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Amazing views await at the 10 best mountains in South Africa!
Did you know South Africa has 14,561 named mountains? It’s a hiker’s paradise, with endless trails and natural beauty to explore.
I love climbing mountains, and while I’d like to tackle them all, I know that’s a big ask. But one can dream, right?
If you’re like me, I’m sharing my favourite mountains with you so you’ll know which ones to add to your hiking list. They will leave you speechless once you reach the top!
Thabana Ntlenyana
Media From: irmi.in
Height: 11,423 feet
Hiking Distance: 35 km
Hiking Duration: 3 days
Thabana Ntlenyana is the highest mountain in South Africa, standing at 3,482 meters. It is part of the Drakensberg alti-Montane grasslands and woodlands ecoregion. The best part of hiking here is that you’ll trek through unique landscapes filled with rare flora and fauna.
Beyond hiking, the area offers birdwatching opportunities, including sightings of rare species like the endangered bearded vulture.
You can also explore ancient San rock art, estimated to be over 10,000 years old. These cultural and natural attractions make the hike even more rewarding.
The hike was challenging for me due to the high elevation. But reaching the summit was unforgettable, offering incredible views of the Maloti Mountains and Drakensberg range. The rainbow and cloud formations at the top made the experience deeply memorable.
Tip: Visit the Basotho villages nearby to experience their culture and enjoy the scenic highland landscapes.
Mafadi
Media From: malentsoe_adventurous
Height: 11,320 feet
Hiking Distance: 65 km
Hiking Duration: 5 days
Mafadi is the highest peak in South Africa, standing at 3,450 metres above sea level. It’s part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors often come here to hike, camp, take photos, and enjoy wildlife.
Reaching the summit offers stunning views of the Drakensberg mountains. If you hike with a guide, they might share local myths, like the story of the lost shepherd who met mystical beings and was warned not to return after sunset. These tales add a sense of mystery to the journey.
I’m connected with the Basotho people, and climbing Mafadi holds deep cultural meaning for me. It’s considered a sacred site and part of our heritage. I reached the top when I was 27 years old, and I felt it strengthened my bond with my people.
Tips:
- In winter, days are shorter, so plan hikes carefully to return before dark.
- Spring and summer are better for hiking, with longer days, mild temperatures, and stable weather for extended trips.
Njesuthi
Media From: chanan.weiss
Height: 11,181 feet
Hiking Distance: 20 km
Hiking Duration: 3 days
Another mountain to climb for a scenic view is Njesuthi, located on the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho. Standing at 3,408 meters, it offers activities like hiking, picnicking, swimming, and admiring ancient San rock art.
Being one of the highest mountains in South Africa, it offers a challenge for both novice and experienced climbers. However, upon reaching the top, every sweat will be worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Drakensberg mountains and valleys. Plus, you’ll have a chance to visit the beautiful Njesuthi Falls!
I found this climb easier compared to others, even though it’s the second-highest mountain. I used the Contour Path, which gave me amazing views of valleys and peaks. It was also a great spot to capture dramatic photos of the Drakensberg landscape.
Tips:
- Start your hike from Injisuthi Camp, where you’ll find short trails and a river to explore before heading up.
- Though it takes about eight hours to reach the top, consider a multi-day trek to visit the Marble Baths, a natural rock pool perfect for a swim and picnic.
Champagne Castle
Media From: samkezwide
Height: 11,079 feet
Hiking Distance: 14 km
Hiking Duration: 2 days
Champagne Castle is another mountain in the Drakensberg range that’s not for the faint-hearted. It has challenging hiking routes, including the traditional trek via Gray’s Pass or a rock climb through Sterkhorn. Even the Matterhorn route, considered the easiest, requires good fitness.
At the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the KZN Midlands, the Magadi Mountain, and the Injisuthi Dome. The climb also gives you the chance to explore nearby peaks like Cathkin Peak, just four kilometres away. However, be prepared for rocky terrain and some sections that may require scrambling.
After enjoying the views from Champagne Castle, I challenged myself further by climbing Cathkin Peak. It was tough, but the refreshing Crystal Falls helped me cool down along the way. A highlight of the trek was seeing the Amphitheater rock formation, which had imposing vertical cliffs and a stunning backdrop.
Tip: For the most scenic trail to the peak, take Gray’s Pass, where you can admire the Nkosazana River, Breakfast Stream, and The Sphinx.
Giant’s Castle
Media From: emi__explore
Height: 10,876 feet
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Duration: 15 hours
Giant’s Castle, located in KwaZulu-Natal, is a gem. Standing at 3,313 meters, its shape resembles a sleeping giant, which inspired its name. The mountain is steeped in history and natural beauty.
The San people once lived here, leaving behind remarkable rock art in the mountain’s caves, making it a must-visit for rock art tours. At the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of surrounding peaks, ridges, and the famous basalt buttresses that define the Drakensberg. Depending on the time of day, the light creates beautiful colours across the landscape.
After exploring the rock art, I reached the peak in the late afternoon. The soft shadows from the sun highlighted the contours of the valleys, plateaus, and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment to appreciate the scenery and take stunning photographs.
Tips:
- Aim to reach the peak early in the morning for golden sunlight that enhances the landscape’s beauty.
- For amazing views and photos, hike through the Giant’s Castle Pass to enjoy the escarpment and valleys.
Mont-aux-Sources
Media From: zane_scherman
Height: 10,768 feet
Hiking Distance: 16 km
Hiking Duration: 6 hours
For a moderate hiking challenge, try Mont-aux-Sources. At 3,282 meters, it’s part of the Royal Natal National Park and offers some epic views. Along the way, you’ll spot the famous Tugela Falls and the impressive basalt plateau that’ll leave you gobsmacked.
You can also check out the San rock art caves, which are a real jol for history buffs. A big highlight is The Amphitheatre, a massive wall of basalt cliffs shaped like an amphitheatre, as its name denotes.
When I made it to the top, I was blown away by the sprawling Drakensberg mountains. But my main mission last summer was to see the Tugela Falls. From up there, I had a front-row seat to one of the world’s highest waterfalls. Absolutely worth the graft!
Tips:
- Get to the top before sunset for a proper show, as the colours light up the rock faces—next-level stuff.
- Don’t forget your camera for some killer shots. If you’re lucky, you might spot bearded vultures cruising the thermals.
Table Mountain
Height: 3,563 feet
Hiking Distance: 3 km
Hiking Duration: 2 hours
Table Mountain is one of South Africa’s most well-known landmarks, with its distinctive flat top that looks like a tabletop. Standing at 1,086 meters, it’s not the tallest mountain, but it offers plenty to see and do.
You can ride the famous cable cars, go birdwatching, or visit the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. From the top, there are stunning views of Cape Town, Table Bay, and the coastline. If you’re into hiking, you can also explore the Twelve Apostles range, which has peaks like Kloof, Fountain, and Porcupine.
I often take my family to hike up to Maclear’s Beacon, the mountain’s highest point. It’s a fairly accessible route, and we always enjoy spotting the “Table Cloth,” a weather phenomenon where clouds spill over the flat top like a flowing tablecloth.
Tips:
- There’s a cafe located at the upper cable station where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in the views of Cape Town and Table Bay.
- Bring your binoculars, as the mountain is home to various bird species, including endemic birds like the Cape Rock jumper.
Cathedral Peak
Media From: kwadwoad
Height: 9,856 ft
Hiking Distance: 12 km
Hiking Duration: 6 hours
If you’re into San rock art, make a plan to check out Cathedral Peak. This Drakensberg beauty stands at 3,004 meters and offers more than just hiking. You can try rock climbing, birdwatching, or join a rock art tour to learn more about the area’s rich history.
At the summit, you’ll be treated to epic views of the Drakensberg range and the surrounding valleys. It’s part of the Cathedral Ridges, so you can also explore other nearby peaks like the Twins and Mitre Peak. At the base of the mountain, the Cathedral Peak Hotel grounds offer lush gardens and stunning views to enjoy after your hike.
I booked a room at the hotel to join its complimentary daily guided hikes. The San rock art we saw was in mint condition, and the guide explained its deep cultural significance. To top it off, we had a coffee break at Doreen Falls—the perfect finisher to an already brilliant day.
Tips:
- Plan your climb between May and October for the best weather conditions.
- For fewer crowds, head out in late spring or early autumn, as summer gets pretty hectic with visitors.
Monk’s Cowl
Media From: drakensberg_hikes
Height: 4,888 ft
Hiking Distance: 12 km
Hiking Duration: 6 hours
If you’re into challenging climbs, consider Monk’s Cowl. While it only has an elevation of 1,491 meters, it has a combination of hiking and climbing. Some sections even require you to scramble and climb ropes.
The trail takes you through the lush Hlatikulu Forest, which is seriously stunning. Once you hit the top, the graft is worth it, with panoramic views of Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle. You can also check out Nandi’s Falls, a gorgeous waterfall just a short hike away.
I gave it a shot during summer, and it was no joke! The steep gradients and loose gravel made it a proper workout. But when I finally got to the summit, the views made me forget all the hard climbing. It was totally worth it!
Tips:
- Get to know the trails beforehand since there are loads of intersecting paths that can be a bit confusing.
- For a slightly easier climb, try Keartlands Pass, but watch out for the uneven wooden steps.
- On the way down, take the Sphinx Route to save your knees from strain.
Thaba Putsoa
Media From: ke_thapelo
Height: 10,157 ft
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Duration: 6 hrs
Last on this list is Thaba Putsoa in Lesotho, standing at 3,096 meters. Part of the Maloti Mountains, it’s known for its cool weather and serves as a vital water source for the Orange River.
At the base, you can try your hand at fishing in nearby rivers, catching trout and other species. From the summit, the views are something else. You’ll see Mokhotlong Mountain, Mont-aux-Sources, and even Champagne Castle.
Personally, I climb Thaba Putsoa to explore its waterfalls, like Maletsunyane, Ketane, and Boala-Thapo. Boala-Thapo is my favourite. It’s quieter, giving me a chance to soak in the peaceful vibes after a long trek.
Tips:
- Visit local villages like Semonkong to immerse yourself in Basotho culture and enjoy the scenic highland life.
- Plan your climb in spring or autumn for better hiking conditions and to avoid too much rain.
