5 trails in South Africa for beginner hikers Posted by Jordyn Johnson on 27 March 2023 Hiking trails can range from easy to impossible (although this is coming from a reluctant hiker, so don’t take it at face value). As a new hiker, you want something easy to walk, not further than five kilometres, and that has a relatively low elevation. A good view is always a motivational factor, as well as your favourite snack. READ: 5 tips on how to survive, and even enjoy your first hike These five hiking trails have been tried and critiqued by yours truly, and I can confirm that they are all manageable for a new hiker. 1. Emeraldvale Brewery farm, Eastern Cape On the very edge of the wild coast, Emeraldvale Brewery has been plonked in between grassy hills and valleys. They offer several hiking and biking trails, but I suggest choosing the shortest trail. Everything is explained on a sign at the start of the hike, where you’ll pay your fee via the honesty box (so bring cash). Walk through cow pastures and small forests before finding yourself back at the brewery. The brewery itself serves big plates of hearty food, perfect for a post-hike lunch, and could trigger an old uncle to exclaim ‘magies vol, ogies toe.’ I’d also suggest you indulge in a beer tasting while you’re there, surrounded by that wild coast beauty. Cost: R20 Location: Chintsa, Amatola, Eastern Cape Length: 4.8 km Find out more: trailforks.com 2. Bontebok National Park, Western Cape Bontebok National Park offers several easy-to-moderate trails. If you’re leaning more toward an easy trail, pick the Aloe Hill Trail, which you will realise lives up to its name when you find yourself between forests of tall bright red aloes. The walk is flat for most of the way and takes you past mountain and river views. Pack a picnic basket and lie beneath the trees alongside the Breede River after your hike. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the bontebok roaming around the park. Cost: R50 or free with a WildCard Location: Bontebok National Park, Swellendam, Western Cape Length: 1.9 km Find out more: sanparks.org 3. Lotheni Nature Reserve, KwaZulu Natal The southern Drakensberg is superbly underrated and just as beautiful as the northern side. Jacobs Ladder Falls trail does include several river crossings, but the waterfall at the end of the trail makes it all worth it. Views of the Lotheni River and mighty mountains keep you company as you walk, and the elevation is stable for most of the hike. Pack a costume and towel if you feel the desire to jump into that fresh berg water, and save some of your snacks to eat in the company of the waterfall. Cost: R50 or free with a WildCard Location: Lotheni Nature Reserve, Lower Lotheni, KwaZulu Natal Length: 5 km Find out more: kznwildlife.com 4. Rosemary Hill Farm, Gauteng Picture: James Ainsworth Get out of the city buzz and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Rosemary Hill Farm. Their trails are laid out to give you a tour of the farm while you get those steps in, and the added man-made obstacles are still manageable for first-time hikers. You can even download their map from their website to mentally prepare yourself for your first hike. Bring your dogs along, and indulge in a farm-style breakfast and well-crafted cappuccino at their onsite restaurant as a reward for completing your hike. Cost: R45 Location: Rosemary Hill, Pretoria, Gauteng Length: 5 km Find out more: rosemaryhill.co.za 5. Battery Creek Falls, Mpumalanga This hike is for the more daring beginner hikers. It’s not particularly long, but the rocky sections can be a bit challenging when wet and slippery, and there is some scrambling involved. There are also some stream crossings, but it’s all worth it once you reach Battery Creek Falls. Stand beneath the 30-metre waterfall for that perfect Instagram shot or cold plunge into the natural pool below. It is helpful to walk with someone who is familiar with the trail or download the map beforehand, and it is not well-sign-posted in areas. You can also stop in the Kaapsehoop village, where they sell a map of all their trails. Cost: R30 Location: Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga Length: 5.8 km Find out more: alltrails.com Pictures: Jordyn Johnson Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured. TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter ALSO READ: The quiz that all adventurers need when planning their next holiday Related Posts Quiz: Are you a one-trip wonder or multiple-mini breaker? 1 June 2023 Take this quiz to find out whether you are a one-trip wonder, a multiple mini-breaker,... read more Running rampant in Stanford, the sleeping beauty of the Overberg 26 May 2023 Stanford invites you to do exactly what it has been doing while its neighbours frantically... read more Waterberg wanderlust: 5 reasons to visit the Waterberg 22 May 2023 PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
Quiz: Are you a one-trip wonder or multiple-mini breaker? 1 June 2023 Take this quiz to find out whether you are a one-trip wonder, a multiple mini-breaker,... read more
Running rampant in Stanford, the sleeping beauty of the Overberg 26 May 2023 Stanford invites you to do exactly what it has been doing while its neighbours frantically... read more
