5 great places to slackpack in South Africa

• The Dolphin Trail

The Dolphin Trail gives hikers the opportunity of exploring the splendid Tsitsikamma Coast. Now with the added bonus of carrying minimal gear, the 17km trail has its origins at the Storms River Mouth in the picturesque Tsitsikamma National Park famous for its adjacent mountain range.

The trek takes three days to complete and has other stops at Misty Mountain Reserve on day two and Fernery on the last night. For more information visit this website.

• Wild Coast slackpacking

These unique trails meander through a selection of quaint boutique family oriented hotels and eco accommodation establishments. The full trek is 120 km long, however, this doesn’t mean it’s the only option as the trekking on the Wild Coast slackpacking route has been developed to accommodate other people’s fitness levels and experience.

The trail depending on which level you decide takes three to five days. Visit this website for more information.

• Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail, Tsitsikamma

This spellbinding trail takes trekkers on a 60km journey which roams in various ways and routes making it as diverse as it comes. This is also some of the most beautiful scenery you will see not only in the garden route but on the planet, making it a must for any nature enthusiasts.

This is a self-catering trail and hikers are expected to have their food ready and left at the Lottering Forestry station to be delivered to them each day. Just bear in mind there is a weight limit to the food items. Visit this website for more information.

• Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge – Slackpacking

Situated in the glorious Northern Drakensberg Mountain range are these scenic slackpacking trails which enable hikers to utilize the facilities of the Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge. This is beneficial for various reasons as trekking can be adapted according to the ability of the individual and the weather.

Certain mountain areas will experience poor weather during certain times of the year and these trails will enable the hiker to sit by the fire reading a good book instead of getting stuck in a snowstorm. Visit this website for more information.

• The Fynbos Trail

Venture through trails of flora on a discovery of the areas of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The trail is roughly 26km long; however, there are options for additional routes which is dependent on the hiker’s fitness.

Experience secret areas of enchanted forests, with a vast array of birdlife as well as towering waterfalls and blooming fynbos, the trail also have guides which add invaluable insight into the whole experience. Visit this website for more information.