Within easy reach of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, adventure awaits. Tessa Reed rounds up adventure activities in and around some of South Africa’s major cities.
Underground tunnel tours
Johan Radcliffe, MD of Dirty Boots, recommends the tunnel tour in Cape Town. Similar to exploring the bunkers in Berlin, Radcliffe describes this tour as a combination of history and excitement. Parts of the underground canals date back to the 1650s, when they were used to supply passing ships with fresh water. Guests should be agile enough to climb a three meter vertical exit or entry ladder and are advised to wear non-slip shoes or gumboots and old clothes as they’re likely to get wet. The tour lasts two to three hours.
Experience Kasi culture
Visitors to Durban looking to experience “Kasi” (Ethnic Township Location) culture should head to Max’s Lifestyle – a restaurant in Umlazi, Durban. The brain child of Max Mqadi, the venue consists of a VIP lounge, bar, butchery, restaurant and deck. It attracts locals and tourists alike and can be booked for private functions. Sunday Sessions feature top DJs and dancing. Guests can enjoy Shisa nyama, or barbeque, alongside traditional side dishes.
Aerobatics flights
For clients looking for a burst of adrenaline in Johannesburg, Felicity Vieira, Tourvest Destination Management Chief Marketing and Procurement Director, recommends an aerobatic flight in the Pitts Special in Benoni, Johannesburg. The Pitts Special is a US designed plane, with the original design dating back to the 1940s. Guests sit alongside an experienced aerobatics pilot for the 30 minute flight and have full control of the intensity of the stunts, within the confines of the pilot’s own discretion.
Heli tours
Adventurous who want to see Durban from a different perspective have the opportunity to book 20 or 30 minute helicopter flights with KZN Aviation. The 20 minute tour takes in the harbour, beach front, Golden Mile and Umhlanga, while the 30 minute tour also takes in Sibiya Casino. Extended options are also available, taking in the Valley of 1 000 Hills and day trips to Hluhluwe Game Reserve or the Drakensberg can also be booked.
Canopy tours
About an hour and a half outside Johannesburg, the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour offers 10 cabled slides up to 140 metres long and in places 30 metres above the canopy floor. Vieira says the canopy tour is a popular activity for visitors to Johannesburg seeking adventure. Two trained guides accompany each tour to ensure the safety of guests and also share interesting facts about the mountain range and its fauna and flora.
Paragliding
Para-Taxi offers paragliding experiences in Cape Town as well as tandem flights, where the guests is strapped into a harness in front of a pilot, are also offered. No previous paragliding experience is required for a tandem paraglide. Lion’s Head is one of the most popular sites for paragliding. The experience offers guests magnificent views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
Cycling Soweto
Cycle tours in Soweto, offered by Lebo’s Backpackers, is one of Radcliffe’s top picks for adventurous activities in Johannesburg.
Lebo’s offers a variety of tours – a short two hour excursion; a half day option and a full day option. The tours stop at local sights such as the formal migrant workers’ hostel, the vibrant community of Meadowlands, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, before continuing to Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela used to live. Along the tour, stops are made at food stalls, where guests can sample popular township snacks, and a shebeen (local pub).
Segway tours along the promenade
Radcliffe describes the Segway tours from Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium as “so Durban”. The tours explore the stadium and Durban’s Golden Mile. There are a variety of tours on offer for guests aged 10 and older. Guests are given a quick training session before setting off with a qualified Segway tour operator.
Kayaking among the penguins
Kim Van Der Westhuizen, from Live the Journey, recommends kayaking amongst the penguins.
Boulder's Beach, near Simon's Town, is home to a large population of penguins. "Guests get right in between the penguins, with the penguins diving underneath the kayaks and just being playfull. In summer time one can even get in the water and have a swim," says Van Der Westhuizen. Kayak trips are run daily in the mornings from 08h30 in summer and 09h00 in winter, while afternoon trips can also be booked. The activity lasts about two hours.
