Mont-aux-Sources to Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg
This strenuous guided or self-guided 60 kilometre trail encompasses all that the 'Berg has to offer, passing some of the most spectacular scenery including the Amphitheatre, the Mnweni needles and the dramatic Cathedral range, while overnighting in caves.

From the car park in QwaQwa you pass the mighty Sentinel and ascend chain ladders to gain the plateau near the point where the Tugela river crashes down the escarpment. The five-day trail contours along the top of the escarpment at an altitude of around 3000 metres, affording amazing views and crossing several passes and deep valleys before descending steeply down the Mlambonja Pass.

You need to be self-sufficient and experienced in mountain walking. Carry full foul and wet weather gear and an emergency shelter as it can snow in the mountains at any time ? this is definitely not for the faint hearted or ill-prepared. Permits are issued by KZN Wildlife. Contact KZN Wildlife or South African Mountain Guides Association (031 767 2160) to arrange a guide.

Wolkberg Wilderness Area, Limpopo
This is a beautiful, but rugged, wilderness into which only well-prepared, experienced hikers should venture. The trailhead is at the Serala Forest Station, 80km from Tzaneen, where there is a basic campsite. A path leads down to the river valley following the river to the magnificent gorges and distant peaks. There are no marked trails.

The sense of solitude, the abundance of water in the gorges and the dramatic steep quartzite krantzes and buttresses are the main attractions, but the area also has beautiful indigenous forests. More intrepid adventurers can explore the Serala plateau but this requires both a high level of fitness and rock scrambling experience.

Amatola Hiking Trail, Eastern Cape
Make tracks into the mountainous heartland of the Amapondo people along this 105 kilometre, open-ended route. The Amatola ranges are set in a Tolkien-esque world of deep-forest trails, ancient trees and tranquil glades along a six-day hike showcasing a truly magical region.

Start from Maden Dam (23km from King William's Town) and tramp all the way to Hogsback along a mountainous trail rated as strenuous (with a distinct possibility of snow in winter). A maximum of 16 walkers is allowed on the trail at any one time and bookings, and shuttle service if necessary (you need to arrange your own transport from the end of the trail), should be arranged well in advance through Ken Agency in King William's Town.

Die Hel (Gamkaskloof), Western Cape,br> For some, the arid Gamka Valley set in the rugged Swartberg ranges might be likened to hell, but many others see this as prime hiking heaven. The fairly demanding five-day walk (or any of a variety of other configurations) kicks off from Ou Tol and covers an average of ten kilometres per day through arduous mountain territory. Any reference to 'Hell' is not accidental: summer is mega-hot, while snow is not uncommon during winter. Parking is possible at the trail head and the necessary reservations may be made through Swartberg Nature Reserve.

Zuurberg Doringkloof Trail, Eastern Cape

This article is published courtesy of the 2003 Out There Adventure Guide

Start from the National Parks office opposite the Zuurberg Mountain Inn and tramp into a world of primitive cycadifolias, spreading boerboon hardwoods, spiral-horned kudu and squawking loeries. Red-hot summers mean early morning starts, otherwise opt for cooler walking weather between March and October. More details are available from Addo Elephant National Park.