South Africa may be known for its stunning safaris, world-class golf and outstanding wine regions, but for many it’s one of the world’s ultimate adventure travel destinations. Home to national parks, vast savannahs and picturesque beaches, the Rainbow Nation also boasts a great climate and offers visitors great value for money. In this guide, we take a look at the best adventure activities to enjoy in South Africa.
Visitors looking for a more leisurely experience should head to the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, whose viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest of western South Africa. For the more adventurous, there is also a suspension bridge, a zipline and a big swing that drops 70m into the forest in three seconds.
For family fun, All Out Adventures has a wide range of entertainment for everyone. It offers quad biking, ziplining, target shooting, bungee and trapeze jumping as well as over 80km of exclusive single track mountain biking and trail running with the stunning Northern Drakensberg Mountains as a backdrop
For those who want to explore the mountains surrounding the city, Captivate the Cape caters for all abilities. This female-owned and South African-operated company offers tours to Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, Platteklip Gorge and more. Their trusted guide, Fatima Sait, is a qualified and registered Mountain Adventure Guide and First Aider, and is in the best position to ensure that you leave South Africa ‘captivated by the Cape’.
Travellers looking for adventure with a touch of luxury need look no further than Leeto Experience. Think chauffeur-driven jeeps, off-road excursions, luxury sky camping with elevated panoramic views, sunset boat cruises and mouth-watering meals prepared by private chefs. Leeto allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the outdoors while still having access to luxurious amenities.
The team at Ocean Ventures in Durban takes visitors on the water to kayak across a 1940s shipwreck or, on a clear day, paddleboard through the turquoise waters of Vetjies Reef. Surfing and off-water activities are also available.
For active holidaymakers who want to push themselves while surrounded by South Africa’s stunning landscapes, bouldering in the Cederberg is the place to be. Rocklands is home to three internationally renowned bouldering destinations, where vibrant orange sandstone juts into the bright blue sky above.
Aliwal Shoal is one of the few places in the world where divers can get up close and personal with oceanic blacktip sharks all year round and tiger sharks in the open ocean during the summer season. This activity is not for the faint of heart, but Aliwal Diving Centre and Lodge allows guests to come face to face with these apex predators in the Indian Ocean.
For those who fear nothing, skydiving in the Free State with Adventure Skydives could tick all the boxes. Just an hour from Johannesburg, this destination offers spectacular views over the Vaal Dam and is known as the best skydiving destination in South Africa.