If you’re looking for a holiday jam-packed with adrenaline-fuelled activities, you’ve come to the right place! South Africa is home to a diverse range of landscapes, which lend themselves to a huge range of exciting activities. Here are 10 of our favourites:
While a good old-fashioned game-viewing safari may be all kinds of wonderful, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of navigating a truly wild space on foot! The Kruger National Park – South Africa’s largest game reserve – offers guests the opportunity to do just this with their seven spectacular wilderness trails. These 3-night, 2-day trails will take you right into the very heart of Kruger’s wilderness area, far away from roads, lodges and camps. Throughout the hike you will be in the safe hands of at least two game rangers, who will be all too eager to share their bush-knowledge and incredible tales with you.
While a good old-fashioned game-viewing safari may be all kinds of wonderful, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of navigating a truly wild space on foot! The Kruger National Park – South Africa’s largest game reserve – offers guests the opportunity to do just this with their seven spectacular wilderness trails. These 3-night, 2-day trails will take you right into the very heart of Kruger’s wilderness area, far away from roads, lodges and camps. Throughout the hike you will be in the safe hands of at least two game rangers, who will be all too eager to share their bush-knowledge and incredible tales with you.
Counting among the top 5 right hand breaks on the planet, Supertubes is a dream come true for any avid surfer. As the name suggests, this surf spot is famous for the super long barrels that roll into shore when the conditions are just right. If you want to catch one of these tubes yourself, mid-winter (June – August) is the best time of year to go.
Image: Dave Lonsdale
Counting among the top 5 right hand breaks on the planet, Supertubes is a dream come true for any avid surfer. As the name suggests, this surf spot is famous for the super long barrels that roll into shore when the conditions are just right. If you want to catch one of these tubes yourself, mid-winter (June – August) is the best time of year to go.
Image: Dave Lonsdale
Just imagine the adrenaline rush that comes with meeting a 3m Great White Shark in real life! You can actually experience this first-hand during a cage diving excursion with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai. Located just more than two hours’ drive from Cape Town, this area is well-known for attracting these Apex predators of the ocean. Part of the reason for this is the easy-snacking offered by nearby Seal Island. If this sounds a bit extreme, don’t worry! They also offer an amazing 5-star whale watching experience.
Between May and December, Southern Right Whales flock to South Africa’s shoreline to breed and give birth to their calves. During a whale watching cruise with Marine Dynamics, you’ll have the opportunity to get right up close (but still at a respectable distance) to these gentle giants of the deep. What we love about Marine Dynamics is the fact that they are renowned conservationists and take ocean conservation very seriously. With the slogan ‘Discover and Protect’, you can rest assured that your experience will be ethical and respectful of the creatures you encounter.
Just imagine the adrenaline rush that comes with meeting a 3m Great White Shark in real life! You can actually experience this first-hand during a cage diving excursion with Marine Dynamics in Gansbaai. Located just more than two hours’ drive from Cape Town, this area is well-known for attracting these Apex predators of the ocean. Part of the reason for this is the easy-snacking offered by nearby Seal Island. If this sounds a bit extreme, don’t worry! They also offer an amazing 5-star whale watching experience.
Between May and December, Southern Right Whales flock to South Africa’s shoreline to breed and give birth to their calves. During a whale watching cruise with Marine Dynamics, you’ll have the opportunity to get right up close (but still at a respectable distance) to these gentle giants of the deep. What we love about Marine Dynamics is the fact that they are renowned conservationists and take ocean conservation very seriously. With the slogan ‘Discover and Protect’, you can rest assured that your experience will be ethical and respectful of the creatures you encounter.
Go on an airborne journey into a previously inaccessible realm of nature, when you set out on the Cape Canopy Tour in Elgin. This almost 5-hour tour will take you right into the heart of the Hottentots Holland mountains and the Cape Floral Kingdom, where you will soar from one cliff face to another. There are thirteen slides of up to 320m, with the longest ride lasting 30 seconds! They are located only one hour from Cape Town and offer a fully guided adventure activity for nature enthusiasts of ages 5 to 75.
Go on an airborne journey into a previously inaccessible realm of nature, when you set out on the Cape Canopy Tour in Elgin. This almost 5-hour tour will take you right into the heart of the Hottentots Holland mountains and the Cape Floral Kingdom, where you will soar from one cliff face to another. There are thirteen slides of up to 320m, with the longest ride lasting 30 seconds! They are located only one hour from Cape Town and offer a fully guided adventure activity for nature enthusiasts of ages 5 to 75.
Now look, walking safaris are pretty cool, but getting to do game viewing from the basket of a hot air balloon? That’s priceless! With its year-round mild weather, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in North West is a popular location for ballooning and offers guests the opportunity to appreciate the magnificence of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex from above. Since there’s no noise pollution, it’s also a great way to spot animals – maybe even some of the Big 5 - way down below.
Now look, walking safaris are pretty cool, but getting to do game viewing from the basket of a hot air balloon? That’s priceless! With its year-round mild weather, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve in North West is a popular location for ballooning and offers guests the opportunity to appreciate the magnificence of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring Complex from above. Since there’s no noise pollution, it’s also a great way to spot animals – maybe even some of the Big 5 - way down below.
Enjoy a truly iconic South African holiday experience, when you hop aboard a raft and navigate the rapids of the Orange River. These epic multi-day adventures take place in the Northern Cape, close to the border of Namibia and offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a cool water-based activity amidst spectacular desert scenery. Far removed from the city lights, expect evenings filled with fireside tales and mesmerising star-gazing.
Enjoy a truly iconic South African holiday experience, when you hop aboard a raft and navigate the rapids of the Orange River. These epic multi-day adventures take place in the Northern Cape, close to the border of Namibia and offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a cool water-based activity amidst spectacular desert scenery. Far removed from the city lights, expect evenings filled with fireside tales and mesmerising star-gazing.
If you’ve ever visited Soweto, you would have noticed the two colourful towers standing guard on the outskirts. Forming part of the decommissioned Orlando Power Station, these towers have been transformed into an adrenaline junky’s dream. Whether you’re looking to bungee-, base jump or simply free fall, the team at Soweto Towers have something that is sure to tickle your fancy.
Image: Joan Campderros-i-Canas
If you’ve ever visited Soweto, you would have noticed the two colourful towers standing guard on the outskirts. Forming part of the decommissioned Orlando Power Station, these towers have been transformed into an adrenaline junky’s dream. Whether you’re looking to bungee-, base jump or simply free fall, the team at Soweto Towers have something that is sure to tickle your fancy.
Image: Joan Campderros-i-Canas
Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Maluti Mountains while riding through Golden Gate Highlands National Park on horseback. All rides are guided and dependent on the weather. There are also various trails you could follow – some for more experienced riders and others for those who have never been on a horse in their life.
Image: Pavel Tcholakov
Immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Maluti Mountains while riding through Golden Gate Highlands National Park on horseback. All rides are guided and dependent on the weather. There are also various trails you could follow – some for more experienced riders and others for those who have never been on a horse in their life.
Image: Pavel Tcholakov
Find yourself right on top of the world when you take on this iconic Drakensberg day hike. While the trail is only about 8km from start to finish, you should put at least 7 hours aside to complete it. One of the most challenging parts of this hike is following the steep zigzag trail along the Sentinal's cliff face. However, once you've completed that, you'll be treated to a relatively even stretch from where you can enjoy truly spectacular views from 300-metres above sea level.
Image: Klim Levene
Find yourself right on top of the world when you take on this iconic Drakensberg day hike. While the trail is only about 8km from start to finish, you should put at least 7 hours aside to complete it. One of the most challenging parts of this hike is following the steep zigzag trail along the Sentinal's cliff face. However, once you've completed that, you'll be treated to a relatively even stretch from where you can enjoy truly spectacular views from 300-metres above sea level.
Image: Klim Levene
What better way to immerse yourself in the arresting beauty of the winelands than taking a leisurely cycle through the vineyards? Adventure Shop in Stellenbosch offers an exceptional guided bicycle tour that combines the historic sites of the town with a memorable chocolate and wine pairing experience at one of the many acclaimed estates on the outskirts. You can also opt for an E-Bike tour meandering from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek. In both cases, you will get to experience the gorgeous winelands scenery, meet amazing locals and enjoy delicious local wines and treats whilst getting your heartrate up.
What better way to immerse yourself in the arresting beauty of the winelands than taking a leisurely cycle through the vineyards? Adventure Shop in Stellenbosch offers an exceptional guided bicycle tour that combines the historic sites of the town with a memorable chocolate and wine pairing experience at one of the many acclaimed estates on the outskirts. You can also opt for an E-Bike tour meandering from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek. In both cases, you will get to experience the gorgeous winelands scenery, meet amazing locals and enjoy delicious local wines and treats whilst getting your heartrate up.
