by The best hiking trails in winter? Yes, you read correctly. Hiking during the winter season in South Africa is believe it or not, the most enjoyable time to take to the mountains, due to South Africa’s hot summer climate.
With the country’s mild winter sunshine who wouldn’t prefer going on a hike, besides, when summer arrives, you won’t have to work off the winter weight.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a newbie, the blazing sun would be the least of your concerns.
Although everyone may have their own preferred or favourite trails, here are three trails that I feel falls into MUST experience category.
Check out the top three winter hiking trails
Hike the Zululand Safari
Go on a Safari hike at the Zululand Rhino Reserve, situated in Mkuze, and count yourself lucky to see members of the Big five up close and personal.
Zululand Rhino Reserve lies within the Msunduzi valley in northern Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal, where the area falls under the Mkuze Valley Lowveld.
The hike will be observed by an experienced guide who will take you to have an experience of a lifetime with the wild.
Hikers will get to hike through the bush to see cheetahs, hippos, and hyenas, but hiking from lodge to lodge to explore a different section of the park every day, is also on the cards.
You can choose however long you want to be a child of the bush by choosing hiking days from 1-3 days.
If you prefer to dodge the summer heat then this hike is perfect especially since experts regard wildlife viewing in winter as the best time.
De Hoop Whale trail
The De hoop Whale trail runs through the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp and is a nature reserve of the Western Cape.
This nature reserve is situated in the Overberg region and is definitely a glorious hiking route to explore.The trail passes through fragrant fynbos and has scenic views along the coast. To get a glimpse of the whales do the hike between June and December.
Remember, this is a five-day long hiking trail and is broken up into sections where accommodation is offered in comfortable huts.
Hikers need to keep in mind that accommodation is limited therefore the trail needs to be booked well in advance.
Watch video below:[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_rNCRhk6CA]
Elands River trail
Put on your hiking shoes and go and partake in the one day trail as you walk along the Elands River, Limietberg Nature Reserve.
The hike starts directly after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel. Be prepared to take on the first few hundred metres as it is said to be the most difficult, as the path has been cut out against a very steep slope.
After this section, the route becomes easier, following the river along pools and patches of sand. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at angling (a method of fishing), however, in order to do so, you need to get an angling permit from the office in Paarl.
If you’re a first-time hiker or an avid hiker then live a little this winter and go and be a part of the beauty of nature. Take on these trails and enjoy the beauty of South Africa.
