The African continent is blessed with exceptional beauty that never ceases to amaze visitors from all four corners of the world. Its shimmering blue beaches, its oases, its extraordinary cliffs and its remarkable canyons make this place a true hidden gem of the globe. Its savannahs, home to thousands of the most extraordinary species, and its mountain landscapes of breathtaking scenery — everything is on hand to organise the most unforgettable treks in Africa.
6 trek ideas in Africa: fantastic landscapes and sporting challenges
The great Namibia hiking trail
Hiking in Namibia is one of the most popular choices for treks in Africa. This short detour begins with a walk through the dark Tiras Mountains to reach Aus and its desert landscape with its wild horses. The visit then continues to Etosha National Park, one of the most accessible game reserves in southern Africa, home to zebras, lions, giraffes and elephants. To finish, a hiking trip to Twyfelfontein is a must, to discover the ritual practices of hunter-gatherer communities — and to see the rock engravings and paintings over 2,000 years old that have preserved their authenticity to this day.
Kilimanjaro: exploring the Machame Route
Theexploration of Kilimanjaro is one of the most adventure-rich treks in Africa. On the southern flank of the Machame route, the vast glaciers towering above the forests and giant groundsels are not to be missed. Still on foot, the volcanic canyons of the Breach Wall — a 1,000-metre ice wall where the most gruelling paths of Kilimanjaro converge — are a must. The final push targets Uhuru Peak, the 5,895-metre summit known as the "Peak of Freedom", offering visitors one of the most extraordinary panoramic views in the world.
Great crossing of Makay, one of the most beautiful treks in Africa
For a stay packed with discovery, a trekking adventure in the heart of the Makay massif is a must. This lost paradise of Madagascar is explored from south to north along the Ranohira track to reach Andringitra Park. Dense forests with rivers and mountain lakes, each more surprising than the last, are there to discover until you reach Isalo Park. The hiking trail continues towards Beronono to visit the caves, ridges and canyons of the region. Finally, head to the far north of the Makay massif to reach the highlands and admire the thermal springs of Antsirabe.
The Dragon Mountains: a true change of scenery
Exploring the Dragon Mountains is one of the most rewarding treks in Africa. Through the Drakensberg range, set off hiking to admire the majestic waterfalls and countless cirques in all their splendour. Continue the safari by heading to the rolling Hluhluwe-Imfolozi reserve to appreciate its caves and lush green valleys before entering its wildlife reserve. Finish with a short detour to the campsite areas at the foot of the mountains to discover the lifestyle of those who have chosen to immerse themselves in this nature of extraordinary contrasts.
Exploring the four 4000m peaks of Toubkal
Originality is the name of the game for this other trek in Africa. An itinerant walk through the wild regions and high-altitude valleys of theAtlas allows you to reach Toubkal, located just above Marrakech. Traversed from east to west, this route across the four 4000m summits lets you take in Toubkal — the highest point in North Africa — Adrar Derm, the magnificent African viewpoint, Ouanoukrim, and Bouguinoussen. Following this exploration, the walk continues to villages nestled among maize fields and large vegetable gardens.
Erg de Merzouga and Kasbahs
On foot, the Erg de Merzouga is worth exploring with its towering dunes, multicoloured sands, and the lightweight breath of wind that sweeps across it. This island of sand in the heart of a rocky hammada can be crossed in a few hours to reach the Ounila Valley and the kasbah at Aït Benhaddou. These dream destinations are worth visiting for their traditional architecture, unique to southern Morocco. A little further on, the journey continues with a visit to the kasbah of Telouet, once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech. The ascents and descents allow easy access to the region's colourful villages and the chance to meet locals remarkable for their hospitality. This detour ends with a trip to Ouarzazate, an earthly paradise at the gateway to the desert, offering a breathtaking and magnificent landscape.
