go!

South Africa’s number one travel and outdoor lifestyle magazine. We pay our own way and tell it like it is. We drive back roads and speak to real people, giving you practical information about affordable destinations in southern Africa. Each issue is crammed with excellent photography, honest gear reviews and delicious recipes to make at home or in the bundu. Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or a month, your journey starts here.

The hiker’s Big Five

Go! Hiking Guide

Mountains of the mind • You’ve done the Amatola and the Fish River Canyon. You know the Drakensberg like the back of your hand, and you can hike the Otter with your eyes closed. What’s left? South Africa’s longest mountain traverse – the Rim of Africa!

Great gear for the great outdoors • Need new boots? Wondering how you’re going to hang your washing on the trail? Our contributors recommend products they recently used and enjoyed.

Your pocket guide to hiking • While you’re out hiking, you want to stay safe, track your course, navigate and learn about the environment around you. After your trip, you want to view your stats, save the route for the future and share it with friends. Does that sound like too much to ask? Not with all the nifty smartphone apps out there!

Venture beyond the footsteps of giants • Join BACTRAC and go! on a five-day, guided hike through the mystical forests and along the pristine beaches of the Garden Route.

High above Hermanus • There aren’t many overnight trails you can walk with young children, but all ages are welcome on the Galpin Trail in Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

The Otter’s little brother • What could be better than starting a new year with fresh air and seagulls? On the Harkerville circular route between Plett and Knysna, hikers can experience the forests and cliffs of the Garden Route in only two days.

Climb to the crown of the Karoo • If you still think the Karoo is flat, you should do the Three Peaks Challenge in the Sneeuberg near Graaff-Reinet… The mountains make you feel small – and special.

The big kahuna! • Standing back from the escarpment edge, South Africa’s highest peak is a remote and formidable challenge that takes you deep into the heart of the Drakensberg. It’s one for the bucket list!

Look the animals in the eye • The Mphongolo Trail in the Kruger Park is one of the most wonderful experiences on earth. Just be warned: You’ll want to do it again as soon as it’s over!

Ancient simplicity • No other hiking trail in southern Africa can compare. The landscape, the challenges and the atmosphere of the Fish River Canyon make it an all-time classic.

Where forest giants stand guard • Magoebaskloof is known as the land of the silver mist. Hikers will soon realise it’s also the land of moss, mud and monster trees! Come explore the subtropical forests of Limpopo.

Karoo calling • The Erdvark Trail on the farm Rooiheuwel winds through a rugged landscape where the Nuweveld Mountains rise from the plains like a batch of freshly baked rusks. Come experience one of the most beautiful parts of the Karoo.

Coastal calm • There are few places more relaxing and beautiful than the Wild Coast. The Strandloper Trail is a classic coastal hike from Kei Mouth to Gonubie – four days of empty beaches and fresh air.

A Cederberg sojourn • Come for the views and stay for the culture, on a 66 km hike in an underexplored corner of the Cederberg.

To the top of the Table! • If you’re in Cape Town over a weekend and there’s no wind, it’s a sign: You have to climb Table Mountain!

TUGELA FALLS 14 KM ROYAL NATAL NATIONAL PARK • We recently ran a photo competition on Instagram to find the best day hikes in South Africa, in collaboration with Adventure Inc and Osprey. Here are the winners!

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