If you’re planning a holiday walking South Africa, the chances are that you are going to be joining a group tour with an experienced leader to guide you. These types of tours are the best way to get the most out of a walking holiday as you have most of the hard work, like finding accommodation and looking for transport, done for you and you are free to concentrate on experiencing the spectacular scenery for which you came. There are, however, times when on a rest day you may want to escape the group and get back to being just the one, or two of you. There are some perfect opportunities to enjoy walking, South Africa style, with your loved one, or alone, where you won’t need to guidance of a leader.

The Garden Route – Knysna

This charming town has twice been voted South Africa’s favourite and anyone who spends time here is quick to agree. In the heart of the famous Garden Route the town offers the best of both worlds in the form of the picturesque ocean on one shoulder and the lush forests of the interior on the other. Extremely well appointed and easily accessible, Knysna has a very unusual way to experience walking. South Africa is home to an abundant bird life and a canopy tour through the Tsitsikamma forest near Knysna will introduce many of them to you on a very personal level! The walk involves moving through the forest at canopy level along a network of platforms 30 metres above the ground; the only catch is that in order to get from one platform to another the method is by steel cable. It’s not as scary as it sounds and, once you adjust to unfamiliar seating position, it is a truly magical experience; and perfect for a tranquil day for two.

Beaches Walks in Cape Town

There can little more enjoyable than a peaceful walk along a deserted beach with your companion watching the sun rise over the horizon. Walking South Africa’s stunning coastline can give you the ultimate sunrise experience and nowhere more so than along one of Cape Town’s spectacular beaches. For a real ‘get away from it all’ walk, head to Noordhoek where you can wander in peace along the seemingly endless stretch of sand right up to Kommetijie. In the early morning, save for the odd like-minded walker, you will have the beach to yourselves. If you feel more comfortable in the company of others, but still want to enjoy a picturesque coastal walk, try Hout Bay where you can start at the Mariner’s Walk and make your way along to Chapman’s Peak. Perfect, easy walks for one or two.

Pretoria – Botanic Gardens

If your holiday walking South Africa takes you to Pretoria, then you, or you and your loved one, can slip away for an afternoon to the impressive Pretoria National Botanic Gardens. Easily reached in the eastern suburbs of the city, the gardens are a 70 hectare haven of flora and fauna. You can spend as much or as little time as you like in the gardens and can wander around on your own, or engage a guide and take one of the official tours.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Walking South Africa