Whether you're an avid hiker or hitting your daily step count is a newfound isolation hobby of yours, travelling with a purpose or with the intent to complete something can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Often overlooked as an 'adventure destination' the diverse landscapes and contrast in ecosystems of the African continent leave behind some of the world's most famous and scenic hikes. From one of the highest summit peaks in the world to scenic and breathtaking mountains, there is 'A Great Walk of Africa' for all levels of experience. So, if being cooped up at home has you itching for your next active adventure, read on to experience the great walks of Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro Summit, Tanzania
Climb Africa's highest mountain on an 8-9 day trek on a quest to summit the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the 'Roof of Africa'. The Mount Kilimanjaro summit is easily the most famed of the great walks of Africa. Standing at 5,895 metres tall, Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but the world's highest single free-standing mountain. Starting as quite the scenic hike, there are several routes to the peak to choose from depending on ability, and although no experience is required, the effects of altitude and the cold can put physical and mental stamina to the test. Basic camping and meals along the way will have you rested enough to pick up and carry on the following morning. The best months to climb the mountain are January, February and September together with July and August, which are much colder. The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate 'bucket list' walk of Africa.
Mount Kenya Summit, Kenya
Much lesser known than Mount Kilimanjaro is Mount Kenya. Standing at 5,199 metres, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kenya has three main peaks, two of which Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) are only for technical climbers. There are however several routes to choose from allowing trekkers to reach the third peak, Point Lenana (4,985m). Huts and tent facilities accommodate you as you make your way up the mountain. The scenic 6-day Siromon Route offers some of the finest walking and best views of the main peaks. The gradual ascent passes through impressive forests in the lower reaches, featuring abundant wildlife and beautiful alpine scenery above. Climbing Mount Kenya is the ideal trek for those wanting to get off the beaten track while still earning some impressive bragging rights.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
A multi-day hike through one of the world's largest canyons is as impressive as it sounds, and hiking Namibia's Fish River Canyon is as challenging as it is unforgettable. The astonishing Fish River Canyon is 550m deep, 27km wide, and 160km long and the intense walking trail of 85km takes its hikers through 1.5 billion years of geological history. The 4-5 day hike is only tackled from May – mid-September due to the extreme heat and weather conditions of other months. A high level of fitness and a basic level of hiking experience is required, and all hikers must be self-sufficient. The hike is done in five stages filled with startlingly dramatic scenery along the way (think phenomenal rock formations, rivers, and hot springs) and there's even a chance to spot small wildlife such as the tiny antelope that is the klipspringer, the rock hyrax and potentially even a mountain zebra! The Fish River Canyon multi-day hike is the ultimate experience for avid hikers looking for the next big challenge.
The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Stand atop of the walls of Marrakesh and scan the horizon as you summit Mount Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains, North Africa and the Arab world. Standing at 4,167 metres, it may come as a surprise that the climb to reach the top is a non-technical 2-day trek and is quite straight forward, meaning it does not require any prior trekking experience. With that said, this hike does require a moderate level of fitness as you will experience approximately 40% less oxygen than that at sea level as you zigzag up the rocky valley toward the snow-capped peaks, which will undoubtedly make the quest to the top all that more challenging. Stumbling across the remote villages of the Berber people, raging rivers and waterfalls (and potentially even plane wrecks) depending on the route you take, the adventure to summit Mount Toubkal is just as exciting as the view of a dramatic border between land, ocean, and desert that await you at the peak. Taking no longer than a weekend, summiting Mount Toubkal is a must to consider for all those active adventurers visiting Morocco, or even perhaps the everyday traveller that wants to really push themselves outside of their comfort zone.
The Drakensberg, South Africa
Standing as the highest mountains in South Africa and forming a part of the Great Escarpment that separates the extensive high plateaus of South Africa (think the plains of Kruger National Park) from the low lands along the coast (think Cape Town), the Drakensberg Mountains offer some of the most remarkable hiking spots in Africa. From short day trip rambles to overnight trekking, from easy and hard to fit and unfit, there is a hike within the Drakensberg Mountain range for all adventures. There are superb overnight trips where you can sleep in huts, caves or tents such as the Giants Cup Trail and then there are small day hikes such as the Rainbow Gorge trail where you can ditch the heavy backpack and simply take in the magic of the Drakensberg. Breathtaking scenery filled with rivers, waterfalls, rock paintings, gorges and so much more awaits all visitors to the mountains, no matter what walk you'll be doing or where in the berg you're visiting. An easy addition to any South African itinerary to up the adventure antics.
It isn't news that Africa is home to many extraordinary things, so rest assured your adventure won't end when your hike does. Africa boasts a fascinating history and culture, savannas filled with some of the world's most admired wildlife, shores rich in marine biodiversity, some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet and some of the most attractive wine regions of the world. So with that, I think that it's safe to say that there is plenty to keep you busy after your great achievement.
