Top forest walks in SA | 3 tree-filled havens

From sprouting plant buds to fauna weaving through the trees, the forest is a fantastic place to experience the harmonious buzz of activity nature provides. Often, these walks offer an immersive experience in the woods and have various natural features to admire along the way, such as waterfalls.

Unsplash/Keenan Constance

South Africa is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse selection of forest trails that cater to every preference. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating challenge or a leisurely amble, there’s a trail for you. Each trail is unique, promising a unique experience and a chance to connect with nature in a new way. 

Are you curious about the locations of these enchanting forest trails? Let’s inspect a few of these trails that are perfect for getting pleasantly lost in.

Garden of Eden (Knysna)

A serene space that has a wooden boardwalk to explore the forest on a designated path. This forest choice is an excellent choice if you’re not looking to work up a sweat. As this option is also wheelchair accessible, the Garden of Eden provides a space for all kinds of travellers to enjoy the wonders of nature.

With streams and benches along the way, you’ll be able to wind your way through this easy path in comfort and style. There is a 500-meter and 1 km walk option within the vicinity.

Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve (Pretoria)

The Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is a forest walk known for providing excellent birding and wildlife spotting opportunities. It is a gem to enjoy and explore. The top trail within the reserve is moderately challenging and approximately 4.8 km long. If you’re looking for a more leisurely walk, a 1.5 km trail provides the same forest frolicking splendours at a shorter distance.

Graskop Hike Trail (Mpumalanga)

This fantastic trail in Mpumalanga offers a treasure trove of sights in this forested area. From strangely formed boulders to a waterfall at the end of the hike, the Graskop Hike Trail is a wonderful way to see the abundance of beautiful creations the natural world has to offer. The trail itself is looped and has minimal elevation, so you can enjoy a moderate hike.

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