7 Best Outdoor Activities in South Africa

outdoor activities south africa e1533079412783

South Africa, is a country full of so many different landscapes, cultures and adventures. Whether you are a local South African or you are looking to visit the exquisite country, you have many activities to choose from. What is so great about this country is that it is small enough to travel around, but every place you visit will be vibrant in such a different, unique way. The landscapes and colours change so quickly when you travel and you will find places ranging from old-town quaint locations to the most hustle and bustle cities. Here are the 7 Best Outdoor Activities in South Africa.

Best Outdoor Activities in South Africa

The outdoors in South Africa was created to be enjoyed, and there are endless outdoor activities to try out. Discover new lands, take in new views and enjoy the exhilarating to relaxing outdoor activities on offer in the wonderful land.

1. Whale Watching in Hermanus

Whale Watching in Hermanus -Best Outdoor Activities
Land Based whale watching

Hermanus is famous for whale watching and beautiful sea views. The coastal scenery offers a trip on its own, but the whale-watching tours are just so incredible. The seaside town has some of the best whale watching in the country. Boat trips can last for hours and you can view the Southern Right Whales. The whales often travel close to the boats and can be seen from land at times. The whales mate and give birth off the coast of Hermanus each year, so you might even catch sight of some babies.

2. Cape Town City Cycle Tour

Cape Town City Cycle Tour
Cape Town City Cycle Tour

The Mother City, Cape Town, has so much to see. The city is so vibrant and full of life – who wants to view it stuck in a car? A 3-hour cycle through Cape Town is the best way to take in all of this amazing city. The sights and attractions include the Bo Kaap community, the Nobel Square (4 Nobel Peace Prize laureate statues on the show), Company’s Garden and a trip through Adderley Street. The guides are interesting and entertaining, telling stories of the history and heritage of the wonderful town.

3. Aquila Game Reserve

Aquila Game Reserve
Aquila Game Reserve

Aquila Game Reserve in Cape Town is renowned as one of the best in the world. If you want to see African Wildlife, this is the place to go. Home to the Big Five and animals such as the Verreaux’s eagle, you are sure to have constant sightings. The game reserve has also been recently covered in snow as well, making for a spectacular sighting.

4. Skydiving, Wakeboarding and Quad Biking

Image result for Full-Day Sky Diving, Sandboarding and Quad Biking Combo from Cape Town

A full day of absolute adrenaline in Cape Town. This is one of the Best Outdoor Activities. Skydiving, sandboarding and quad biking offer up the most exciting day for thrill seekers. Wakeboard down the Atlantis Coast and then jump onto a quad bike for a trip through the beautiful Cape Town hills. End the day off with an amazing skydive.

5. Bloukrans Bungy

Bloukrans Bungy
Bloukrans Bungy

216 metres high – the Bloukrans Bungy is the largest bridge in Africa. Makes sense to bungy jump off of it right? It is the world’s highest bungy jump from the bridge. If you aren’t a fan of bungy jumping, the views from the bridge of the Bloukrans River below are breathtaking. This is one of the Best Outdoor Activities. Completely safe, the bungy is performed in a full-body harness and uses pendulum bungy technology, meaning it is a smooth, comfortable jump.

That is if you are brave enough to jump in the first place. It is a memory that will last a lifetime. However, if you are too scared to jump you could always opt for a bridge walking tour, over the world’s third-highest bridge. Panoramic views from the gorge to the sea will make the trip worth it.

6. Balloon Safari

Balloon Safari
Balloon Safari

Unless you are incredibly afraid of heights, there really doesn’t have to be much convincing involved in taking a trip in a hot-air balloon. Being free and up with the birds taking in breathtaking views – how absolutely magnificent. This is one of the Best Outdoor Activities. There are hot air balloon rides that take you over Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind. The landscape views below you are seen from the best perspective and you can take them in over a slow, relaxing ride. Sip on champagne and take in the crisp air. Your guide will give you all the facts and stories of the area, and you can look forward to a full breakfast when landing.

7. Sani Pass

Sani Pass
Sani Pass

Sani Pass is a famous mountain pass in the Drakensberg, Kwa-Zulu Natal. This is one of the Best Outdoor Activities. It connects to Lesotho and offers travellers the most incredible views out there. In winter you are able to enjoy the snow if you time it right, and the 4×4 trails are some of the best in the country. Once you have reached the top, you can stop in at the “Highest Pub in the World” for a few beers and a warm-up before crossing over the border.

There are many hotels and holiday resorts around Sani Pass, so you are able to make it a family holiday touring the Drakensberg for a few days. The Drakensberg is one of South Africa’s best gems, it is a must for any traveller or local looking for the most scenic views.

Synopsis

South Africa really should be rated as one of the best destinations in the world. The absolute diversity of landscapes, cultures and people speaks volumes to its name as a beautiful country. There are some of the world’s best restaurants to enjoy or sit for dinner with the locals at a vibey shebeen. Abovelisted are the Best Outdoor Activities.

The people are friendly, the food is good and the lifestyle is the best in the world. The outdoor activities give you the best opportunity to take in the beautiful landscapes while taking part in some exhilarating or relaxing activities, some suited even for the whole family.

Go and book your vacations and activities now!

About the author

Rebecca Brown