Fancy taking a walk on the wild side this year and conquering some of the Earth’s most breath-taking terrain on foot? There’s nothing quite like hiking through a new place to really immerse yourself in your surroundings and explore new cultures, and a walking tour is the perfect way to do it.
You can take advantage of expert local guides, have all the organisation taken care of for you, spend some time with like-minded people and just appreciate the joy of walking.
Have a browse of these five spectacular tours to get you in the mood to grab your hiking boots.
New Zealand
For a truly immersive experience, take a walk around New Zealand. This three-week tour shows off the very best of this beautiful country, from the beautiful Lake Wanaka, to the soaring peak of Mount Cook. Take a stroll through the weird and wonderful geothermal springs at Rotorua and learn all about the fascinating Maori culture along the way.
You’ll be offered a choice of walks each day so that you can tailor your holiday to you and your fitness level. Most walks are between three and six miles with minimal ascent, but tougher challenges are on offer for those who want a proper workout.
Want to give your feet a rest? Other highlights include a boat trip around the stunning fjords of Milford Sound, the chance to get the adrenaline pumping with some bungee jumping in Queenstown and other optional extras such as a scenic flight over Mount Cook and a guided walk on a glacier.
PRICE: From £7,499pp* for 23 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk
Morocco
From the buzzing cities of Marrakech and Fes to the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a great destination to explore on foot. Wander through winding ancient city streets, explore the colourful souks and learn more about the country’s vibrant history and culture.
The walks on offer will vary widely from relaxed city tours to forest paths, mountain trails and hikes in the desert sand. Distances will range from three to eight miles per day.
You’ll be able to explore Talassemtane National park with its abundant wildlife and cork oak forests, scale the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and visit the quirky city of Ifrane, known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’. And let’s not forget the unforgettable experience of camping under the stars in the middle of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara Desert where you’ll meet the locals take a trek with camels.
PRICE: From £2,999pp* for 13 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk
Costa Rica
The phenomenal variety of wildlife makes Costa Rica a must-visit location for nature lovers. This brilliant tour takes hikers around this small but perfectly formed country, taking the beauty of the dense rainforests, sprawling coastline and volcanic peaks.
After a couple of days visiting the city of San Jose, you’ll head into the wild. A river boat ride through the Caňo Negro Wildlife Reserve with the opportunity to spot all kinds of animals which call this tropical paradise home, such as sloths, exotic birdlife, howler monkeys, turtles and butterflies is a real highlight.
Different walks of varying difficulty will be offered each walking day, from easier routes of three to six miles, to more challenging walks ranging from six to twelve miles. Some of the options include walking around the towering Arenal volcano taking in the spectacular views, trails through the cloud forest of the Talamanca mountains where you might spot the rare quetzal bird, and walking the sandy beaches and around the tidal pools of the Pacific coast.
PRICE: From £3,699pp* for 11 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk
Patagonia
Head south to the tip of Argentina and Chile and discover the untamed wilderness of Patagonia. Perfect for those struck with wanderlust, this is a land of sharp peaks, gleaming lakes and sprawling glaciers.
You’ll find once in a lifetime walks here, with the tour offering part day walks of around four miles and full walking days of between eight and fourteen miles so that you can choose your distance and difficulty. Travel to Ushuaia and get the opportunity to spot albatross and Magellanic penguins and enjoy spectacular views over dramatic Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
Hike past clear mountain lakes, through meadows and forests in the fantastic Torres del Paine National Park, and walk to the extraordinary Paine Towers viewpoint to see the monolithic granite pillars soar 2,000 metres into the sky. Also not to be missed; take in the sights of the dramatic Perito Moreno Glacier as it creaks and groans. An optional boat trip to get up-close and personal with this monumental wall of ice is a must.
PRICE: From £6,999pp* for 17 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk
South Africa Drakensberg & Zululand
Discover a place rich with history and tradition as well as beautiful scenery in South Africa’s Drakensberg and Zululand. You’ll learn all about the local people, their traditions and beliefs as you wander through mountain ranges, around lakes, through woodland and along coastline.
Walks will be between one and eleven miles each, with both full day and half day options available. You’ll travel up the Elephant Coast, walk to Ghost Mountain – believed by the local people to be haunted – followed by a guided naturalist walk through the Mkuze reserve’s 900-year-old fig forest.
Travel to Zululand and go looking for hippo, crocodiles, tropical birds and other wildlife while you walk through rolling countryside and traditional villages. You’ll be able to explore the dramatic Drakensberg mountain range and see from the Royal Natal National Park exactly why the locals call these mountains ‘the Barrier of Spears.’ Up for a trek? You’ll also have the opportunity to walk to the summit of these mountains and reach the highest point in South Africa.
PRICE: From £3,499pp* for 12 nights
BOOK IT: hfholidays.co.uk
Walking tours offer unique ways to explore new locations and give you a taste of different cultures and surroundings. HF Holidays specialise in providing outstanding guided and self-guided walking holidays all over the world, aiming to promote the love of the outdoors.
Find out more at hfholidays.co.uk
*Prices and offers are subject to availability on selected 2020 dates. Early booking offer ends 30 Sep 2019. Terms and conditions apply, please see website for details.
