Adventure Tours in South Africa
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66 Adventure Programs in South Africa
Penda Photo Tours
4.75
8
Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, So...
See All 2 ProgramsGapforce
5
2
A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to joi
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
825
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
See All 9 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 20 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
4.76
51
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out
See All 3 ProgramsLove Volunteers
0
0
This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children and youth ages 6 - 13. Volunteers are placed in a physical education program that runs in conjunction with the local public primary school curriculum. They help deliver a sports progr
Raleigh International
4
1
A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek y
Kaya Responsible Travel
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If you can’t decide on a travel itinerary when visiting Africa, join our African Marine and Wildlife Volunteer Adventure Tour! This five or six-week program is a combination of adventure activities and volunteering opportunities in various locations: Kruger National Park, Swaziland (now called Eswat
See All 2 ProgramsContinent Tours
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The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, proudly known as “Africa’s Grandest Gathering,” is the continent’s largest and most iconic music celebration. Each year, the festival brings together legendary international performers and top African artists for two unforgettable nights of live music acros
See All 2 ProgramsARCC Programs
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Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation,” with our immersive summer program. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where we explore vibrant markets and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Travel to the heart of the conservation efforts, where we
Warriors Academy
4.46
99
Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quest
Loop Abroad
5
4
This one-week program pairs perfectly with our South Africa Veterinary Service program. By adding this bonus week to an existing program, students are given a fantastic opportunity to explore the southernmost coast of Africa. Each day is sure to be an adventure, with time spent enjoying Cape Town,
Natucate
4.67
3
Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on trainin
See All 5 Programs0
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Saddle Up for Conservation offers volunteers the chance to experience the African bush from horseback while actively supporting conservation efforts on the ground. Based on a private wildlife reserve next to Kruger National Park, the program focuses on practical daily activities such as fence patr
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Do you love nature and are you looking for a meaningful gap year, sabbatical or career switch? Consider becoming a safari guide with EcoTraining. During the course of one year, you are fully immersed in the wilderness, you learn about African nature, and on top of that, you receive a professional qu
MORE Field Guide College
0
0
Experience true wilderness self-reliance with the MORE Field Guide College Bushcraft Course. Hosted at the NJ MORE Campus in the Marataba Section of Marakele National Park, this intensive 6‑day Wilderness Survival Course takes place in a truly wild, untouched environment, offering students an authe
Nature Travel Namibia
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Explore the exceptional bird life of the southern Kruger National Park on a dedicated birding safari. Located in one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, this safari offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and prime bird-watching opportunities. Kruger’s mix of b
African Horse Safaris
5
2
During your stay, you'll enjoy unbeatable riding experiences and learn about South Africa’s wildlife in the bush. This program offers a taste of local life and unforgettable memories. You'll participate in trail rides alongside giraffes, zebras, and many different antelope, improve your riding throu
See All 2 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
5
2
On this programme, participants will get the opportunity to travel with a mobile vet, moving between game reserves, farms and veterinary clinics and gaining insight into how animals are treated and helped in South Africa. Based on the Eastern Cape, volunteers will get the opportunity to explore b
See All 5 ProgramsAfrican Biodiversity Research Expeditions
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The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, located outside the town of Mashishing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has not been quantitatively assessed. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, in collaboration with the management of Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, has c
See All 4 ProgramsAdventure Mania
0
0
Experience a marine adventure in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, one of the world’s top dive locations. Adventure Mania’s Gap Year Program gives students and young adults a blend of scuba diving, marine ecology, and adventure travel. No diving experience is required. Participants receive PADI-certified
Surfpop Foundation
4.7
10
Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that includes volunteering your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. You will assist Surfpop children in the water through interactive surf sessions as well as help them with the
A Guide to Adventure Travel in South Africa
Most Adventurous Places
When you aren’t busy exploring the incredible habitats on a safari during your South Africa adventures, take the time to explore the historical regions of the country.
Cape Town is renowned for its sunny promenades, nature reserves, and stunning holiday vistas. With a variety of activities for travelers to choose from, daredevils will be spoiled for choice as they plan an itinerary of rock climbing, hiking through the Lion’s Heart at sunrise, and (for those brave enough) cage diving with sharks. Don’t forget to drop by the Boulder Penguin Colony and interact with new friends!
Experience the chameleon-like city of Johannesburg—a town that is ever-evolving, ever-transforming, and ever-reaching towards an exhilarating atmosphere. Famed for being the city which sparked action against an apartheid regime, Johannesburg reflects a town that is determined to persevere. Try something completely unique while experiencing South Africa adventures, such as volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary.
Surf’s up! Port Elizabeth stretches along the western coast, offering travelers idyllic sunbathing, sports, and a strong current for those eager to tail the waters. Not only is it a great place to work on your tan, but it also plays host to some of the most coveted beer in the country.
Popular Adventure Types
Adventure travel programs in South Africa will immediately pique those looking for a combination of hard and soft adventure!
From snorkeling to rock climbing, surfing to hiking, and bar-hopping to safari-ing, it’s understandable why the action-fueled country of South Africa might deter some introverts! Plenty of opportunities arise, however, for those people who prefer to sit back and take it easy—yoga retreats are also a fan-favorite for adventure tours in South Africa.
There is an array of ecology adventure tours in South Africa that’ll bring you up close and personal with some of the most ferocious creatures on the planet, both on land and underwater. When you sign up for an eco-tour in South Africa, you know you can just simply enjoy the view as you observe the magnificent animals in their own habitats, without the fear of animal rights hts abuses.
If you’re concerned about the climate during adventure travel programs in South Africa, the best time of the year to visit is from May to September, as these are the driest months. Avoid going in December at all costs, for this is when the schools are on holiday and there are many crowds.
Anticipated Cost
South Africa remains one of the most affordable countries for travel and living. Cape Town ranks seventh out of the most inexpensive nights out in the world. Your travel expenses, such as flights and transportation, will be your highest expenditure, but may be covered in your program fee—so make sure to ask what you’ll need for pay for out-of-pocket. Adventure tours in South Africa can come at a hefty price as well, but setting an itinerary will ensure that you do not spend too much money on unnecessary expenses (like braai!). Eating out, however, is relatively quite inexpensive across South Africa.
If cash is still tight, look into community resources during your budget-planning stage. Local community groups may provide scholarships for time abroad, particularly if there is a possibility of earning university credit. You can also look at GoAbroad’s Scholarships & Financial Resources to see if you are eligible for any additional scholarship funding. Lastly, don’t forget about crowdsourcing! On sites such as FundMyTravel, you can create a campaign where others (such as your friends, relatives, and even strangers!) can help you realize your financial goals. You’ll be in South Africa before you know it!
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop
Sporting one of the most tropical climates in the world, adventure travelers are almost guaranteed good weather during their South Africa adventures! This is your chance to break out that outfit you’ve been dying to show off but needed the appropriate weather for. Don’t miss the splendor of suburbia, where locals enjoy a laid-back and peaceful way of life. Dive into the authentic culture of the rural countryside, weaving your way through eclectic markets and picturesque nature. Chat with the locals, barter at the stalls, sip on Pinotage or ciders, hike through the mountainous foothills, and spot the wild critters (don’t forget your binoculars!).
However, you should exercise extreme street-savvy in urban regions. Stay alert within crowded areas at all times and do not venture anywhere by yourself after the sun sets; this may sound like a line from a spooky ghost story, but your safety should always be top priority. While in the wilderness, be conscious of your surroundings. Wild animals aren’t what they seem in those Disney films you watched as a kid. Do not wander away from assigned tour groups and obey your guide’s directions at all times. Oh, and wear sunscreen!
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