Menu
Updated: November 2023
Located only two hours from Cape Town, South Africa, Touws River is your gateway to the vast and rugged beauty of the Great Karoo. And, while multi-day Karoo hiking treks (like the Swartberg Pass and Gamtoos Mountain Trail) offer epic adventures, sometimes, all you need is a taste of the outdoors without committing to a full-blown expedition. But, fear not fellow hikers, for Touws River boasts some of the best hiking day trails and moderate to easy hiking routes in the Western Cape.
If you are considering visiting Touws River or have already booked your Touws River accommodation, then you are probably keen to see what activities are available and what there is to do in the area. Explore our growing selection of Things to Do in Touws River and discover the magic of the Tankwa Karoo.
Enjoy this 23.5-km point-to-point trail near Touws River, Western Cape. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes a full day to complete. This isn’t a busy trail, so you’ll enjoy some solitude during this immersive trek into the Karoo wilderness.
Explore this epic 35.2-km hiking loop trail near Touws River, Western Cape. Considered a moderate to challenging route, it takes an average of 1o to 12 hours to complete. As the trail is located within a nature reserve, you’ll need to leave your four-legged companions at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Experience this 4.0-km out-and-back trail near Touws River, Western Cape. Considered a moderately challenging route, this steeply elevated hiking trail takes an average of 1 to 2 hours to complete. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
The Karoo is a semi-arid region, so it is important to be prepared for hot and dry conditions. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. The Karoo is also home to a number of venomous snakes, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to wear sturdy shoes.