Summer Adventure Experiences in Cape Town

Adventure tourism is a booming business and Cape Town is the go-to place for travellers looking for their adrenaline fix. From shark cage diving to abseiling down Table Mountain, the Mother City is the adventure capital of the world and she is waiting for you to cut loose. Here are our top 10.

ZIP-LINE ADVENTURE

There is arguably no better way to absorb the splendour of Constantia Valley. The SA Forest Adventures zipline at Silvermist Wine Estate, near Constantia Nek, combines adventure and sight-seeing into one unique experience. The 2.3-kilometre course is one of the longest in Africa with the lines differing in distance and speed. Once you’re done, be sure to quench your thirst by visiting Groot Constantia, which you more than likely got a bird’s eye view while zipping your way across the valley.

ABSEILING

Table Mountain is synonymous with Cape Town with around 800 000 visitors using the Cableway every year. But why take the Cableway down if you can abseil? Okay, so you won’t be going the whole way down, but at 1000 metres, it is the highest abseil in the world. And you couldn’t ask for a better view on the descent. The whole experience will last around 45 minutes and involves a short hike back to the top of the mountain… worth it!

PARAGLIDING

Capetonians sure know how to get the most out of their city. Paragliding is probably one of the best ways to take in the spectacular views of the Mother City with Lions Head and Signal Hill two of the city’s most popular sites to fly from. If you aren’t an experienced paraglider, not a problem, because tandem instructional flights are available! Flights can last from five to 30 minutes. Time to get strapped in then!

SHARK CAGE DIVING

Great White sharks are among the most feared predators on the planet, so of course we want to get into a cage in shark-infested waters! Shark cage diving is one of the most popular activities for tourists and with good reason. There is no better way to observe this awesome animal in its natural habitat. Stare into those cold, black eyes and try not to scream as it shows you why it is the world’s best cage fighter.

SURFING

Cape Town has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world for surfing. From Dungeons to Big Bay, you will find a break suited to your taste… and skills. There are also a number of surfing schools that can help you dip your toes into the water for the first time.  Now all that’s left is to suit up and hit the waves.

SKYDIVING

Who hasn’t thought about leaping from a plane? The skydiving business is booming in Cape Town with the Mother City’s attractions even more spectacular from a bird’s eye view. In fact, there is so much to see that the view from above is probably the only way you will take it all in. Feast your eyes on Table Mountain, Robben Island and the bustling Table Bay Harbour as you glide effortlessly through the clear blue sky to the ground below.

Image courtesy of Mother City SkyDiving

SANDBOARDING

Sandboarding is a growing adventure sport in Cape Town. While you need similar skills to snowboarding, it’s not as hard to learn… and you need a lot less in the clothes department. Cape Town may not have snow, but it has dunes aplenty, making it a top spot for the sport. From Hout Bay to Atlantis, you can test your mettle on the fine white sands around the city.

MTB AND TRAIL-RUNNING

Cape Town is home to those with an adventurous spirit. Not surprising when you consider what they have to explore. Mountain biking and trail-running are popular past-times for the locals and visitors with a vast array or routes to choose from. The trails also differ markedly in terrain, from the rocky single-tracks of Silvermine to the thick, lush forest below in Tokai. Just make sure you find out your route beforehand, because we wouldn’t want your adventure stretching too long…

SEAL SNORKELLING

If you’re not down with shark cage diving, we highly-recommend giving seal snorkelling a go! The experience is for everyone with no diving experience necessary. All equipment is provided and this is your opportunity to swim, and play, alongside the silky smooth animals. Sharks? Never fear, the cold water of the Atlantic is a tad too nippy for the finned predators, meaning it’s just you and the seals!

KITEBOARDING

With over 30 beaches to choose from variety is truly the spice of life when kiteboarding in the Mother City. The stretch of coastline offers perfect conditions for the sport with the wind and weather just right AND flat waters and waves! The city is a popular one for professionals and amateurs with a number of beaches considered global hot spots. There are also a number of schools to teach you the sport and guarantee to have you in the water in no time!