10 Adventure Places In South Africa To Satiate Your Thrill-Loving Soul

South Africa is the paradise for those with a bold heart and is ready for super thrilling activities in this wild-wild country. This land of wild wonders welcomes adventure freaks from around the world to experience the daring and fascinating activities and places like never before. So when you are holidaying in this part of Africa, do not restrict yourself to experience the natural glory but also let the thrilling places pump your adrenaline.
Here’s the list of spectacular adventure places in South Africa to offers electrifying experiences to travelers.

Let these adventure places in South Africa Make you feel the thrill

1. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve – Beady for the daunting stunts

Location: R543, Ehlanzeni, South Africa

Resting in the lap of Blyde River Canyon, this nature reserve is one of the most popular adventure tourist attractions in South Africa. Lying close to Greater Drakensberg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve sprawls over 29,000 hectares of land, from misty highlands up to Blyde Dam. Housing more than 1000 flora species and endangered/are fauna like Taita Falcon, Oribi, Kudu, Grey Rhebuck and Klipspringer, this reserve is blessed with mesmeric views of verdant mountains and scenic cascades and offers a host of adventure activities for the daring ones.

Adventure activities in Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve: Helicopter ride over Blyde River Canyon, hiking trail, white water rafting, horse riding and hot air ballooning.
Best time to visit Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve: Winter months i.e from June to end of August

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2. The Wild Coast – A pristine wilderness

Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa

One of the topmost adventure destinations in South Africa, The Wild Coast is located between Mtamvuna River in the north and the Great Kei River to the south. Featuring stunning coastlines, verdant cliffs and beaches like Coffee Bay, Mdumbi, Glen and Bulungula, this breathtaking place is home to sneezewoods and yellowwood trees and 150 plus coastal and inland bird species. Deemed as the birthplace of eminent leader Nelson Mandela, The Wild Coast gives an incredible view of the surrounding, which one cannot miss.

Adventure activities in The Wild Coast: Whale Watching, Cliff jumping, Mountain biking, Sailboats, and Canoeing.
Best time to visit The Wild Coast: April to May and August to September

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3. Kruger National Park – Most famous game reserve of South Africa

Location: Limpopo, South Africa

Habitat to African Big 5s namely lion, rhinos, elephant, leopards, and buffalos, Kruger National Park is the second largest national park and one of the most visited adventure attractions in South Africa. Other than this, Kruger National Park also features vast wilderness and mountainous terrain for picturesque vistas and various thrilling activities, including gaming and safari. But what steals the show is the most exclusive feature of showcasing of live animal activities through webcam telecast.

Adventure activities in Kruger National Park: Mountain biking, Elephant safari and Self-driven safaris
Best time to visit Kruger National Park: This is an all-year-round destination but for gaming and spotting wildlife, the most favorable time are the dry months i.e. from May to September.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm

4. Table Mountain National Park – The most popular tourist hotspot of South Africa

Location: Tafelberg Rd & Caeleway, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

It will be absolutely unfair if we don’t talk about Table Mountain National Park when discussing adventure holiday  in South Africa. Stretching from the north edge of Cape Town to Cape of Good Hope in down south, Table Mountain National Park welcomes all, with its myriad of breathtaking views and an array of adventure activities. The signature Table Top mountain stands at the mid of the national park and can be reached by trekking, cableway and bicycle rides. With a fascinating blend of rustic wildlife and topography, Table Mountain National Park is a charm for tourists of all kinds.

Adventure activities in Table Mountain National Park: Horse riding, Forest hikes, Scuba diving, Paragliding and Windsurfing.
Best time to visit Table Mountain National Park: Late January to end of April
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm

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5. Addo Elephant National Park – Breeding ground for African penguins

Location: R335 Paterson Road, Addo, 6105, South Africa

Situated close to Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park is the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. Spread over 1640 sq. km, this diverse wildlife conservation park was established in 1931. Other than 600 elephants, Addo Elephant National Park boasts of wildlife like lions, buffalos, rhinos, leopards numerous bird species. This is also the breeding habitat of gannets and African penguins.

Adventure activities in Elephant National Park: Spotting Southern Right Whale, White shark, Elephant and Horse riding.
Best time to visit Elephant National Park: Winter season i.e. May to September.
Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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6. Garden Route National Park – With surreal beauty and serenity

Location: Dumbleton road, Wilderness, 6560, South Africa

The list of adventurous places in South Africa also includes Garden Route, National Park. Slightly different from mainstream adventure attractions in South Africa, Garden Route National Park is best known for the breathtaking coastline, marine wildlife, and quaint towns. Offering self-treks, eco guided tours and rock climbing, Garden Route National Park never fails to quench the thirst of adventure enthusiasts.

Adventure activities in Garden Route National Park: Mountain biking, Dolphin trail, Forest hike, Bungee jumping and Kayaking.
Best time to visit Garden Route National Park: February to April
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

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7. Tsitsikamma National Park – The hotspot for thrill seekers

Location: Western Cape and Eastern Cape, South Africa

Tsitsikamma National Park is an extension of Garden Route National Park, located by the Storms River. Featuring scenic waterfalls, marine reserves, deep gorges and flat grasslands, this national park is also an important name in the group of most sought-after adventure places in South Africa. Known as a haven for adventure lovers, this place shelters numerous birds like Cape Batis and rare mammals like Bush pigs.

Adventure activities in Table Mountain National Park: Forest hikes, Scuba diving, Canopy tours, Kayak and Lilo adventure, Waterfall trail, Otter trail and Storms River cycle trail.
Best time to visit Table Mountain National Park: May to September
Opening hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

8. Bontebok National Park – With highest densities of rare and endangered animals and birds

Location: Swellendam, 6740, South Africa

One of the best adventure destinations in South Africa, Bontebok National Park is primarily known for spotting and preservation of Bontebok species. Tucked away between Langeberg Mountains and Breede River, Bontebok National Park has a wide expanse which covers rocky landscapes, sparse grasslands, and river valleys. Though one of the smallest in the country, this national park offers ample adventure activities for those who seek thrill and fun together.

Adventure activities in Bontebok National Park: Mountain biking, Bird watching, Canoeing, Fishing and Gaming
Best time to visit Bontebok National Park: May to September
Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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9. Golden Gate Highlands National Park – Your heaven for trekking and camping

Location: Clarens, 9707, South Africa

Quench your thirst for daring stunts at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa. From fascinating wildlife to overnight camping, there is no dearth of thrill and excitement in this national park. The surreal beauty of rugged highlands, grasslands, and sprawling wilderness are bonus points. One of the top adventure attractions in South Africa, this place invites all who are brave at heart and ready to take the plunge.

Adventure activities in Golden Gate Highlands National Park: Horse riding, Caving and Camping
Best time to visit Golden Gate Highlands National Park: October to May
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm

10. Mountain Zebra National Park – For those who gets amused with wildlife and scenic vistas

Location: R51, Cradock, 5880, South Africa

Those looking for fascinating biodiversity and daring activities should head to Mountain Zebra National Park, established in 1937. This national park cum conservation ground was primarily built to preserve the nearly extinct species of Cape Mountain Zebra species. Visitors will be enthralled with the surrounding beauty of the place along with sights of endangered animal species like Red Hartebeest, Gemsbok, Wild buffaloes and Caracal.

Adventure activities in Mountain Zebra National Park: Tubing, Rafting, Canoeing
Best time to visit Mountain Zebra National Park: October to March
Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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So which of these super thrilling adventure places in south Africa will you be exploring first? If you haven’t planned a trip to South Africa yet, let us help you create an amazing vacation for you.

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Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.