Five outdoor adventures in South Africa
South Africa is famed for its safaris, but there are a wealth of other outdoor experiences throughout the country.
With options for all client types, from solo travellers to couples and families, as well as groups and honeymooners, these activities can easily be woven into itineraries to immerse clients in all South Africa has to offer.
Here are five outdoor adventures to suggest to clients, which all offer good value for money, making them perfect for mid-market and luxury clients alike:
Cycle through the Western Cape’s vineyards
The Cape Winelands are heavenly for wine buffs. While most people choose to explore the vast blue mountains and lush vineyards by car, bike tours are a fantastic alternative for those who want an active and carbon-neutral adventure that combines wine tasting, gastronomy and cycling.
Cape Town-based Bikes ’n Wines offers guided cycle tours on private farm roads, and through the vineyards and tree-lined avenues. There are options for all levels of ability, ranging from casual cycles for novices to family tours, and intensive options for mountain bikers, with bikes and helmets provided.
Clients can take public transport or a transfer to their starting point, where they meet a local guide and head off on two wheels. They’ll explore some of the best vineyards in the region, with a range of food and wine pairings available. Itineraries can also include other nearby attractions.
bikesnwines.com
Float along the Garden Route’s Storms River
There’s a reason that Untouched Adventures’ Storms River Kayak and Lilo trip has been nicknamed “the most beautiful adventure in South Africa”. It’s the most popular activity offered by the adventure specialist, allowing guests of all ages to experience the best of the Tsitsikamma National Park on South Africa’s Garden Route.
Explorers can sail deep into the Storms River Gorge in kayaks and lilos (small inflatable boats), discovering mesmerising pools within deep caves and ancient indigenous forests.
It’s fully guided and all equipment is provided, with time for optional cliff jumping and swimming. Plus, as it only takes two-and-a-half hours, it can easily be combined with a hike or segway experience in the Tsitsikamma Forest.
Explore the scenic Panorama Route
Looking for the perfect adventure before or after a Kruger National Park safari? South Africa’s Panorama Route is an awe-inspiring journey which can be completed in a day, and takes in dramatic waterfalls and mountains.
It’s centred around the world’s third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon, in the north-east province of Mpumalanga. Other scenic highlights include God’s Window, The Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Pilgrim’s Rest.
Clients can opt for a guided tour or easy independent self-drive, and the route can be started and finished at towns including Hazyview, White River, Graskop or Sabie.
Spot whales in Hermanus
Head 90 minutes south-east from Cape Town to the seaside town of Hermanus, to discover some of the best whale watching in the world.
Peak whale season is from June to November, when southern right and humpback whales migrate to calve, and visitors can marvel at them and other marine life from land or on boat trips.
Hermanus is a must-do activity for those travelling during the whale watching season and makes an ideal stop before heading onto the famous Garden Route.
Delve into cool Maboneng
Encourage customers to spend time exploring the lesser-known gems of Johannesburg, such as the regenerated inner city area of Maboneng.
The neighbourhood is home to some of South Africa’s leading modern artists, and visitors can enjoy impressive graffiti and street art before picking up unique souvenirs and local African artefacts. It’s also home to numerous funky restaurants and bars.
A trip can easily be combined with visits to famous cultural and historical sites in Johannesburg like the Apartheid Museum and the township of Soweto, and a number of specialists offer tours of Maboneng, including joburgplaces.com
FURTHER INFORMATION
Website: southafrica.net/gl/en/trade
Training: saspecialist.southafrica.net/za/en
Facebook: facebook.com/SouthAfricaTourism.UKandIreland.TravelTrade
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