set in the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve near Nieuwoudtville, this is a remote wilderness experience through dramatic kloofs, rugged mountains and the unique landscapes of the Northern Cape. Expect long days on the trail, rocky terrain and plenty of solitude.

Time to complete: 5 days

2. Outeniqua Trail

Western Cape | 7 days / 6 nights

Running through the Outeniqua Mountains between George and Harkerville, this is a week-long adventure through indigenous forests, fynbos, mountain passes and river valleys. It’s a great option if you want to properly disconnect and spend an entire week outdoors.

Time to complete: 7 days

3. Dolphin Trail

Eastern Cape | 3 days / 2 nights

A shorter multi-day adventure along the coastline around St Francis Bay. The Dolphin Trail combines coastal forest, beaches, fynbos and spectacular ocean views, making it a good introduction to multi-day hiking without committing to a full week.

Time to complete: 3 days

4. Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail

Limpopo | 3-5 days

One for the forest lovers. The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail takes you through indigenous forests, mountain streams, waterfalls and lush valleys in Limpopo’s Magoebaskloof region. The route can be adapted depending on how many days you have.

Time to complete: 3-5 days

5. Pondo Trail

Eastern Cape | 5 days / 4 nights

The Wild Coast at its best. The Pondo Trail takes you along some of the Eastern Cape’s most beautiful coastline, with long beaches, rivers, waterfalls, forests and rural landscapes along the way.

This is the kind of hike where the destination is almost secondary to the journey itself.

Time to complete: 5 days

6. Strandloper Trail

Western Cape | 5 days / 4 nights

Follow the coastline through beaches, dunes, rocky shores and fynbos on this spectacular West Coast adventure. The Strandloper Trail is all about slowing down, getting outside and experiencing a wilder side of the Western Cape.

Time to complete: 5 days

7. Whale Trail

Western Cape | 5 days / 4 nights

Located in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Whale Trail combines mountains, fynbos and dramatic coastline over five days. And if you visit during whale season, you could be treated to southern right whales passing along the coast.

Time to complete: 5 days

8. Drakensberg Grand Traverse

KwaZulu-Natal | Approximately 5-7 days

This one is for the experienced hikers. The Grand Traverse follows the Drakensberg escarpment across some of the country's most dramatic mountain terrain.

Unlike many of the trails on this list, it isn't a conventional, fully serviced hiking trail with a fixed itinerary. It’s a serious, self-supported undertaking that requires careful planning, navigation and experience.

Time to complete: Approximately 5-7 days, depending on route, conditions and pace.

9. Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail

Eastern Cape | 6 days / 5 nights

Around 60km through the spectacular Tsitsikamma landscape, this trail takes you through indigenous forests, fynbos, mountains, rivers and waterfalls.

Six days gives you plenty of time to properly immerse yourself in one of the Garden Route’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

Time to complete: 6 days

10. Otter Trail

Eastern Cape | 5 days / 4 nights

Possibly South Africa’s most famous multi-day hike. The Otter Trail follows approximately 42km of rugged coastline between Storms River Mouth and Nature’s Valley.

Expect beaches, indigenous forest, waterfalls, cliffs and river crossings — plus some seriously steep sections.

Time to complete: 5 days

Trail run: The famous Otter Trail Run takes place on the route, but running the trail outside the official event is not permitted.

11. Giant’s Cup Trail

KwaZulu-Natal | 5 days / 4 nights

A spectacular journey through the Southern Drakensberg, the Giant’s Cup Trail covers roughly 60km of mountain grasslands, valleys and streams, with huge views across the surrounding peaks.

It’s challenging enough to feel like an adventure while still being accessible to hikers with some multi-day experience.

Time to complete: 5 days

Trail run: The Giant’s Cup also has an organised trail-running event, making it possible to experience the route at running pace.

12. High Five Hiking Trail

Mpumalanga | 2-5 days

Located around Machadodorp, the High Five Hiking Trail is a flexible multi-day adventure through valleys, streams, waterfalls and mountain landscapes.

One of its biggest advantages is the flexibility: you can create a shorter weekend adventure or spend several days exploring the area.

Time to complete: 2-5 days

13. Wolkberg Wilderness

Limpopo | 2-3+ days

For hikers looking for something a little more remote, the Wolkberg Wilderness offers dramatic mountain scenery, indigenous forests, grasslands, valleys and waterfalls.

It’s less about ticking off a famous route and more about disappearing into the wilderness for a few days.

Time to complete: 2-3+ days, depending on your route and itinerary.

Trail run: The Wolkberg area also hosts the Wolkberg Trail Run, with distances ranging from shorter trail runs to serious mountain-running challenges.

14. Rustig Hiking Trail

Gauteng | 1-2 days

Just outside Johannesburg in the Magaliesburg, Rustig is an easy escape for anyone who wants mountain scenery without travelling across the country.

The various routes range from shorter hikes to longer, more challenging options. While it isn't a traditional multi-day wilderness trail, it works well as a hiking weekend and is a great way to prepare for longer adventures.

Time to complete: 1-2 days

15. Wolfberg Arch

Western Cape | 1 day

Deep in the Cederberg, the hike to Wolfberg Arch takes you through some of the region’s most spectacular sandstone formations.

The route involves a serious climb and rocky terrain before reaching the enormous natural arch, with incredible views across the Cederberg along the way.

Time to complete: 1 day

Worth noting: Wolfberg Arch isn't technically a multi-day hike, but we've included it because it's one of those South African hiking experiences that deserves a spot on the bucket list, and it's a good one to tackle before taking on a longer multi-day trail.

Before You Hit The Trail

A multi-day hiking is very different from a casual weekend walk.

We recommend hiking as a group rather than going alone. Always check the latest weather and trail conditions, tell someone where you'll be, carry enough water and food, and make sure everyone in your group is adequately prepared for the distance and difficulty of the trail.

Some of these routes are remote and involve steep terrain, river crossings and long days on your feet, so know your limits and prepare accordingly.

Now pick your trail, book the time off and get walking.