OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR 2021

As we welcome a fresh start with a new year, we’re rounding up some of our favourite outdoor experiences to take part in this summer. 

After a year of spending a lot of time indoors, we’re excited about the prospect of getting out into the fresh air, and participating in some unforgettable experience days that take advantage of South Africa’s beautiful and varied landscape. 

Below, we’ve made a list of our favourite outdoor adventures to take part in this summer season, from invigorating water activities to adrenaline-fuelled experiences that take you up into the sky!

Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime. Read on for our top picks… 

Tsitsikamma Woodcutters Journey With Lunch - R 435

This Tsitsikamma Woodcutters Journey is the perfect excuse to get outdoors, enjoy some peaceful exercise and exist amongst the trees. 

The trip will depart from the Stormsriver offices, following the elephant migratory route, passing Outeniqua yellowwood trees while hearing about the history of the area and the indigenous fauna and flora in the comfort of a specially-designed vehicle. 

Heading down the elephant trail to pause at the river, the guide will point out a whole variety of flora and fauna. A 450-500 year old Hardpear tree known as the Forest Guard, or the Human Tree, is said to protect the forest at night. The tour includes a light lunch of lasagne, salad, apple tart and hot drinks or juice down by the river. 

Discover the history of the stone building built by the Duthie family from Knysna in 1841 that was used as a hunting lodge and meeting place for hunters. The Woodcutters Journey ensures a personal experience while standing next to a giant Hardpear tree feeling like a dwarf by this unique creation.

Sundays River Canoe Tour for 2 - R 700

For those who prefer the water to the land, this canoe tour will take you on a journey through the tranquil Sundays River… a peaceful outdoor adventure for anyone who enjoys a slower pace. 

Your canoe tour begins when you and a friend meet your guide at the designated spot. After a brief introduction, it’s time for the fun to begin! There’s no better place to enjoy the water than the Sundays River, originally named Nukakamma (‘Grassy Water’) by the Khoisan people for its luscious evergreen riverbanks. 

As you begin your journey, take in the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy the feeling of gliding along in your canoe. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife who call the area home, as you may even catch a glimpse of Cape Otters, Vervet Monkeys, Bushbuck, Kudu or Porcupines. 

Your knowledgeable guide will be on hand to answer any burning questions you have about the area, and remember to pack some food, as there’s nothing better than a riverside picnic! Depending on the weather conditions on the day, wind direction and various other factors, your Sundays River canoe adventure can take anything between 2 – 4 hours. 

You’ll conclude your journey at the river mouth, where you can continue your day or evening having started it in the best way possible!

9,500ft Tandem Skydive in Jeffrey's Bay - R 2850

Or if you’re more of a daredevil, you might want to test your nerve with this incredible skydive over Jeffrey’s Bay. 

Upon arrival at the airfield, you'll be greeted by your instructor, provided with some paperwork to complete, and given a briefing on what to expect in the air. Fitted with a harness and goggles, you'll then take the 20-minute flight to altitude, and enjoy spectacular views over Jeffrey's Bay. Feeling nervous yet? 

You're sure to feel reassured by the clear expertise of the crew - each boasting thousands of dives' experience. At a height of around 9,500ft, you and your instructor will exit the plane and begin freefalling. 

You'll reach speeds of up to 200kph, before the parachute is released - bringing your decent to a gentler pace. After 5 minutes' gliding beneath the canopy, you'll touch down - feeling elated and eager to go again!

Archery Experience in Parys - R 120

This fun and inexpensive archery experience will see you test your aim in Parys, and before long you’ll feel like an expert archer with the help of your instructor!

The archery field is located close to the Vaal River and Vredefort crater, meaning the surrounding scenery is truly breath-taking and perfect for adventurous outdoor activities. 

The expert instructor will be on hand to teach you correct positions and stance, how to nock the arrow, and how to aim so your shot is straight and accurate. The tuition can be tailored to your skill level, so don't worry if you've never held a bow before, you'll be taught at a pace that suits you and will hopefully see a significant improvement in your technique. 

By the end of the session you should be confident enough to be firing at further distances and hitting that centre point!

2 Hour Zip Line Adventure in Pretoria - R 650 

Another aerial adventure… this zipline adventure is a fun and invigorating way to experience the great outdoors. 

The venue has a deck area serving food and drinks, so you can leave friends and family there to enjoy themselves whilst you head out on your aerial adventure. 

After a short drive through the countryside you'll reach the first zipline 'Skidmarks', a 330m wire that sends you flying over the treetops - hold on tight or be brave and throw your hands in the air! 

A guide will catch you on the other side and lead the way towards zip number 2; the 330m Horseshoe, then onto zip number 3; the 265m Granny. Your epic adventure will end with a monster zipline... the 570m wire aptly named Superman! 

End your journey with some well-deserved drinks back at the deck, reminiscing with friends about your incredible day.

2 Hour Quad Biking Experience in Pretoria - R 850

Quad biking is a fun, low-maintenance way to explore a new place, perfect for beginners and those who have practiced it before. Safe and easy to get the hang of, quad bikes are becoming an increasingly popular addition to outdoor activity days – and it’s easy to see why! Explore Cullinan with this adventure day. 

Meeting in Cullinan, the professional instructors give you all the training you need to ensure you're comfortable on the quads - so don't worry if you've never ridden one before. During the two hours of driving you'll cover around 25km of game farm, navigating across grass veld and parts of the Eland River, tackling technical climbs and wide flats on bikes that are designed for this terrain. 

The guides are more than happy to point out interesting landmarks, and of course there are plenty of curious animals around for you to spot!

Half Day Crocodile River Rafting in Gauteng - R 550

Another activity for the water babies, this rafting adventure sees you explore the thrilling Crocodile River, with plenty of laughs, screams and splashes to be had. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way!

The experience starts at the Lion & Safari Park around 13km from Lanseria Airport, where guests will receive a safety briefing, get kitted out in life jackets and helmets, and complete the indemnities. The friendly instructors will then drive the group through the safari park towards the river - so keep an eye out for giraffe, zebras, lions and cheetahs. 

Once at the river, you'll be buddied up and given a paddling demonstration, then you're off! With a variety of class 1, 2 and 3 rapids on the way, you're guaranteed a wet and wild adventure as you traverse the flowing water whilst taking in the stunning scenery around you. After around 2.5 hours on the river the instructors will take you back to the safari park, where you're welcome to book a game drive should you choose.

One Hour Horse Riding Trail in Lydenburg - R 350

Whether you’re a total horse person or have never ridden before, spend an hour exploring beautiful Lydenburg carried by your trusty steed. You’ll even get to interact with some adorable farm animals during your adventure.

This horse riding trail would be the ideal gift for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors, or a romantic activity to do with your partner while getting some fresh air and exercise!

Your 1-hour horse trail will begin with a warm welcome to a delightful farm full of pigs, cows, goats, and lots of horses. The instructor will talk the group through what to expect from the trail and provide everyone with helmets, before introducing you to the horse you'll be riding. 

This experience also offers the perfect chance to explore the wilderness and mountainous areas of Lydenburg. Your experience will last for an hour, during which you’ll learn a few tips on becoming a great rider, then spend some time with the other animals back on the farm!

Tandem Paragliding Experience in Cape Town - R 1300

Take the leap with this thrilling tandem paragliding experience in Cape Town, and feel the wind beneath your – literal – wings! You’ll be safely strapped to your instructor the entire time, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride. 

At the prearranged location, you'll be met by your instructor and briefed on what to expect during the flight. You'll then make your way to the launch point, where you'll be fastened to the pilot's harness, ready for take off. If there's a good wind, you'll only take a few steps, before the canopy inflates - and you have lift off! 

Taking advantage of naturally rising air currents, your pilot will guide you in lazy circles - giving you plenty of opportunity to admire the scenery and take photos. Free of noisy engines or propellers, they'll happily answer any questions you have concerning flying conditions or techniques. Otherwise, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride in peace, before finally returning to solid ground.

One Hour Spier Farm Segway Tour in Stellenbosch - R 375

If you’ve never ridden a segway before, you’ll love this fun one-hour introduction in Stellenbosch! 

This one-hour tour is a chance to explore the farm aboard your own off-road Segway. You needn't worry if it's your first time riding one of these futuristic personal vehicles, as the session begins on the farm's Segway training and obstacle course. Here, you'll get to grips with the controls, before following your guide onto the farm. As you whizz along, you'll learn all about Spier's ingenious bio-dynamic farming techniques. 

You'll arrive at the first block of vineyards, where Spier grows its organic Merlot grapes, and admire stunning views of the farm's mountainous backdrop. Finally, when the time comes, you'll return your Segway reluctantly – keen to savour the atmosphere of this very special place.

Great White Shark Cage Diving - False Bay - R 2600

Another pick for the daredevils out there… if you’ve always wanted to get up close to a shark, this experience is a chance to do so in a safe and controlled environment while taking in their natural habitat. 

The trips go with a maximum of twelve people, and depart from Simon's Town on a 36ft catamaran. Since this is a cage dive no previous diving experience is necessary, and participants can be as young as 12 to have a go - so no excuses! 

All diving equipment is provided by the instructors, and after a safety briefing and training session you'll be helped into the cage and lowered beneath the surface... immediately you'll find yourself in the land of great white sharks! 

These creatures are majestic and elusive so whether you see one or not, it'll be an experience in itself to be in their habitat and discover the fascinating marine life around you.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading our guide to outdoor activities for 2021. 

We hope you’ve found a fun new adventure from this list – but if you’re still looking, you can browse all our unique experience days here. 

A happy and healthy new year from all of us here at Experience Days.