South Africa Adventures

All nine of South Africa's provinces offer a wide range of activities from deep sea diving and shark cage diving to mountain climbing and abseiling, elephant-back safaris, fishing, surfing, hang gliding, hot-air ballooning, whale watching... the list is endless.

South Africa Adventure and Leisure Pursuits

When visiting South Africa, whether you are young or old, there's an adventure option within your fitness range that will add a lot of fun to your stay in South Africa. There are plenty of activities to choose from and the choice is growing all the time.

The daring, ultra-fit thrill-seekers opt for hair raising stunts such as bungee jumping, riding the rapids, diving with great white sharks, and leaping from the skies with parachutes strapped to their backs. Hikers follow adventure trails, climbers scale the mountain peaks, and anglers stand thigh-high in streams waiting for trout to snatch the fly.

Popular options for the less energetic traveller to South Africa include bird-watching, snorkelling and the ever popular hot air ballooning. South Africa's near perfect climate provides ideal conditions for hot air ballooning, and it doesn't require any exertion. All you do is climb aboard a basket, wait for lift off, relax and enjoy fabulous birds-eye views of the countryside. The wind, the pilot and the crew do all the work, and at the end of the flight, a celebratory glass of champagne and scrumptious brunch await you.

White water rafting can be either gentle or terrifying, depending on the river. Some, like the Doring in the Western Cape, are fast-flowing and steep. Others, including the Orange River, are calm and undemanding. You need to be reasonably fit for the really wild rivers, but most people who can swim can cope with gentle conditions. Thrills and occasional spills, tranquillity, bird song, great scenery and good company provide the ideal ingredients for a memorable excursion.

For snorkelling - the easiest (and cheapest) way of exploring the rich marine life of the underwater world - all you need is a pair of fins, a snorkel and a face mask. The rest is up to you. Scuba diving is in a different league altogether, and you should be a fairly good swimmer before thinking of taking the plunge. You'll also need specialised gear and a knowledge of the physical effects and potential dangers of the "foreign" environment. A course takes a minimum of five days and includes theory and practice sessions.

You don't have to be an experienced rider to take part in a horseback safari, and in the saddle you'll probably get closer to game than you would on foot or in a vehicle. Novice riders quickly gain confidence, and those who've tried it say that the combination of riding and game-viewing is irresistible.

For more thrill-seeking options and outdoor activities see our menu of options alongside. For specific activities and ideas on what to do in the area you are visiting browse through our directory of Things to Do in South Africa for more specific details.

Most Popular Adventures & Activities

Additional Reading

• 7 South African Adventures that will Change Your Life
• Adventure holidays for families with kids around South Africa
• 12 Adrenaline Fuelled Adventure Experiences Across South Africa
• Swimming with Seals and 15 Other Unusual Things to Do in South Africa

You might also be interested in

• South Africa World Heritage Sites
• Our National Botanical Gardens
• South African Maps
• South Africa's Wild Life
• South Africa's Plant Life
• South Africa's Bird Life