Slack packing is simply backpacking without the fuss. You travel light while someone else takes on the heavy burden of carrying your bags. No longer does hiking have to be the sweaty and strenuous task it used to be.

There are loads of slack packing trails in South Africa. You can admire the views, cool off in rivers or rock pools by day and then enjoy comfortable sleeping arrangements along with prepared meals at guesthouses along the way. Here's a selection of some of South Africa's most popular slack packing trails.

Garden Route Trail

The trail comprises of a four-day, 65km beach route. It begins at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness and ends at Featherbed Reserve on Knysna's West Head. To top it all off, a steam train transfers you back to Wilderness.

The trail promises an abundance of information. This is mainly because all the guides are scientists. So expect to enjoy many fascinating ecological debates. Bird watching is a big aspect of this trail. A bird sanctuary was recently opened called Garden Route Birding. Various indigenous species are detailed along the sanctuary's birding sites and trails.

The accommodation is more comfortable than luxurious, and ranges from guesthouses and cabanas to rondavels and chalets. The interesting part is the food. The operators plan their own potjie-kos and seafood evenings. Look forward to a night filled with good food, music and lively conversation.

What do you do for fun? There are forests and dunes ready for your exploration. Action-packed activities include canoeing and paragliding, if the weather permits. See a variety of bird species tailor made for the avid bird-watcher. You can also choose to go on a moonlight meander to nearby rock pools. When all the walking is done, how about a massage provided by a qualified reflexologist? That should unwind the body and mind.

The Whale Trail

The nearest major town to the trail is Bredasdorp, Western Cape. The route stretches 54km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and includes five overnight stops.

You can overnight in a hut that comfortably sleeps 12. The huts have built-in braais suitable for all weather conditions, so take some boerewors along.

What activities are on offer? You can explore the wonders of the De Hoop Nature Reserve. This includes the fynbos-bedecked Potberg Mountains. Also, the marine protected area where you can snorkel and do some whale watching.

Hole in the Wall hike

This exciting new trail covers an untamed area regarded by many as the Eden of the Wild Coast.  The trail is situated closest to the town of Umtata in the Eastern Cape. Starting at Presley's Bay, this five-day trail takes you along sandy beaches, across estuaries, mangrove swamps, cliffs and grassy hill tops.

The adventure begins with your journey to Presley’s Bay where you will overnight at a seaside cottage. Here a large timber deck offers scenic views of the ocean as you feast on a home-cooked meal. From here you’ll head south towards the Anchorage Hotel near Umtata Mouth. This 12km walk takes you along some of the South Africa’s most beautiful and less frequented beaches.

What’s on the itinerary? Take a brisk 1.5km walk to the north and admire the panoramic views towards the Mtakatyi River and Hluleka Nature Reserve. The 8km leg to Coffee Bay then takes you up a steep hill. Once at the top you will bask in the beauty of the coastline. There will be an opportunity to watch the whales and the dolphins from a unique perspective. Follow the trail past the old airstrip where a popular shebeen is in existence. Travellers are taken by vehicle to the Hole in the Wall land mark.  The elements have over centuries carved a massive hole in the rock.
 

KNP Wilderness Trails

This slack packing trail is situated closest to the towns of Phalaborwa in Limpopo and Nelspruit in Mpumulanga. Three-night trails are spent in Kruger's wilderness areas. There are no set paths and your morning and evening walks are accompanied with armed rangers. So you know you're in good hands.

What can you do? You'll pass these points on your trails: Bushman, is the walk through a secluded valley surrounded by granite hills. You can see rhinos, elephants and buffaloes. You can also experience authentic rock art.

Nyalaland: Fever trees and baobab forests are common on this hike which has a wide variety of bird life.

Sweni: This area is renowned for the Sweni lion pride. You can also see the likes of black and the rare white rhinos.

Trail camps are both beautiful and diverse and boast vast plant and animal life. Sleep in four rustic, two-bed huts. A concealed lapa serves as the dining area, now that's luxury in nature.

Try these Slack packing trails with a difference with these offers.