Adventure Tours in Cape Town, South Africa

Adventuring while having a meaningful travel experience is easier than ever. Many Cape Town adventure tours have a mix of volunteering, eco-tourism, and opportunities to help underserved communities.

Popular activities / experiences in Cape Town. There are many types of adventure travel experiences in and around Cape Town. Embark on daily excursions which will allow you to have the ultimate adventure. You will be able to partake on incredible hikes, go on safari, surf, and roam about with a group of like-minded adventure seekers. Many adventure programs offer volunteer opportunities as well. You can volunteer with the locals or get familiar working with the African animals. 

Best time of year to travel to Cape Town. The weather for your Cape Town adventure is hottest from December through February. With the peak tourist season at this time, there are many music festivals and activities going on. If you want to pass on the higher prices and large tourist crowds, but still prefer the heat, then head over between February and April to get those summer vibes at a cheaper rate. June through September is when it cools; this time is perfect for hiking, heading out on a safari, or hanging out with the whales. 

Average costs for tourists in Cape Town. You will be happy to hear that Cape Town will not cost you an arm and a leg. Hostels are as little as $15 per night and eating out costs as little as $6. You can wake up near the beach and get your caffeine fix for around $1. There are a variety of options for transportation and they are all very affordable. And don’t forget to set out for the many adventures that are FREE such as hiking Table Mountain, picnicking in the Kirstenbosch Gardens, snapping pics of the Bo Kaap neighborhood, and visiting many of the museums.

Half of Cape Town is bordered by rolling hills, while the other side is encompassed by the ocean. As a part of the “Rainbow Nation,” Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. There are eleven official languages recognized throughout South Africa so that you can learn to say “haii” multiple ways. After your adrenaline rush of activities you can spend the evenings strolling the sea-breezy waterfronts, visiting the penguins at Boulder Beach, traipsing along the canopy walkway overlooking the Kirstenbosch Gardens, or relaxing at one of the lush vineyards.

Not all adventure travel tours in Cape Town skim the surface. Be sure to get to know the history of the city. Although Cape Town is lively and exciting, South Africa still struggles with social, political, and economical unrest. A great representation of this is Robben Island which is just off of the coast of Cape Town, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years of captivity. Furthermore, you can visit the District 6 Museum, which serves as a memorial to the apartheid of non-whites living in the inner-city that were forced from their homes during the 1960’s. The experience is sure to give you a new and humble appreciation to view the life of South Africans in the 21st century.

• Visas. You can stay in South Africa on your Cape Town adventure for up to 90 days without a visa. 
• Be aware of your surroundings. Petty crime is more common if you are acting too touristy and flashing your cash. Keep your belongings close to you and if you are out late, best to not be solo. Furthermore, the baboon burglars are no joke! 
• Tipping is recommended! Although tipping is not common in all countries, stay up to date on tipping etiquette for South Africa. For example, 10-15% in restaurants and bars is the norm. Depending on your tour guides, cabs, and hotel porters, you may need to tip as well. 

So why not experience a braai and an avontuur of a lifetime? Make those daydreams a reality and head over for that overseas adventure vacay. South Africa offers a fun culture, remarkable history, and lively exploration for anyone itching for adventure. Cape Town has it all! So forget the lions, tigers, and penguins at your hometown’s zoo and go on a real life safari.

To learn more about the most exciting programs that GoAbroad has to offer, read our comprehensive guide on adventuring all around South Africa.