South Africa

• 
• 
• 

Like many other parts of Africa, the rugged coastlines, dense forests, mountain landscapes and sandy beaches – not to mention the game parks and miles of unexplored veld – make South Africa a dream for outdoor adventurists. As a result, the infrastructure for activities is well-developed, hiking trails are well-marked, and a number of operators offer activities for adventurists.

Hiking Trails

Even in the centre of Johannesburg, you’re never far from a trail of some kind. Of course, the best trails are those in the wilderness with paths that are waymarked and could be a few hours to several days in length. Whichever option you choose, you won’t be disappointed by the magnificent scenery this country has to offer.

Trails for overnight hikes are well-structured and –marked, but their popularity and limited group sizes require participants to book several months in advance (up to a year for some trails). You can also walk through game parks escorted by armed and experienced guides. Don’t do these trails with the aim of seeing wildlife as animals tend to stay away from people on foot. Similarly, a variety of specialist trails are available – canoeing, horseback riding and mountain biking can be organized for disabled participants.

Watersports

Surfers are guaranteed to be delighted with the breaks on the South African coast. Jeffrey’s Bay is particularly popular with surfers thanks to the 1960s movie Endless Summer, but there are equally (and better) breaks on the coast from Namibia to Mozambique.

Unlike most surfing communities, South African surfers are some of the world’s friendliest and will accept you as long as you pay your dues. You’ll also find some of the best boards available here for a fraction of their retail prices in the U.S. and Europe. Try boogie-boarding or body-surfing while windsurfing.

Speedboating is as popular watersport as canoeing and kayaking are. Most resorts and parks that are located on rivers can offer gear for hire. Serious whitewater enthusiasts should head to KwaZulu-Natal’s Tugela River as well as the Orange River.

Diving and Snorkelling

Yet another popular watersport in South Africa is scuba diving where you’ll find reputable open-water certificates that are recognized around the world to be extremely cheap. Courses can be done in any coastal city and in most resorts. St Lucia Marine Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal) offers the best diving with amazing reefs and neon fish to explore in the 100,000 dives it hosts annually.

The waters on the Cape’s coast don’t offer the coral reefs and fish you’ll find in Kwa-Zulu Natal, but the sunken wrecks are excellent dive sites as are the enormous forests of kelp. Thrill seekers can also do shark-cave diving for firsthand encounters with great white sharks along the Garden Route and southern Cape coastlines. In Kwa-Zulu Natal, you’ll find good snorkelling opportunities while other parts of the country have some incredible trails beneath the water; Tsitsikamma National Park is renowned for such trails.

Other Activities

          Yet another sport that is well-established in South Africa is fishing where 250 species can be caught on the coasts via bay, rock, or surf angling. Away from the coast, rivers and dams are plentiful with freshwater fish. Trout is a favourite for fishers in Mpumalanga, the KawaZulu-Natal Midlands, and the Eastern Cape’s northern regions.

          Air sports are also easy to do in the country. Ballooning is possible in the winelands, and Cape Town is best seen from a paraglide trip that starts at Lion’s Head. If you prefer to keep your feet on the group, mountaineering and rock climbing are just as popular as any of the other sports mentioned here. Another favourite activity is kloofing (canyoning), which involves exploring ravines by any means although abseiling, climbing, jumping and scrambling are the most common approaches. For a truly exhilarating experience, try a bungee jump from the highest commercial jump in the world located near Mossel Bay: the Gouritze River Bridge.

          Almost all South African resorts provide opportunities for horseback riding with trips of up to two days. Rides along the coast are memorable. Regardless of where you go riding, it’s advisable to bring your own riding hat as they’re not always provided by operators. Birdwatching is equally accessible. Whether you do the activity individually or in a guided group, South Africa offers a wide range of species. Head to Mkhuze and Ndumo Game Reserves (KwaZulu-Natal) for outstanding birdwatching.

          Finally, South African golf courses are located in breathtakingly beautiful locations that will surpass all expectations. Surprisingly, skiing is also possible although there are only two locations in which to do so – at resorts in the Eastern and Western Cape.