If South Africa were a person, it would have been one of those who just has it all. She's got the looks that make you want to stare, the personality that will keep you guessing and completely besotted, and she always looks good in pictures. She knows the best clubs, the finest spots for award-winning wine, and some of the best restaurants in the world. But one of her greatest qualities is always being down for adventure! We've listed just some of our top adrenaline activities in South Africa you simply must try.
South Africa is a playground for adventure-seekers
Helicopter Flip, Cape Town
She may be at the bottom of Africa, but there's a reason why the Mother City is at the top of your travel bucket list. One of her most beautiful angles is from above. Soar alongside the Atlantic coastline past Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, around Cape Point, and over the Constantia vineyards.
There are many options, depending on what you want to see and for how long. If you've already seen her blue side, opt for a green side and tour over her wine regions.
If you feel a bit fancy and want to know her best-kept secret, ask our Travel Experts about the Fynbos Mountain Picnic, Gin and Tonic Tasting on the Mountain, or West Coast Mussels and Oysters en-route options.
Feel high on happiness as you soar through the sky
Shark and Whale Watching, Gansbaai
If adrenaline is what floats your boat, you'll be more than happy to come along for the wild ride in Gansbaai. Whilst it may only be a small fishing village roughly three hours from Cape Town, it's referred to as "the Capital of the Great White Shark" for good reason.
So, while in town, you can get very close and personal with great white and copper sharks. Want even bigger? Between June and November, the whales are in town! And to counterbalance the thrill, enjoy cute sightings of penguins and seals in between.
Are you brave enough to face this toothy creature? Image Credit: Birkenhead House
Ziplining, Tsitsikamma and Mossel Bay, Garden Route
The Garden Route is full of surprises. One of the most beautiful areas is Tsitsikamma, which has lush green forests blanketing the mountains. Whilst here, we highly suggest ziplining, where you'll feel like Tarzan soaring through the treetops and experience the beauty of nature up close.
While you're at it, tick "the longest over-the-ocean zipline in the world" off your adventure bucket list. This coast adrenaline rush is at The Point in Mossel Bay, taking you over and very close to the crashing waves.
Get wet and wild at The Point in Mossel Bay, Image Credit: Boshoff Photography
Bungee Jumping off Bloukrans Bridge, Garden Route
Forming the border between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape, the Bloukrans Bridge is an arch bridge close to Nature's Valley in the Garden Route. But more than that, it's the highest bridge on the continent and the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jumping site. Oh, you know, just a casual 216-metre drop!
If this level of thrill is too much for you (we won't blame you), you can opt for a less scary SkyWalk with its own kind of thrill. A third option is the Zipline, which will quite literally leave you breathless with its panoramic views.
Jump from this? Only if you're brave!
Paragliding from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, Cape Town
Not only can you jump off a bridge, but you can jump off a mountain and soar high above Cape Town. You'll see the Atlantic Ocean stretch far below you and how the Western Seaboard makes its curves. The view of the ocean looks like abstract art, with the different hues of blue flowing and creating patches of light and darkness.
It's not every day that you can say you flew over one of South Africa's most expensive neighbourhoods, but there's a good chance you'll glide over Clifton and Camp's Bay before you finally land in Sea Point.
Just note that our lovely Cape Town has mood swings, so this experience is wind- and weather-dependent.
Paragliding will make you feel light as a feather and so alive
Fallin Free Whilst Skydiving, Cape Town
Want to take things up a notch? Skydiving in Cape Town is a must if you want to do something you've never done before. You might (or might not) get the T-shirt, but you will get a few "oh, wows" from friends!
From that height, Cape Town city will seem quite small at the foot of Table Mountain. The panoramic view stretches all the way to Hout Bay, Cape Point, Robben Island, and up the West Coast. This is a must if you want to fully "jump into" fabulous South Africa and experience it without restraint!
Imagine the feeling... Image Credit: Helene in Between
Do You Dare Take the Plunge?
It's hard not to fall in love with South Africa. Her adventurous side will make you come back over and over again. She's got it all, from the top over mountains, vineyards, and oceans to the bottom under water. Let our Travel Experts help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.
