Eden to Addo Trail: pilgrimage through the biodiversity of Western and Eastern Cape provinces

TThe Eden to Addo Trail is the longest and toughest hiking trail in South Africa, and among the most biodiverse hikes anywhere in the world. Officially, it counts as ‘slackpacking’, as you won’t have to carry your main pack between overnight stops… 

However, with average distances of 26km covered in a day through Western and Eastern Cape provinces’ wildest and most beautiful landscapes, it requires a reasonable level of fitness and will leave you relieved to be relaxing around the fire each night. 

The Eden to Addo Trail is a 20-day, 400km guided hike that traverses 7 mountain ranges, 6national parks and nature reserves, and 5 of the 7 biomes to be found in South Africa. Apart from the adventure it gives you – and memories that will last a lifetime – your walk will help to raise awareness of the need to preserve these natural biodiversity corridors. 

The trail begins at Kranshoek, in Knysna’s indigenous forests, and meanders through 3 mega-reserves: the Garden Route National Park, the Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve and the Addo Elephant National Park. This passage is known as the Eden to Addo Biodiversity Corridor. 

Covering some of Western and Eastern Cape provinces’ most remote and pristine landscapes, the Eden to Addo Trail is a cross-country endurance hike. Happily, it’s made somewhat easier by its slackpacking designation. Your luggage is transferred from overnight camp to overnight camp, your tent pitched, and all meals prepared for you. 

On this biodiversity hiking trail, carrying only a light daypack and a sense of purpose, you'll transition through Afromontane forest, mountain fynbos, succulent Karoo, Nama Karooand Albany thicket zones – the 5 biomes mentioned above. 

Daily distances covered on the Eden to Addo hike average 26km. The walking is strenuous, much of the terrain is mountainous, and natural hazards en route include river crossings, wild animals and unpredictable weather – all worth it, thanks to the immersive experiencein nature and the stupendous views. 

At night, fireside chats with your knowledgeable guides on conservation and climate change will help you understand the urgent need to proclaim biodiversity corridors such as Eden to Addo. While resting your aching limbs and feet, you’ll hear stories of the world’s most southerly free-roaming elephants, of which only 9 are believed to survive in the depths of Knysna’s forests, where your odyssey began. 

The corridor and the hiking trail have yet to be proclaimed formally. The long-term plan is to make the trail a self-guided hike, but it is untamed country, straddling more than 60 properties, and will take careful planning.