Hill, 26, was an ever present for Wales this season playing in all nine internationals and included in the Six Nations team of the tournament, so deservedly gets his chance to wear the armband with Alun Wyn Jones rested.
Scarlet Jake Ball is still sidelined so Hill is likely to partner former Dragon Luke Charteris, Seb Davies and Bradley Davies or Adam Beard in the boiler room.
"I had a pretty decent Six Nations and enjoyed the chances I had but I know that I've just got to carry on working hard," said Hill.
"You can't take anything for granted – you have to go out and play every game for Wales like it's your last.
"It's going to be a tough tour with South Africa and then Argentina in their back yard, but I am sure the boys will rise to the challenge.
"It's a big opportunity to prove ourselves because they are quality sides and the boys have to front up. It is down to us all to step up and take our chances because everything is building towards the World Cup.
"We have to put our hands up for the jersey and after this we will only have the autumn, the Six Nations and then it's the build-up to the World Cup, so it's a big tour for us all."
Elliot Dee, Hallam Amos plus new recruit Ross Moriarty will partner Hill on tour from the Dragons with the trio all keen to stake a claim on the Wales jersey.
Dragons Player of the year Dee featured against Georgia and South Africa last autumn and played in all five Six Nations encounters, establishing himself as deputy to Lions and Wales hooker Ken Owens, and made his debut against Italy in March.
"Elliot is a fantastic player and he works extremely hard. It's been nice to see him achieve what he has because he had such a difficult season through injuries the year before," said Hill about the hooker.
"He is a quality player who I am sure will be a world class one in the future. When he played for Wales in the autumn and Six Nations, he has shown what he can do.
"I'm sure he'll kick on from what he's done throughout the year on this tour."
