Africa Hiking – Wandering Welsh Girl

If, like me, you’re passionate about hiking and adventure travel, this ultimate list of the 25 best hikes in the world will help inspire your next journey. Spanning continents and climates, these trails offer breathtaking views, rich culture, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking a challenging multi-week trek or a scenic coastal walk, this guide has something for every type of hiker. From icy alpine passes to tropical jungles, I've picked out some of my favourite global treks all which promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. 25 Top Hikes to Ignite Your Wanderlust 1. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru Length: 26 miles (42 km)Duration: 4 daysBest time to go: May to September The Inca Trail is a mystical trek through the Andes that culminates in the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. Along the way, hikers pass ancient Incan sites, cloud forests, and panoramic mountain vistas. Permits are required and sell out months in advance, so plan early and book early. 💡 Highlight: Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate is an experience you’ll never forget. Be sure to enjoy the tranquility of Machu Picchu in the early hours before the crowds arrive. 2. Torres del Paine “W” Walk, Chile Length: 50 miles (80 km)Duration: 4–5 daysBest time to go: November to March Located in Patagonia’s iconic national park, this hike offers dramatic views of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and wild terrain. The “W” shape of the trail covers the park’s main valleys. As an overland tour leader I've run several trips around Patagonia and the W walk is always a highlight of the trip. It's definitely one not to miss on a trip to Chile. 💡 Highlight: Glacier Grey and the towers of Torres del Paine themselves—majestic granite spires that glow red at sunrise. The Towers (Torres) 3. Everest Base Camp, Nepal Length: 80 miles (130 km) round tripDuration: 12–14 daysBest time to go: March to May or September to November This legendary hike in the Himalayas is as much a cultural journey as a physical one. You’ll walk through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning high-altitude landscapes. 💡 Highlight: Standing at the base of the world’s highest mountain, surrounded by 8,000-meter giants. 4. Tour du Mont Blanc, France/Italy/Switzerland Length: 105 miles (170 km)Duration: 10–12 daysBest time to go: June to September Circling the Mont Blanc massif, this hike crosses three countries and offers varied alpine scenery. With cozy refuges and villages along the route, it’s a perfect mix of nature and European charm. 💡 Highlight: The view from the Col de la Seigne and the alpine hospitality in Chamonix. 5. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland Length: 34 miles (55 km)Duration: 4–5 daysBest time to go: June to August A surreal journey through Iceland’s highlands, the Laugavegur Trail traverses lava fields, hot springs, black sand deserts, and multicolored rhyolite mountains. 💡 Highlight: Bathing in natural hot springs after a long day of trekking through Iceland’s untamed wilderness. 6. The John Muir Trail, California, USA Length: 211 miles (340 km)Duration: 2–4 weeksBest time to go: July to September Named after the famous naturalist, this epic trail winds through the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. It culminates at Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental U.S. Many of the National Parks visited on the John Muir Trail are some of the prettiest National Parks on the West Coast and top inclusions on a road trip around the southwestern states. 💡 Highlight: Alpine lakes, granite cliffs, and the sense of solitude in pristine wilderness. Yosemite Valley 7. The Overland Track, Tasmania, Australia Length: 40 miles (65 km)Duration: 5–6 daysBest time to go: October to May Winding through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Overland Track showcases ancient rainforests, alpine moorlands, and glacial valleys. 💡 Highlight: Spotting wombats and echidnas as you hike through an otherworldly landscape. 8. The Drakensberg Grand Traverse, South Africa/Lesotho Length: 140 miles (230 km)Duration: 2–3 weeksBest time to go: April to October (Dry season) For the truly adventurous, this unmarked and unregulated route along the Drakensberg escarpment offers dramatic cliffs, caves with rock art, and rugged terrain. 💡 Highlight: The Amphitheatre wall and Tugela Falls—one of the highest waterfalls on Earth. 9. The Snowman Trek, Bhutan Length: 200 miles (320 km)Duration: 20–30 daysBest time to go: October or April This is often called the toughest trek in the world due to its remote high-altitude passes and unpredictable weather. But the cultural immersion and stunning Himalayan views make it a life-changing experience. 💡 Highlight: Meeting Bhutanese villagers in isolated hamlets and walking beneath peaks over 7,000 meters high. 10. Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida), Colombia Length: 28 miles (45 km) round tripDuration: 4–6 daysBest Time to Go: December to March (dry season)Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, the Lost City Trek takes you through dense jungle, river crossings, and steep climbs to reach Ciudad Perdida, an ancient city built around 800 CE—older than Machu Picchu. Along the way, you'll encounter rich biodiversity, indigenous communities like the Kogi, and a real sense of mystery and discovery. The hike is humid and challenging, but the remote, mystical setting makes it one of the most unique treks in South America. 💡 Highlight: Climbing 1,200 mossy stone steps to reach the Lost City feels like entering a sacred, hidden world. Check out this short video of our trek to the Ciudad Perdida earlier this year, which was a massive highlight of our trip around South America! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6NTX4CHKaDQ 11. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal Length: 100–145 miles (160–230 km)Duration: 2–3 weeksBest time to go: March to May or September to November The Annapurna Circuit is often considered one of the most diverse treks in the world. It takes you through subtropical jungles, alpine forests, barren high-altitude deserts, and traditional villages, all in a single loop around the Annapurna Massif. The trek’s crown jewel is the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), one of the highest trekking passes on Earth. Along the way, you'll encounter warm hospitality, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning views of peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. It’s a blend of natural grandeur and deep cultural immersion. For a complete packing list for the Annapurna Circuit, see this post and take a look at the video below to see our experience of trekking the Annapurna Circuit. 💡 Highlight: Crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), one of the highest trekking passes on Earth, surrounded by snow-covered giants. https://youtu.be/_uO0pnHoWNs?si=ocfyW3e-ba0js65Q 12. The Haute Route, France & Switzerland Length: 112 miles (180 km)Duration: 12–14 daysBest time to go: July to September The Haute Route links two of the most iconic alpine towns in Europe: Chamonix in France (at the base of Mont Blanc) and Zermatt in Switzerland (beneath the Matterhorn). This high-level trek navigates through dramatic glaciers, lush valleys, and wildflower meadows. With mountain huts and alpine villages dotting the route, you’ll experience the charm of both countries’ traditions and cuisine. It's more physically demanding than the Tour du Mont Blanc but offers even more seclusion and breathtaking vistas. Perfect for experienced hikers craving a true alpine adventure. 💡 Highlight: Descending into Zermatt with a crystal-clear view of the Matterhorn after two weeks in the high Alps. 13. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), USA Length: 2,650 miles (4,265 km)Duration: 4–6 months (thru-hike)Best time to go: April to September The PCT is the ultimate test of endurance and dedication. Spanning from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in Washington, this trail traverses six of North America’s major ecosystems: desert, chaparral, alpine forest, subalpine forest, tundra, and temperate rainforest. Highlights include the High Sierra, Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade Range. It’s a pilgrimage for long-distance hikers and inspired Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild (A must-read for any avid hiker). Even a shorter section of the PCT can be a life-changing experience, which I took advantage of during my time living in California. 💡 Highlight: Watching the sun rise over the Sierra Nevada after days of solitude and snowfields, hundreds of miles from civilization. Crater lake and Mt Hood along the PCT 14. Milford Track, New Zealand Length: 33 miles (53 km)Duration: 4 daysBest time to go: November to April Dubbed “the finest walk in the world,” New Zealand’s Milford Track takes you deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park. The trail begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at the spectacular Milford Sound. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush beech forests, alpine passes, and cascading waterfalls—including Sutherland Falls, one of the highest in the world. This is a highly regulated Great Walk, so expect well-maintained huts and limited daily permits to preserve the fragile environment. 💡 Highlight: Standing beneath Sutherland Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, surrounded by lush Fiordland rainforest. 15. The West Highland Way, Scotland Length: 96 miles (154 km)Duration: 6–8 daysBest time to go: May to September The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most famous long-distance trail, stretching from just outside Glasgow to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis. Hikers traverse lochs, rolling moorlands, and rugged highlands. With opportunities to stop in cozy pubs, explore ruined castles, and camp under the stars, it offers a romantic journey into the Scottish soul. It’s relatively moderate in difficulty and well-marked, making it ideal for newer long-distance hikers. Be prepared for midges in the summer months! 💡 Highlight: Hiking across Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wildernesses in Europe, under brooding Highland skies. 16. The Dolomites Alta Via 1, Italy Length: 75 miles (120 km)Duration: 8–10 daysBest time to go: July to September The Alta Via 1 weaves through the dramatic limestone towers of Italy’s Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This high-alpine trail is famous for its vertical cliffs, verdant pastures, and charming rifugi (mountain huts) offering home-cooked Italian meals and wine. You’ll pass through WWI tunnels, past turquoise alpine lakes, and sleep under pink-tinged spires. It’s a relatively accessible trek that delivers world-class scenery with a hefty dose of culture and comfort. 💡 Highlight: Watching the pale limestone peaks glow pink at sunset (the famous enrosadira) from a mountain rifugio. 17. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Length: Varies by route (37–60 miles / 60–100 km)Duration: 5–9 daysBest Time to Go: January to March or June to October Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is a bucket-list climb that doesn’t require technical skills—just preparation, fitness, and determination. There are multiple routes (Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, etc.), each offering a different perspective on the mountain’s ecosystems, which range from tropical forest to arctic summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak and watching the sunrise from the roof of Africa is one of the most awe-inspiring moments a hiker can experience. 💡 Highlight: Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise and seeing the clouds far below you from Africa’s highest summit. 18. Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina Length: 36 miles (58 km)Duration: 3–4 daysBest Time to Go: November to March (Patagonia) Set in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, this trek takes you around the base of the jagged Mount Fitz Roy and offers some of Patagonia’s most iconic scenery. The trails are accessible from the town of El Chaltén, often called Argentina’s trekking capital. Expect panoramic views, glacial lakes, and dramatic skies that make for perfect photography. Despite the dramatic landscape, many of the hikes here are day trips or short overnights, making it perfect for travelers with limited time. 💡 Highlight: Catching a clear sunrise view of Mount Fitz Roy’s spires reflected in the still waters of Laguna de los Tres. Enjoying the views of Mount Fitz Roy at Laguna de los Tres in 2015 and again in 2025 19. GR20, Corsica, France Length: 112 miles (180 km)Duration: 15 daysBest Time to Go: June to September Often labeled Europe’s toughest long-distance trail, the GR20 stretches across the spine of Corsica from north to south. It’s known for steep ascents, exposed ridges, and rocky terrain—but also for crystal-clear mountain lakes and remote villages. The trail is rugged and less developed than most in Europe, giving it an adventurous, untamed feel. You’ll need to be fit and prepared, but the challenge is worth the wild beauty and sense of accomplishment. 💡 Highlight: Traversing the Cirque de la Solitude, a dramatic natural amphitheater of sheer granite cliffs and exposed ridgelines. 20. Lycian Way, Turkey Length: 335 miles (540 km)Duration: 3–5 weeks (or section hikes of 3–7 days)Best Time to Go: March to May and September to November The Lycian Way is Turkey’s first long-distance hiking trail, stretching along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya. This ancient route combines spectacular coastal views, pine-covered mountains, and thousands of years of history. Along the way, you’ll pass through Roman roads, Lycian rock tombs, deserted beaches, and charming rural villages. It’s well-marked and suitable for section hiking or full-thru hikes. The trail offers a unique blend of archaeology, turquoise coast seascapes, and Turkish hospitality, with options for camping or staying in pensions. 💡 Highlight: The ruins of Olympos and the eternal flames of Mount Chimaera are mystical, memorable stops. Pro tip: Pretend like you're a kid again and enjoy a night in a tree house during your night at Olympos! Stopping at a secluded cove for a cheeky dip along the Lycian Way in Turkey 21. Ala-Kul Lake Trek, Kyrgyzstan Length: 21–30 miles (35–50 km), depending on routeDuration: 3–5 daysBest Time to Go: July to SeptemberAh Kyrgyzstan! With over 80% of the country perched above 2000m, this country is known as the Switzerland of Central Asia and is one of my favourite countries to visit. Tucked away in the Terskey Alatau range near Karakol, the Ala-Kul Lake Trek is a classic Kyrgyzstan trek, which offers jaw-dropping mountain scenery with far fewer crowds than the Alps or Andes. The trail leads you through verdant valleys, alongside rushing rivers, and over the dramatic Ala-Kul Pass (3,900 m / 12,800 ft), offering panoramic views of the surreal turquoise lake far below. You’ll pass yurt camps and encounter Kyrgyz nomads, adding a cultural element to the raw natural beauty. It’s adventurous, affordable, and one of Central Asia’s best-kept trekking secrets. 💡 Highlight: Reaching Ala-Kul Lake after a tough climb up the scree feels like discovering a glacial jewel hidden in the mountains. I could've spent all day here! Ala-Kul lake from Ala-Kul pass in Kyrgyzstan 22. Mestia to Ushguli Trek, Georgia (Svaneti Region) Length: ~34 miles (55 km)Duration: 4–5 daysBest Time to Go: Late June to early October Georgia is another fabulous destination for hiking and a country which I love returning to, whether it's for the hiking in summer or skiing in winter. This spectacular trek through Georgia’s Svaneti region takes you through green alpine valleys, glacier-fed rivers, and medieval villages that seem frozen in time. The trail begins in Mestia and ends in Ushguli, one of Europe’s highest continuously inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll hike beneath the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus, including Mt. Shkhara (5,193 m), and stay in traditional guesthouses run by local families. It’s a rich mix of epic scenery, ancient culture, and warm Georgian hospitality (which usually includes lots of good wine!). 💡 Highlight: Arriving in Ushguli surrounded by ancient stone towers, with snow-covered mountains looming above, is a surreal and unforgettable moment. Mestia in Georgia 23. Toubkal Circuit, Morocco Length: Varies; ~40–60 miles (65–100 km) depending on routeDuration: 5–8 daysBest Time to Go: May to October This high-altitude trek in the High Atlas Mountains is Morocco’s premier hiking adventure. It culminates with the summit of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak (4,167 m / 13,671 ft). The circuit offers not just epic mountain views, but also cultural immersion in Amazigh (Berber) villages and valleys where time seems to stand still. Trails wind past terraced fields, deep gorges, and ridgelines with jaw-dropping vistas. While challenging, it offers an unforgettable mix of nature, culture, and adventure. A guide with a permit is required to hike Mount Toubkal. You can book these through operators online or you can book direct at agencies based in Marrakesh. Toubkal is popular hiking destination so expect crowds along the route. For a quieter alternative, consider hiking M'Goun which is equally as pretty. 💡 Highlight: Watching the sunrise from the summit of Toubkal, with the Sahara faintly visible in the distance. 24. West Coast Trail, Canada (Vancouver Island, BC) Length: 47 miles (75 km)Duration: 5–7 daysBest Time to Go: May to September Canada’s most legendary coastal hike, the West Coast Trail is a wild journey through dense rainforest, across suspension bridges, up ladders, and along rugged beaches. Originally a rescue route for shipwreck survivors, this trail on Vancouver Island now tests hikers with tides, slippery boardwalks, and relentless terrain. But it rewards with misty waterfalls, sea caves, and sightings of whales and sea lions. It’s as mentally rewarding as it is physically tough—a true rite of passage for serious hikers. 💡 Highlight: Scrambling across beach boulders with the Pacific surf crashing beside you is pure wilderness magic. 25. Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Route), Japan Length: 45 miles (72 km)Duration: 4–6 daysBest Time to Go: March to May and October to November The Kumano Kodo is a sacred pilgrimage route on the Kii Peninsula and one of only two UNESCO-designated pilgrimage networks in the world (alongside Spain’s Camino de Santiago). The Nakahechi Route is the most popular, winding through misty forests, quiet mountain villages, and centuries-old Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The hike is as much spiritual as scenic, and accommodation in traditional ryokan inns and soothing onsen hot springs enhances the experience. It's a gentle yet profound journey into Japan’s cultural heart. 💡 Highlight: Standing in the forest at the gates of Kumano Hongu Taisha, with ancient cedar trees towering overhead. Related posts you might like: The best dehydrated meals for backpacking Filtering water bottles for hiking Healthy meal ideas for hikers Final Thoughts Hiking is more than exercise—it's a way to experience the world deeply and authentically. Each of these treks offers a unique story, whether it’s cultural heritage, wilderness solitude, or a sense of personal achievement. From multi-week expeditions in the Himalayas to weekend escapes in Europe, these hikes showcase the best natural wonders and cultural landscapes our planet has to offer. Whether you crave solitude in the wilderness or connection with ancient civilizations, there’s a trail here for you. Before heading out, always research local conditions, get the right gear, and prepare for your physical limits. And most importantly—leave no trace. Let’s keep these trails wild for generations to come.