It’s all too easy to think of Africa as defined by one thing – wildlife, safaris or one of its iconic highlights, such as Kilimanjaro or Victoria Falls. In reality of course, it’s a really, really big continent and packed with astounding diversity, from lush and verdant islands to staggering mountain ranges. Any adventurous walker or curious traveller will never be bored by Africa’s many incredible hiking destinations, and if you’re looking for somewhere a little different to the rest of your trekking adventures, it’s the place to be. Here’s our guide to where you should go, country by country, to experience some of the best hiking it has to offer.
ETHIOPIA
BEST FOR: POINT-TO-POINT TREKKING
Mountains, monoliths and miles of myriad trails: welcome to the Simien Mountains. In a land full of surprises, this range is undoubtedly one of Ethiopia’s highlights, with many summits over 4000m and Ras Dashen, one of the 10 highest mountains in Africa at 4620m. Comprised of several major plateaux, erosion of ancient layers of basalt has created the dramatic escarpments and pinnacles which make this region so stunning to walk in and even comparable in sheer spectacle to the Grand Canyon. The people and culture also make this adventure, and no visit is complete without seeing the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela too. More about this adventure
KENYA
BEST FOR: WALKING WITH LOCAL GUIDES
On all of our adventures, you’ll be walking with a local guide. But in Kenya, it’s a bit different, where you walk with the Maasai on a three day trek across the rolling foothills of mighty Kilimanjaro – a truly unique experience. Walking on paths normally only used by wildlife, nights will be spent wild camping and by day you’ll spend time with the Maasai warriors of the Loita tribe, learning about their culture and livelihoods. Expect iconic views on this adventure; sweeping plains and flat-topped trees silhouetted against the backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro. More about this adventure
SOUTH AFRICA - DRAKENSBERG AND THE WILD COAST
BEST FOR: WALKING LESSER-KNOWN TRAILS
The Drakensberg Mountains are renowned for their awesome beauty; think carved sandstone buttresses, mighty rocks, sweeping cliff faces and views which spill out for miles. But nearby there’s another prime walking destination: the dramatic Wild Coast. It’s remote and untouched white sandy beaches are glorious, and along with lofty cliffs and crashing waves, it’s a beautiful part of the world which not enough travellers have thought to explore.
More about this adventure
SOUTH AFRICA - THE CAPE
BEST FOR: RELAXED WALKING AND WINE TASTING
Because sometimes we’re all about combining your walks with a little R&R. The South African wine lands are famous for the delightful wines and brandy they produce, but they also offer plenty of days of gorgeous walking in the sun. Explore Stellenbosch, the heart of the winelands, before making your way to the coast to try spot the southern right whale from your base in Hermanus. You’ll then join the Garden Route to walk back to Cape Town, looking out for African Penguins along the way, before finishing your journey on top of Table Mountain.
More about this adventure
MADAGASCAR
BEST FOR: UNUSUAL FLORA AND FAUNA
Madagascar offers one of the best combinations of walking and wildlife worldwide. First off, the hiking is excellent, ranging from boulder scrambling in canyons to walking through lush and bountiful jungle. But if that wasn’t enough, it’s also teeming with endemic wildlife, not least the iconic lemur. 88 species of this wide-eyed primate are found on Madagascar, and only Madagascar. You’ll also walk amongst the country’s national tree, the majestic baobab, a truly awe-inspiring experience.
More about this adventure
REUNION
BEST FOR: VOLCANO HIKING
Okay, so Reunion is technically part of France – but we’ve included it here as your adventure will feel far more African than French, and it’s situated just east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Our travellers are generally in awe of the incredible scenery found on Reunion – it truly is beyond words, although one of our travellers nicely summarised it with “...and now for something completely different!” On this one island you’ll encounter mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, rivers, coral reefs, tropical beaches and more – plus there’s the trekking highlight of seeing the sunrise from the highest point in the Indian Ocean, the volcanic Piton des Neiges. More about this adventure
CAPE VERDE
BEST FOR: WALKING IN WINTER SUNSHINE
Whether it’s the Azores, the Canaries, Madeira or Cape Verde, the islands of Macaronesia (the name for this group of Atlantic archipelagos) are often overlooked by those looking for adventure, mistaking them for beach holiday fodder. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and Cape Verde is one of the best examples of this. Away from the resort hotels lies a rugged and rocky volcanic hiker’s paradise, with trails for days up ashy slopes to volcanic craters, through sub-tropical lush rainforests and amongst stunning views of a characterful coastline. All this, along with wine, rum and beautiful winter sun, makes a true haven for walkers as you hop from island to island - just take a look at
Alison's recent adventure in Cape Verde to see how incredible it really is.
More about this adventure
MOROCCO - THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS
BEST FOR: PEAK-BAGGING
Whether you live in Europe or are transferring through, Morocco is the ultimate short-haul destination. Just four hours from the UK, arriving in Marrakesh plunges you into another world instantly, and that’s before you even reach the beautiful High Atlas Mountains. Its rugged peaks extend for miles in a range where rocky ridges define the skylines and valleys switch between green terraces and deep red sands. Home to the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, hiking in the High Atlas is a peak-bagger’s dream. In
one week you can summit Mount Toubkal; in
two weeks, summit four 4000m peaks; and in
three weeks, you can summit the three highest mountains in Morocco.
More about Morocco
MOROCCO - THE SAHARA
BEST FOR: DESERT WALKING
Morocco is also home to a portion of the Sahara, and it’s one of the best places to experience desert trekking. Home to snaking wadis, dramatic plateaus, tamarisk bushes, acacia trees, hidden villages and beautiful sweeping dunes, this part of the Sahara offers that rare off-the-beaten¬-track-adventure. At night you’ll sleep under star-filled Saharan skies, whilst each morning you’ll wake to a rich red Saharan sunrise, plus there’ll be the chance to experience the local culture in traditional Bedouin camps. More about this adventure
Want to know more about hiking in Africa? Just give our team a call on +017687 29680 or USA/Canada toll-free 1888 630 4415.
