Outdoor activities in South Africa

There aren't many countries in the world that offer as many outdoor activities as South Africa. Even better, prices for participating in outdoor activities are quite affordable compared to other tourist destinations. All the more reason to not only go sight-seeing during your trip, but to participate in one or more exciting, fun activities during your trip. This is a great way to stretch your legs after long drives and to see the countryside in a different, often surprising, way. With South Africa Travel Plan you can choose from diving, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, pony trekking or (calmer) boat trips to see whales or penguins. Adrenaline seekers can also choose to go rock-climbing on the Table Mountain and bungee jumping at Tsitisikamma.

Diving

Besides spotting wild animals in South Africa, you can also explore the wonders of the underwater world. South Africa Travel Plan offers a diving Pack that can easily be added to your trip. It's also possible to follow a PADI course. Click here for more information on diving in Sodwana Bay.

Outdoors activities in South Africa - Hiking Drakensberg

Hiking

Walking, trekking, hiking: it doesn't matter what you call it, the South African countryside is so diverse that you could spend 10 years exploring it and you'll only have seen a fraction of what it has to offer. That's why we offer a selection of the best treks (1 or more days) South Africa has to offer:

Kruger
Choose from a 4 or 5 day walking safari in Kruger park. These are unique walking tours; only a very limited number of licences are distributed each year.

Swaziland
When in Mlilwane Park, go on a 'Walking Trail'. These are day trips lasting 2 or more hours. Extend your trip in Swaziland with an extra overnight stay in order to have sufficient time to go on one of these walks. Detailed information is available on location; the local info shop is well organised and offers all necessary information. For more information see module: Beehive-huts & St. Lucia

Drakensberg
With your accommodation in Drakensberg as starting point (near Champagne Castle and Royal Natal) go on unforgettable day treks. Drive your own car to the start of the trail and at the end of the day return to your own comfortable accommodation. Click on the Sandy beaches and Drakensberg module for more information.

Mountain biking

A bike ride through nature is a great escape from driving a car straight through South Africa. It's possible to add a day or two of mountain biking, in one or two locations, to your travel plan. Here are two locations where we enjoyed mountain biking:

The Wine country
Go on a relaxing bike ride through vineyards and stop from time to time for some wine tasting and to enjoy this gorgeous scenery. Have a look at Biking the wine country.

Swaziland
There are several mountain bike trails leading from the main camp at Mlilwane, our accommodation in Swaziland, through the park. The trails are fun to ride, versatile and can easily manoeuverd without a guide. There are no dangerous animals in the area (as long as you stay away from the crocodiles and hippos in the lakes). The travel module Beehive huts & St. Lucia offers more information on this area.

Outdoors activities in South Africa - Horseback riding and pony trekking

Horseback riding/ pony trekking

South Africa is an excellent destination for those who enjoy horseback riding. Even those who have never, or hardly ever, been horseback riding will enjoy the easy-access trips we have available. Some trips last several hours, some trips last several days. After several days of staring out of a car window, horseback riding through nature is a delightful break from the monotony of passing roads. We suggest the following trips:

Horseback riding in Swaziland
Several enjoyable horseback riding trips start in Mlilwane Park. Add an extra day or more to your trip and be sure to let park rangers know whether you prefer to ride horseback individually or in a group as soon as possible. This trip can be booked on location. For more information, have a look at our travel module Beehive huts & St. Lucia

Pony trekking through Lesotho
The rugged, completely closed off by mountain kingdom of Lesotho is ultimate horseback riding territory. Much like we use cars, people here ride small, but incredibly strong ponies. Go on breathtaking treks by horse or 4X4 over high mountain passes and past spectacular waterfalls and gorges. Get to know the Basotho, local shepherds wrapped in thick blankets on horseback, and experience the harsh living conditions in today's Africa. We organize this trail in cooperation with local inhabitants and a portion of the proceeds is used to support this area. Click on the travel module Lesotho mountain trail for more information.

Whales and Penguins

Want to search for exotic animals that you wouldn't be able to see back at home? The following are unforgettable trips that don't much activity; just sit back and watch in awe:

Whales at Plettenberg
While staying at our accommodation at Plettenberg Bay, go on a boat safari in search of local whales and dolphins. For more information, have a look at Whale watching in South Africa.

Penguins at the Cape
One of the most unique qualities of the Cape is that it is the southern most point of the African continent. It's no wonder that penguins, that actually live even further south, can also be found here. Add an extra day to your trip, book this penguin trip and get to know this amazing animal. Click here for more information.

Outdoors activities in South Africa - Penguins

Rock climbing and Bungee jumping

Looking for more excitement than a whale or penguin trip can offer? Welcome to the extreme sports country: South Africa. Here are two activities that can easily fit in your travel plan:

Rock climbing on Table Mountain
An extraordinary way to see this famous mountain. This activity can easily be booked from your accommodation in Cape Town.

Bungee jumping at Tsitsikamma
Take a leap off of the Plettenberg bridge, the highest bungee jump in the world! More information is available at your hotel in Plettenberg.

Both activities can easily be booked on location, however you'll need to set aside an extra day to participate in these activities. Too much adrenaline? Don't worry: even without these activities we guarantee that your journey through South Africa will be anything but dull! If you have any questions about these or other activities, send us an email.