over the past twenty years, hiking has taken off in a big way in South Africa, which now has the most comprehensive system of footpaths in Africa (inspired by the US Appalachian Hiking Trail).

Wherever you are - even in the middle of Johannesburg - you won't be far from some sort of trail. The best ones are in wilderness areas, where you'll find waymarked paths that vary from half-hour strolls to major hiking expeditions of two to seven days that take you right into the heart of some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

overnight hiking trails are normally well laid-out, with painted footprints or other markers to indicate the route and campsites or huts along the way (but you need to carry all your own equipment). Numbers are limited on most, and many trails are so popular that they become booked up many months in advance, so it's worth arranging these beforehand - although you can often find a place by just turning up and hoping for a cancellation.

If you want to do a fair amount of walking but don't want to launch out on a long expedition, consider basing yourself in one of the wilderness areas such as the Drakensberg, where you can stay in chalets and set off on a series of day-walks, returning each night.