Only a few days ago we had some serious snowfall across South Africa, yet people are already venturing out in short sleeves. It’s evidence that, while temperatures may occasionally plummet to freezing point and rain may drown out all hopes of outdoor activities on some days, South Africa is blessed with a mild climate and the sun eventually appears to release us from our cabin fever. There’s no better way to replenish the soul and savour the crisp winter air than on a hike. Whether you prefer a strenuous work out or relaxed stroll, winter is often the best time for nature lovers to take advantage of hiking trails that aren’t accessible during the summer.
Klipspringer, Augrabies Falls National Park
Klipspringer is a tough 39,5km trail through the heart of the Augrabies Falls National Park. SANParks rates the trail “moderate difficult” and recommends it for fit and experienced hikers who can handle carrying their own supplies, including sleeping bags, torches, crockery, and cutlery. The 3-day hike has 2 overnight stays in rustic huts with no showers or electricity. The trail is only open from 1 April to 14 October as the summer temperatures are too high in this dry, arid region. Only 2 – 12 hikers may use the trail at a time, and bookings must be made in advance. Click here for more info.
Wellington Wine Walk, Cape Winelands
If you are more inclined to horizontal walks than vertical ones, the Wellington Wine Walk is a fully catered guided walk through the Winelands. Having lived here before, I can attest to Wellington’s absolute beauty! The 3 or 4-day trails meander through indigenous fynbos, vineyards, orchards, buchu fields, and olive groves of the Wellington valley – and while your luggage hitches its own ride, you can enjoy wine and food tastings as you stroll from one overnight accommodation to the next. Wellington is a pleasure to visit at any time of year, but the summer heat makes the walks unbearable. The walks therefore only operate from mid-March to the end of November.
Olifants River Back Packing Trail, Kruger National Park
The Olifants River Back Packing Trail is one of the 7 guided wilderness hiking trails in the Kruger National Park where you can experience the thrill of game viewing on foot. The 4-day trail is only open during the dry season, between April and October, and as it runs through Big 5 territory, hikers are accompanied by 2 armed rangers. Although moderate distances are covered each day, the 42km trail can get tough as the landscape is rocky, there is a significant range in daily temperatures, and hikers need to carry their own gear.
Wild Coast Walk, Wild Coast
The Wild Coast Walk is a 6-day slackpacking trail that meanders through some of the most unspoilt and picturesque sections of the Wild Coast shoreline, from Kob Inn to Chinsta. The trail can be walked by anyone who is reasonably fit and there are no serious challenges other than wading through the occasional river. You can forget about roughing it with overweight backpacks, flimsy sleeping mattresses, and a diet of packet soup. This luxury guided walk comes with luggage transfers, overnight hotel accommodation, as well as dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch served daily. The full trail is 85km long, but shorter packages are available. The best time to go is between March and October when the days are clear and cool, and the low rivers make for easy crossing.
Elands River Trail, Boland
Although the Elands River Trail can be hiked all year round, it is most popular in winter as you can follow the river without crossing it – which is great after the Cape downpours. Situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in Du Toitskloof, between Paarl and Worcester, the easy to moderate 7km out-and-back trail starts immediately after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot tunnel. The trail follows the river and rock pools, and at places ascends quite high to offer panoramic views over the valley.
What’s your favourite winter hiking trail?
Feature image supplied by Wellington Wine Walk
