If you love exploring on foot but prefer to do so in comfort and style, you’ve come to the right place. At Dirty Boots, we’ve spent nearly two decades working closely with South Africa’s top luxury hiking operators, carefully curating the most extraordinary walking experiences in the country. This expertise has allowed us to compile a handpicked selection of the very best walking tours—often referred to as Slackpacking adventures—designed to immerse you in the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa without compromising on comfort.

Our selection showcases trails that take you through some of South Africa’s most spectacular and diverse terrains. From pristine beaches and towering mountain ranges to ancient forests, rugged bushveld, and expansive deserts, these walks offer something for every nature lover. Many itineraries also incorporate unique wildlife experiences, allowing you to combine the thrill of a safari with the joy of exploring on foot.

One of the most compelling reasons to embark on a luxury walking tour in South Africa is the incredible value it offers. Compared to similar experiences in many first-world countries, South Africa’s luxury hikes are remarkably well-priced while still delivering world-class accommodation, gourmet meals, and expert guiding. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day coastal trek with boutique lodge stays or a guided wilderness journey where your luggage is transported ahead of you, our carefully selected routes promise an unforgettable blend of adventure and indulgence.

Let Dirty Boots guide you to the most exceptional luxury walking tours in South Africa—where the journey is as rewarding as the destination.


Green Mountain Trail (Overberg, Western Cape)
Discover South Africa’s finest luxury walking tours with the Green and Blue Mountain Trails, set in the stunning Kogelberg Biosphere. These guided slackpacking adventures blend scenic hikes through fynbos, vineyards, and working farms with gourmet dining, wine tastings, and four-star stays at Wildekrans Country House. Choose the Blue Mountain Trail for coastal views or the Green Mountain Trail for lush valley landscapes, with a new LITE option for a gentler experience. Perfect for small groups, these trails offer the ideal mix of adventure and indulgence.


Oystercatcher Trail (Garden Route, Western Cape)
The Oystercatcher Trail is a world-renowned slackpacking experience along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route. This guided, fully catered hike offers three- or five-day options, with comfortable sea-view accommodations in Mossel Bay or the secluded Gourikwa Private Nature Reserve. Following a breathtaking coastal route from Gouritzmond to Cape St Blaize, the trail takes you across dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and ancient caves, with opportunities to spot dolphins, whales (in season), and African black oystercatchers. Rich in history and natural beauty, this unforgettable journey is more than just a hike—it’s a deep connection with nature.


The Whale Trail (Southern Cape)
The Whale Trail in De Hoop Nature Reserve offers a premier slackpacking adventure through one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Spanning 55 km over five days, this guided hike takes you from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, winding through rich fynbos, dramatic dunes, and prime whale-watching viewpoints. As part of a Marine Protected Area, De Hoop is a haven for diverse wildlife, including the iconic southern right whales that visit its shores from June to November. With luggage transported between overnight huts, hikers can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of this World Heritage Site, making for an unforgettable journey.


The Fynbos Trail (Overberg, Western Cape)
The Fynbos Trail is a unique hiking experience through the breathtaking Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, offering both guided and self-guided options to suit all fitness levels. This moderate-rated trail showcases over 900 species of fynbos, vibrant birdlife, and rich conservation efforts, making it perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Along the way, hikers enjoy comfortable farm stays, locally sourced meals, and special moments like tree planting and Lomond wine tastings. With swimming spots, waterfalls, and starlit evenings by a wood-fired hot tub, the Fynbos Trail is more than a hike—it’s an unforgettable journey into nature’s beauty.


Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail (Garden Route)
The Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail is a breathtaking slackpacking adventure through one of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes. Beginning in Nature’s Valley, this multi-day hike winds through towering coastal forests, across rivers and gorges, and up into the fynbos-covered slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Each day reveals diverse ecosystems, from ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees to panoramic mountain vistas, with plenty of idyllic swimming spots along the way. Comfortable overnight huts are strategically placed to maximise the experience, offering stunning views and a true immersion in nature. This unforgettable journey is perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity.


The Chokka Trail (St francis Bay)
The Chokka Trail is an award winning 62km slackpack hike over 4 days and 3 nights between Oyster Bay, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis in the Eastern Cape.  The trail comes highly recommended and received the Best Visitors Experience in South Africa Award for 4 consecutive years.

It is far more than just a hike, as it also includes a canal cruise on the famous St Francis canals, calamari tasting and if possible, a visit to the Seal Point Lighthouse, while most hikers ask for a full body massage just because they can!

Accommodation is in two guest houses and a Resort, and single supplements are possible.  The overnight points are as diverse as the route, starting your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a delicious packed lunch while a cooked meal, hot shower and cold G&T awaits at the end of each day!

Wild Coast Walks (Eastern Cape)
Wild Trails is the ultimate specialist for slackpacking adventures along the Eastern Cape’s breathtaking Wild Coast. From the hotel-hopping trails of the south, where hikers move between beachfront retreats with easy daily distances, to the rugged northern routes through Pondoland’s waterfalls and pristine estuaries, every journey is designed for discovery. Offering guided and supported hikes, Wild Trails blends adventure with cultural immersion, featuring community lodges, tented camps, and village homestays. With seamless logistics, comfortable accommodations, and stunning coastal scenery, Wild Trails makes exploring this remote paradise an unforgettable experience.


Mountain Ramblings (Drakensberg)
Wild Trails offers exceptional slackpacking adventures across the diverse landscapes of the Natal Drakensberg, from the towering peaks of the north to the rolling hills of the Midlands. Whether summiting the world’s highest waterfall on the Amphitheatre hike, marvelling at Cape Vultures along the Raptors Way, or traversing the scenic Giants Cup Trail, each experience blends breathtaking scenery with comfortable mountain lodgings. In the Midlands, the Karkloof Falls trail winds through misty forests and private reserves, offering hidden waterfalls and canopy ziplining. With seamless logistics and expertly curated routes, Wild Trails delivers an unforgettable hiking experience.


Zululand & Kosi Bay Explorations (Northern KZN)
The Zululand Rover is a newly launched, family-friendly slackpacking experience on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. This multi-day trail explores Mtunzini’s mangroves, tropical forests, and pristine beaches, offering a blend of nature, history, and culture. Hikers stay in a stylish bush farmhouse with meals from local restaurants and home-cooked delights. Further north, the Kosi Bay Slackpacker combines hiking with kayaking and snorkelling in the region’s unique estuarine system. From November to March, the Turtle Trail offers a rare chance to witness the nesting of Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles along this protected coastline.


Eco Training (Kruger Park walking Safari)
EcoTraining offers immersive safari guide and nature training programmes for those eager to deepen their connection with the wild. With over 30 years of experience, they provide accredited career courses like the Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Field Guide (NQF5), the Professional Field Guide Course, and FGASA-accredited programmes. For those seeking shorter experiences, EcoTraining’s wildlife courses cover topics such as animal tracking, birding, wilderness photography, and safari guiding, with options ranging from 6 to 28 days. They also offer interactive online courses, allowing participants to gain theoretical knowledge from expert instructors. Whether in the bush or online, EcoTraining provides a gateway to Africa’s wilderness.


Connecting with our Roots (Heritage Hike, Mpumalanga)
The Wakkerstroom Wonder is a 3-day heritage hike that blends birding, history, and scenic walking in a charmingly preserved town near Johannesburg. Explore Anglo-Boer landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and a remarkable wetland ecosystem that hosts 9 of South Africa’s 13 endemic bird species. Perfect for birders and history enthusiasts alike, this trail offers a journey through time and nature.

For a wilder experience, Wilderness Walking Trails take you deep into remote landscapes. The Pafuri Walking Safari in the northern Kruger’s Makuleke concession is a private, expertly guided adventure through fever tree forests, ancient baobabs, and wildlife-rich floodplains. Meanwhile, the Maseke Walking Trail near Hoedspruit offers a mobile camping safari, where each night is spent in a new wilderness setting under the stars.


Outland Travel (Kruger Park, foot safari)
Experience the African wilderness up close with a Big 5 walking safari. From the Greater Kruger National Park to Dinokeng Game Reserve, expert guides lead you on foot through diverse landscapes, uncovering both iconic wildlife and hidden natural wonders. Walk among towering granite outcrops, sweeping plains, and riverbanks teeming with life, gaining a deeper connection to nature. End each day with a breathtaking sundowner before retreating to your choice of luxury lodges, rustic tented camps, or wilderness sleepouts. With custom itineraries from 3 to 14 days, let us craft your perfect walking safari adventure!


Spekboom Tours (Maluti Mountains)
Nestled between Clarens and the Maluti Mountains, this guided slackpacking adventure blends breathtaking scenery with rich cultural history. Walk through ancient rock art sites, hidden caves, waterfalls, and highland trails, uncovering San paintings, dinosaur fossils, and Basotho legends along the way. Each day brings new discoveries, from limestone cliffs to ouhout forests, with charming farm-style accommodation and hearty meals to welcome you at day’s end. Fully guided with transfers, this immersive 3-day trek lets you explore the Eastern Free State with ease.


Trisport SA (Namaqua Land & Kalahari)
Embark on an unforgettable slackpacking adventure through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Explore the wildlife-rich trails of Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve, where giraffes, rare mountain zebras, and antelope roam against the backdrop of the Swartberg Mountains. Wander through the floral wonderland of Namakwa with expert guides who reveal hidden gems unknown even to locals. Traverse the striking Kalahari Red Dune Route, where fiery dunes, saltpans, and ancient rock formations create a mesmerising terrain. Finally, experience the unspoiled beauty of the Wild Coast on the Pondo Luxury Slackpacking hike, covering 65km of rugged coastline with nights spent in comfortable lodges and a tented camp. Each journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and nature at its finest.