Adventurous Outdoor Activities In JHB, Cape Town & Durban
Summer is very nearly a distant memory, but before the weather changes altogether, there is still time to get out and do something fun and outdoorsy. Trust us, winter is a few months away yet and there’ll be plenty of time for lazy couch surfing in stretchy pants. While the weather is still holding, make the most of the great outdoors with this selection of fun activities in the Cape, JHB and KZN.
Western Cape
Blokart sailing
If the idea of being on a tiny floating device that can topple over at any minute scares you, or the thought of a curious and potentially hungry sea creature terrifies the living daylights out of you fear not; blokarting is the low-key adventure you’ve been missing. A blokart is a type of land yacht, comprising of a light and compact three-wheeled buggy, a mast and a sail, no water required.
blokart.co.za |+ 27 82 900 67
Sandboarding
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to include snowboarding on this list but with the risk of frostbite and avalanches we can’t say that we’re too disappointed. Luckily, the team at Downhill Adventures brings you the ultimate sandboarding adventure. Taking place along the Atlantis Dunes just 40min outside of Cape Town. Sandboarding is a great experience, just be wary you’ll be brushing sand out of unexpected places days later.
downhilladventures.com | +27 21 422 0388
Kloofing at Suicide Gorge
Kloofing (derived from the Afrikaans word kloof) is a super intense activity that is great for water lovers and the adventurous. Kloofers hike up a mountain and make their way down via the available water courses and this can include jumping down, abseiling and swimming. Suicide Gorge, as the name suggests, is not for the faint-hearted, while loads of fun, it can be a bit strenuous. Situated in the beautiful Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, Grabouw you’ll enjoy incredible vistas, that is if you can take the time to look around while making sure you stay alive. Permits are obtained from the Nature Reserve office, because of the dangerous nature of kloofing, it is recommended that you take a guide.
frixionadventures.co.za | +27 21 761 6115
Kayak Trips
Enjoy the beauty of the Cape coastline with a kayaking trip. These guided tours are designed for anybody to jump onboard. There is also the added bonus of potentially seeing sea creatures including whales, dolphins, seals and jellyfish. End the trip with a meal at one of Cape Town’s many coastal restaurants.
Picture courtesy of Kaskazi Kayaks
kayak.co.za | +27 83 346 1146
Seal Snorkeling
Spend the day getting to know the Cape fur seal – they are cute, playful and easy to love, basically the dog of the ocean.
snorkelwithseals.capetown | +27 82 497 8797
Yogahike
Yogahike is the brainchild of veteran Yoga teacher and nature-lover, Claudia Uffhaus. Claudia has spent substantial time exploring the mountains of Cape Town, and runs guided hikes at different locations which culminate in a 1 hour Yoga class at a carefully selected location – overlooking the ocean, nestled in a forest, on the beach – each venue is a beautiful surprise. A long relaxation is then followed by a short picnic, leaving the group serene and refreshed as they head back down to base. Truly a magical experience. (Opener pic courtesy of Micky Wiswedal)
072 490 9881 | yogahike8@gmail.com | Facebook
KwaZulu Natal
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
Experience a bird’s eye view of the beauty of the Dlinza forest with an aerial boardwalk. For avid bird watchers, the forest is home to a multitude of indigenous bird life. You can also spot over 80 species of butterfly. If you love the outdoors this is a must do experience.
eshowe.com |+27 35 474 4029
Ice Climb at Ukhahlomba (Drakensberg)
Not something you’d think you’d find in South Africa but in fact, this is something you can do here. Ice climbing is the activity of climbing ice formations, frozen waterfalls, icefalls or cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice. This sport is definitely for the fit and experienced climbing, although there is the option of being trained with a certified mountaineer from peak high.
peakhigh.co.za | +27 33 343 3168
Chimp and Zee Rope Adventures
The best way to get over your fears is to face them head on. Whether you have a fear of heights or not, uShaka Marine’s rope and adventure park is sure to test any limits and reservations.
chimpandzee.co.za | +27 31 332 116
Johannesburg
Caving at the Cradle of Humankind
If you have a natural curiosity about the origins of humans, then an excursion to the Sterkfontein caves is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to archaeological discoveries dating back more than 4 million years ago and teaches about the origins of homo sapiens. If you were asleep through most of your geography classes and never watched the Indiana Jones movies, we recommend visiting the Origins Center museum to get up to speed.
Supping at StokeCity Wake Park
Stand up paddle boarding (SUPping) is not a very new water sport but is growing in popularity with people wanting to hit the waves without years of training. Learning to SUP is a lot easier than learning to surf, with the guarantee of standing up paddling within 30 minutes. For those advancing there is also the option of riding waves or doing a few headstands on the board.
All Regions
Secret Sunrise Events
The first rule about Secret Sunrise… is that it’s a secret. Jokes, it actually the best-kept-not-really-a-secret secret. It takes place in at different locations around Cape Town, Joburg and Durban (and sometimes even other areas such as Plett) during the wee hours of the morning, when the birds can be heard chirping. Celebrate the morning with a guided dance using silent headphones. Engage with other sunrisers, dance, be silly, be free and generally wake up in the best way possible.
Picture courtesy of Lee-Ann Olwage
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