Welcome to Cape Town, a thrill-seeker’s paradise! Cradled between mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, this South African city provides the ideal playground for adrenaline-fuelled adventures.
Also read: Heart-pumping quad biking and sandboarding activities in the WC
Here are ten exciting activities for anyone living in or visiting Cape Town looking to raise their heart rate:
1. Kayaking in Hout Bay
Animal Ocean Seal Snorkelling offers a two-hour kayaking session around Hout Bay Harbour. You’ll see a rich tapestry of marine life, navigate through enchanting kelp forests and encounter a herd of salty seals or perhaps even a sunfish.
This kayaking excursion is more than just an adventure; it embodies Cape Town’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle. You’ll embark on a two-hour journey with experienced and knowledgeable guides, exploring the hidden corners of Hout Bay Harbour and venturing out into the vast bay itself.
Remember to dress comfortably in shorts and a T-shirt for your kayaking adventure. Wear a sunhat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and bring a towel, sunblock to protect your skin, a mobile pouch to keep your device safe and a change of dry clothes for after the session.
Until 30 October 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A 2-hour kayaking experience for one person in Hout Bay
- Cost: R199 | Value is R300
- Location: Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling | 8 Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Contact: 072 296 9132 | [email protected]
- Website: animalocean.co.za
2. Snorkelling with seals
Join Animal Ocean Seal Snorkelling for a dive into kelp forests and snorkel with hundreds of curious Cape Fur seals in their natural habitat. This is an ideal thing to do if you enjoy getting salty and exploring the natural world.
Cape fur seals are found only on the southern African coast and nowhere else in the world. Duiker Island in Hout Bay is home to approximately 5 000 seals and is located within the Karbonkelberg marine protected area, which is part of Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park.
These Cape Fur seals are not fed or trained; they interact with snorkelers on their own terms. This wildlife adventure brings you up close and personal with curious wild animals in their natural habitat, and all participants are expected to treat them with respect and keep a distance of one metre at all times.
- Location: Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling | 8 Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Contact: 072 296 9132 | [email protected]
- Website: animalocean.co.za
3. Biking through Cape Point
Embark on a cycling adventure along well-paved roads that wind through the Cape Peninsula’s southernmost tip. While not the exact meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans like Cape Agulhas, the route’s breathtaking beauty renders such distinctions irrelevant.
Start your journey at the entrance gate of Cape Point Nature Reserve. After a gentle incline, descend onto vast fynbos plains. Along the way, you’ll notice turn-offs to Olifantsbos on both sides, with a beach worth exploring if time allows.
Keeping straight and sticking to the tarmac, bypass the sign to Hoek van Bobbejaan and continue along the circular section, passing the viewpoint. Eventually, you’ll reach the main route to Cape Point. Just 2.8km further, a sign indicates the turnoff to Platboom, a delightful downhill stretch leading to the sparkling sea.
Expect a few undulating sections along the way that will test your legs, particularly if the wind picks up. Keep riding towards Cape Point. Turning right at 21.3km will take you to Maclear Beach and the Cape of Good Hope, a section that many visitors miss on their way to the main parking lot. Seize this rare opportunity to soak in the breathtaking scenery. Then climb again, returning to the main road and turning right.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot tourist buses and an amusing baboon troop 3.2km later. Enjoy a well-deserved meal, take a walk to the lighthouse and capture the beauty of the coastal strandveld and fynbos plains on this coastal ride.
- Location: Cape Point Nature Reserve
- Contact: 021 780 9010/11
- Website: capepoint.co.za
4. Quad biking on the Atlantis Dunes
Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fuelled outdoor escapade as you hop on one of Thrill Seekers’ powerful four-wheelers and navigate through the sandy terrain of the Atlantis Dunes. Your tour guide will give you a thorough overview of the rules and safety precautions as soon as you arrive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to allow ample time for the briefing.
The one-hour trail begins once everyone is ready and excited. Brace yourself as you rev your engine and enter the breathtaking Atlantis Dunes landscape. Conquer difficult sand dunes, navigate twisting trails and enjoy the pure fun of riding.
Whether you’re a seasoned quad-biking enthusiast or a beginner looking for a new and thrilling experience, Thrill Seekers’ quad-biking adventure through the Atlantis Dunes promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. So gather your courage, embrace the adventure and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Until 31 July 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A 1-hour guided quad biking tour for one person in Atlantis
- Cost: R620 | Value is R950
- Location: Thrill Seekers | Atlantis Dunes, Dassenberg Road, Atlantis
- Contact: 066 555 9803 | [email protected]
- Website: thrillseekerscape.co.za
5. Paragliding over the city
Tandem paragliding not only provides a thrilling adventure but also a unique perspective on exploring Cape Town’s wonders.
When it comes to takeoff locations, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head are the most popular among both local and international paragliding pilots. Fly Cape Town Paragliding, a well-known provider of paragliding experiences, not only caters to thrill seekers but also provides a variety of paragliding equipment for recreational and professional paragliders.
The flight time will vary depending on the weather conditions on that particular day, but it will typically range from seven to twenty thrilling minutes. During this time, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views that capture the essence of Cape Town’s natural wonders from an unusual vantage point.
Fly Cape Town recommends bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated, sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from the African sun and a camera if you want to capture your own stunning aerial photographs to ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the experience.
Allow the wind to carry you across the skies, drink in the spectacular scenery and create unforgettable memories high above Cape Town’s majestic landscape.
- Location: 26 Virginia Avenue, Vredehoek, Cape Town
- Book: Book
- Contact:
- Website: flycapetown.co.za
6. Aerial adventuring with a microlight flight
Cape Sky Adventures in Durbanville offers a 60-minute microlight introduction flight that allows you to experience the thrill of gliding through the skies like a swallow.
Your adventure begins with a take-off on Cape Sky Adventures’ private airstrip, which ensures a smooth and comfortable experience from beginning to end. Under the supervision of their team of knowledgeable instructors, you will receive hands-on instruction and experience the thrilling world of microlight flying.
From takeoff to landing, you’ll be captivated by the thrill, freedom and breathtaking vistas that unfold beneath you. This is your chance to heighten your senses and create unforgettable memories.
Until 30 September 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A 60-minute aerial adventure for one person
- Cost: R2 880 | Value is R3 300
- Location: Cape Sky Adventures | Wintervogel Airfield, off R302, Cape Town
- Contact: 071 889 1597 | [email protected]
7. Abseiling down Table Mountain
Table Mountain, Cape Town’s most recognisable landmark, entices visitors with a variety of exciting activities suitable for people of all ages.
While a leisurely stroll along one of its many scenic trails allows you to savour the exquisite surroundings, those looking for a more adventurous experience can choose to abseil down the mountain. This activity is the highest commercial abseil in the world, standing at an impressive 1067 metres above sea level and providing breathtaking panoramic views.
The abseiling package includes a thorough safety demonstration, harnessing up and a thrilling 112-metre descent down the side of a sheer cliff. Because no prior experience or special skills are required, this thrilling outing is accessible to all.
- Book: Abseiling Table Mountain
- Contact: 021 824 3387
- Website: capextreme.com
8. Shark cage diving in Gansbaai
Despite its quaint appearance, Gansbaai is renowned as the capital or Mecca of the great white shark, making it the ultimate destination for shark enthusiasts. While these majestic creatures can be observed year-round, the colder months provide the most optimal conditions for an unforgettable experience.
Your day begins in the early morning as you arrive at the crew house of your chosen shark operator. Indulge in breakfast while absorbing the insightful dive briefing, preparing you for the adventure that lies ahead. After selecting your wetsuit and necessary gear, everything is loaded onto the boat and you make your way down to the jetty.
The boat sets sail on a twenty-minute journey to the renowned Shark Alley, driven by a team of qualified and experienced crew members, including a skilled skipper, divemaster and deckhand. Rest assured, the crew members are extensively trained in various emergency procedures, ensuring your safety throughout the excursion.
This unique opportunity allows you to come face-to-face with one of the world’s most remarkable and powerful creatures. Yes, it may be nerve-wracking, but it’s a heart-pumping opportunity for an encounter that will deepen your appreciation for these majestic oceanic friends and their importance within our marine ecosystem.
Until 31 December 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A shark cage diving experience for one person in Gansbaai
- Cost: R1 499 | Value is R2 300
- Location: White Shark Divers | 7 Kusweg Van Dyks Bay, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai
- Contact: 082 4423 059 | [email protected]
- Website: whitesharkdivers.co.za
9. Ziplining through the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
Cape Canopy Tour, located within the stunning Cape Fynbos and mountains of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, offers a ziplining experience that doubles as an opportunity to explore what was previously an inaccessible part of this remarkable World Heritage Site.
With 13 platforms and 11 thrilling zipline slides, including the impressive 320-metre-long slide, Cape Canopy Tour caters to people aged 5 to 75. After a thorough safety briefing and getting geared up at the reception, you will be transported by a 4×4 vehicle into the heart of the mountain range.
Two guides will accompany each small group throughout the tour, ensuring strict safety standards while providing a fun and educational experience. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you glide along steel cables from one platform to the next, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and picturesque valleys.
After the adventure concludes, a short walk back to the vehicle is required before being transported back to the reception area. Remember to dress warmly because the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Walking shoes are recommended, and rain gear will be provided in case of stormy weather.
Until 30 October 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A zipline experience through the Hottentots Hollands Mountain
- Cost: R899 | Value is R995
- Location: Cape Canopy Tour | Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, R321, Elgin, Grabouw
- Contact: 021 300 0501 | [email protected]
- Website: canopytour.co.za
10. Horseback riding through Goedeverwachting Estate
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned equestrian, a romantic horseback riding experience at Goedeverwachting Estate is an adventure that people of all skill levels can enjoy.
Ideal for a memorable date or anniversary celebration, a horseback ride combines excitement and romance, allowing couples to form deeper bonds while sharing a mutual love of horses and the great outdoors.
Before mounting your noble steed, make sure you’re properly attired in appropriate riding gear. It is critical to follow the guidance and safety instructions provided by the knowledgeable instructor, as this ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Dress appropriately, pay close attention to your instructor and allow this horseback riding excursion promises to bring you joy, relaxation and lifelong memories.
Until 30 October 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this adventure.
- Deal: A horseback riding experience for two at Goedeverwachting Estate
- Cost: R390 | Value is R699
- Location: Patch of Heaven Equestrian Centre at Goedeverwachting Estate | 45 Old Sir Lowry’s Village Pass Road, Somerset West
- Contact: 066 130 8516 | [email protected]
- Website: patchofheaven.co.za
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or just looking for an exciting release, Cape Town has something to get your heart pumping.
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Picture: Taryn Elliott / Pexels