Adventure Tours in South Africa

It can be easy to characterize Africa as a vast desert land, a tropical continent filled with lions and tigers and hippos (oh my!). South Africa, however, is more than the sum of its beastly parts. From the arid grasslands of Highveld to the sandy beaches in Cape Town, adventure travel programs in South Africa vary widely. Prepare for a whirlwind trip, as well as the chance to pick up some strange colloquialisms from the locals (“Howzit?”—a common greeting). Mountain and rock climbing in South Africa get points for being particularly epic in the Rainbow Nation.

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African Dream Equestrian Working Holiday in South Africa

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It was life changing

March 29, 2025by: Sarah Handley - South AfricaProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

When I arrived at warriors academy I had so many goals I wanted to achieve and warriors academy helped me achieve all of them but not only did I achieve every single one of my goals, warriors made achieve things I never knew I was capable of doing. Warriors academy has changed me for the better.

It was life changing

March 29, 2025by: Sarah Handley - South AfricaProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

Best gap year program!

March 26, 2025by: Eric Coetzee - South AfricaProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

Warriors helped me grow personally by forcing me to step out of my comfort zone. It also helped me to have a more positive outlook on life while making life-long friendships along the way. It was one of the best experiences I ever had.

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!