![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Cannabil-trail.jpg?resize=168%2C300&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nRabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za<\/p>\n
18 April 2026<\/p>\n
6-minute read<\/p>\n
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Growing up, Muhammed Essop loved the outdoors and as a university student, he was inspired to become a registered tour guide with SA tourism and an adventure guide specialising in hiking, soon founding his own hiking group. \u201cEvery hike is a beautiful hike,\u201d says Muhammed, and a firm favourite of his is the\u00a0Cannibal\u00a0hiking trail in the Free State<\/p>\n
Despite its\u2019 name, the Cannibal Trail\u00a0is not some gruelling hike for outdoor enthusiasts. During a period in the early 1800s, there were a series of wars in the Free State area, where a fair number of indigenous tribes would take refuge in the caves in the\u00a0mountains. At the same time,\u00a0there was a widespread drought, and\u00a0rumour\u00a0has it that this led to cannibalism.\u00a0According to another report, the\u00a0trail\u00a0is a folk legend where a cannibal was active in the area and kept his captives in one of the many caves, where he fed them to fatten them up for later consumption.<\/p>\n
But back to the hike! The Cannibal Trail is situated in a region called Holhoek in the Free State just outside of Clarens on the Saint Fort Farm. It is approximately 280km from both Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. Booking this particular hike, or any other hike in South Africa, can be done directly over the internet or through a reputable tour operator. Muhammed uses Fagala Voet, a marketing and booking agent for hiking trails in South Africa.<\/p>\n
The trail starts at the Hiker\u2019s Hut just past the chalets on the farm, where there is simple accommodation that includes bunk beds, an outdoor kitchen and ablution areas. The two-day Cannibal trail hike runs far from civilization through the beautiful and peaceful Maluti mountains. Along the way, hikers will pass by five overhang caves showcasing bushman paintings, through forests, \u201chopping in and along gorges and through river walks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Day one is a 9km hike that ends at the massive overhang cave enroute the trail in which\u00a0indigenous tribes sought refuge during the war. The cave is equipped with mattresses for hikers to stay overnight and has an ablution block below it with flushing toilets and running water. There is also a facility within the cave for you to make a fire and braai food. Day two covers a 7.5km hike back to the farmhouse, but hikers can divert another 2km\u2019s to see Mushroom Rock; a stunning rock formation that looks like a mushroom, before heading back.<\/p>\n
A moderate level of fitness is needed before one undertakes this hike as it is two days of hiking up and down mountains. First-time hikers should be accompanied by an experienced hiker or someone good at navigating and managing the group to make sure that hikers stay hydrated and are geared for the trail. Muhammed said that going as a family is the ideal way to enjoy any hike.<\/p>\n
The Holhoek Trail outside the town of Paul Roux is another two-day hiking trail in the Free State and is situated about 80km\u2019s from the Cannibal Trail. Day one is 13km while day two is 7kms. Hikers who want to continue experiencing the region could include this trail in their itinerary but will definitely require a 44 to traverse the 17km gravel road leading to the trail. Unlike the Cannibal Trail, this hike has many ladders and bridges to cross between mountains and ridges. Accommodation at Holhoek includes massive dormitory style huts that can accommodate up to 32 people.<\/p>\n
Preparing for a hike, you should have a lightweight backpack, water bottles, energy snacks, a hiking stick, cap and raincoat or jacket, and a first-aid kit. Suitable food to carry along include cooked foods that can be reheated, breakfast foods, and marinated braai meats.<\/p>\n
Apart from hiking, because of its proximity to Johannesburg, Muhammed noted that there are many other activities or sightseeing tours visitors to the Free State can enjoy. Within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, one can do birding, see some wildlife, take in the rolling green hills, spend time at the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to see dinosaur models and learn about them. Then there\u2019s the breathtaking Cathedral Cave that houses a waterfall within it that you can swim in. The quaint town of Clarens boasts lots of activities and events throughout the year that should not be missed, while a hike through water tunnels can be enjoyed in Fouriesburg. There are a variety of game lodges and mountain retreats in the area, and for Muslim travellers, Ficksburg offers many Muslim owned game lodges. And in winter, adventure seekers can take a trip across the border to Lesotho for some skiing.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019re looking for an adventure-filled holiday of exciting hikes and breathtaking scenery, pack your hiking gear and head for the Free State.<\/p>\n