Slackpacking - South Africa

Slackpacking South Africa – The 50 Best Trails

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Explore more, carry less. Slackpacking in South Africa lets you discover the country’s most breathtaking trails—without the burden of a heavy backpack. Unlike traditional multi-day hikes where you're loaded down with gear and food, slackpacking offers a seamless, supported hiking experience where your bags are transported for you each day.

Whether you're scaling mountains, wandering wild coastlines, or strolling through vineyard valleys, all you carry is a light daypack with your essentials—water, snacks, a camera, and a jacket. It’s hiking with freedom, giving you more time and energy to swim in hidden pools, linger at scenic viewpoints, and connect deeply with the landscapes around you.

South Africa now boasts over 70 curated slackpacking routes, and the list is growing. From rugged wilderness treks with cozy overnight lodges to relaxed coastal walks paired with wine tastings and kayaking, there’s a trail for every traveler, fitness level, and budget. Many trails are guided by passionate locals who enrich the experience with cultural insights and support community-driven tourism along the way.

Slackpacking opens up the wonders of long-distance hiking to everyone—families, older adventurers, solo explorers, and those who prefer a logistics-free journey. Trails weave through everything from World Heritage Sites and archaeological treasures to game reserves and mountain passes, with some even combining hiking and canoeing for a multi-sport experience.

In short, slackpacking in South Africa blends adventure with comfort, offering a curated way to hike smarter, go further, and experience the wild beauty of South Africa like never before.