Adventure Activities

South Africa has plenty to do between the sightseeing: in the sea, on the sand, in the air and in the mountains. Most of these activities are half or full-day trips from Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, with transport included.

In the water

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai

About two and a half hours from Cape Town. You don't need a diving qualification: you float at the surface in a cage while the crew attract sharks. Great white sightings have been less predictable in recent years, and many trips now see other species such as bronze whaler sharks. See Gansbaai.

Snorkelling with seals

Swim with Cape fur seals near Hout Bay. Thick wetsuits are provided, as the water is usually around 12 to 16°C.

On land

Sandboarding and quad biking

On the dunes at Atlantis, about an hour north of Cape Town. Boards and lessons are included.

Ziplines

The Cape Canopy Tour crosses a mountain gorge in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, about an hour from Cape Town.

E-bike wine tours

Ride electric bikes between wine estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. See Cape Winelands tours.

Hiking

Table Mountain and Lion's Head in Cape Town, with a guide. See Table Mountain tours.

Sani Pass

A 4x4 trip up the steep gravel pass from KwaZulu-Natal into Lesotho. Bring your passport.

In the air

Hot-air balloon flights

Sunrise flights over the Magaliesberg near Johannesburg, usually about an hour in the air, often followed by breakfast.

Helicopter flights

Scenic flights over Cape Town, the Atlantic coast or the Winelands.

Bungee jumps

The Bloukrans Bridge on the Garden Route at 216 m, and the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Good to know

• Weather. Sea, air and mountain activities are often cancelled or moved for wind or swell. Keep a spare day if one matters to you.
• Limits. Many activities have minimum ages and weight limits. Check the tour page before booking.
• Insurance. Make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you plan.
• Seasickness. If you get seasick, take a tablet before boat trips.

For whales, penguins and boat trips, see whale watching and marine tours.