Walking in The Cape
Explore the incredible flora and fauna South Africa has to offer and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Bontebok Self-drive Safari
12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
US$1,480 - US$2,040 per person
Storms River Restcamp
There are some great self-guided walking options at Storms River. Explore the dramatic coastal scenery, wander through forests on the lookout for tinkering waterfalls and a great variety of flora.
The Opstal
There are some stunning ecosystems to be seen at De Hoop Opstal, with few dangerous species around. Hiking trails lead through the rugged Potberg Mountains, coastal dunes, along sandy beaches and pristine rock pools.
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$3,850 - US$8,000 per person
Garden Lodge
For gentle walking in South Africa, Grootbos has some stunning flora to explore on foot, and offers guided walks to explore the reserve and coastal areas. Walk at Grootbos to learn about the fynbos ecosystem and explore the ancient Milkwood Forest.
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$3,110 - US$4,590 per person
The Opstal
There are some stunning ecosystems to be seen at De Hoop Opstal, with few dangerous species around. Hiking trails lead through the rugged Potberg Mountains, coastal dunes, along sandy beaches and pristine rock pools.
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$3,460 - US$4,460 per person
Canyon Lodge
Hiking at Canyon Lodge offers views across the plateau towards Fish River Canyon; in winter (Apr–Aug) the 'morning walk' covers 6km with a knowledgeable guide. For those after gentler walking in Namibia the “sunrise walk” (year-round) may appeal.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$14,450 - US$19,800 per person
Mountain Gorilla View
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
Best camps & lodges for Walking in South Africa
Forest Lodge
Grootbos is set in the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, the Cape Floral Kingdom, numbering approximately 9,000 species. Explore this unique flora on walks through the reserve or the coastal area, and don’t miss the fynbos ecosystem and ancient milkwood forests.
Garden Lodge
For gentle walking in South Africa, Grootbos has some stunning flora to explore on foot, and offers guided walks to explore the reserve and coastal areas. Walk at Grootbos to learn about the fynbos ecosystem and explore the ancient Milkwood Forest.
Augrabies Restcamp
The Augrabies Falls area is great for walking in South Africa. Take a leisurely stroll next to the gorge, or tackle one of the park’s self-guided nature walks; in some seasons it may be possible to take a self-catered 3 day hike in the gorge.
Karoo Lodge
For pure bush walking in South Africa, Samara Reserve offers a range of guided options including the chance to track cheetah and possibly rhino, and opportunities for spotting endangered species, like blue cranes and Cape mountain zebras.
The Opstal
There are some stunning ecosystems to be seen at De Hoop Opstal, with few dangerous species around. Hiking trails lead through the rugged Potberg Mountains, coastal dunes, along sandy beaches and pristine rock pools.
Bontebok National Park
Bontebok NP, on the Garden Route, makes a fantastic base for hiking or walking whilst on holiday in South Africa. There is some amazing flora to be found here, and great birds to be discovered on foot.
Storms River Restcamp
There are some great self-guided walking options at Storms River. Explore the dramatic coastal scenery, wander through forests on the lookout for tinkering waterfalls and a great variety of flora.
Walking elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking in other countries.
Botswana
The wildlife in Botswana is free to move across the country, which creates ample opportunity for ...
Kenya
Walking safaris in Kenya are a big part of its appeal, with the Mara Conservancies and Laikipia ...
Malawi
The options for walking on holiday in Malawi vary from gentle town strolls to more extensive nature ...
Namibia
Namibia offers some of Africa's best walking, from gentle wanders to challenging multi-day hikes ...
Rwanda
Walking in Rwanda is usually based around the spectacular gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park...
Seychelles
The sound of waves crashing on the shoreline, palm-fringed beaches and panoramic views over the ...
Tanzania
In Tanzania the walking is especially good in the area surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater, ranging ...
Zambia
With expertly trained guides and high concentrations of wildlife, Zambiais one of Africa's best ...
Zimbabwe
Take a walk on the wild side and explore Zimbabwe and its stunning scenery on foot. There are great ...
Where to see wildlife species in South Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,787 sightings from 3,365 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,116 sightings from 3,422 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,966 sightings from 4,364 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,422 sightings from 2,056 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,801 sightings from 4,428 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,910 sightings from 3,255 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,351 sightings from 4,289 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
261 sightings from 1,655 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,113 sightings from 4,504 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,284 sightings from 4,061 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
660 sightings from 2,199 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
525 sightings from 1,229 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
955 sightings from 3,005 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,668 sightings from 3,978 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,609 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
77 sightings from 3,583 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
48% SUCCESS
1,548 sightings from 3,207 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
92 sightings from 446 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,165 sightings from 4,953 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
533 sightings from 2,223 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
515 sightings from 2,235 observations
Other styles of holiday in South Africa
Discover all that South Africa has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.