Outdoor Adventures in Cape Town
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From the beach to the top of the iconic Table Mountain, outdoor adventure awaits all over Cape Town. Whether you're an animal lover, an adrenaline junkie, a surfer, or a cyclist, you'll find outdoor fun during your stay. Here are your options.
On Land
You don't have to leave Cape Town proper to get in on the outdoor action. Take a running, cycling, or walking tour of the city to see its most significant sites, including 3,558-foot (1,084-meter) Table Mountain. This towering landmark is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking—to get to the top, either make the strenuous hike or ride the rotating cable car for more time to explore the plateau's winding paths. Other adventures lie just outside of town. Wildlife enthusiasts have a host of game and nature reserves to choose from in their quest to see Africa's Big Five, while the Big Cat Sanctuary offers insight into the country's feline inhabitants, with a chance to observe lions, Bengal tigers, caracal, and leopards. Meanwhile, the Atlantis Dunes, 30 minutes outside of Cape Town, set the scene for two more land-based adventures: quad biking and sandboarding.
In the Water
While Africa is famous for the Big Five, South Africa is home to another animal icon: the great white shark. You can test your nerves with the ultimate adrenaline rush and go cave diving with these fierce predators, but if the thought of facing Jaws is a bit too intense, Cape Town has plenty of other aquatic adventures on the menu, including sea kayaking and surfing. The beach breaks here are perfect for beginners and intermediates.
From Above
To get the best views of Cape Town—and the best thrills—you'll have to take your feet off the ground. You can step off the top of Table Mountain and experience a 367-foot (112-meter) controlled descent to the bottom from the world’s highest commercial abseiling point, or fly above the city by parasailing from nearby Lion’s Head for spectacular, unobstructed views. It's also possible to zipline at Silvermist Estate in Cape Town or at the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve outside the city.
Tours & Activities (134)
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From
US$180.96
Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari from Cape Town
- Spend a full day at the Aquila Game Reserve, the closest one to Cape Town, on this safari tour. Get excited to see the ‘Big Five’ game animals and endangered species such as the ‘Aquila’ Black Eagle on this worry-free trip, which includes pickup at your Cape Town city center hotel. This is one of the easiest safari tours near Cape Town, on a private and malaria-free game reserve.
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US$227.98
2-Day Western Cape Big 5 Safari and Route 62 from Cape Town
- Go wild in the Western Cape on an overnight safari trip from Cape Town! Travel off the beaten track to interact with wildlife and immerse yourself in the African bush. The Garden Route and Klein Karoo offer the perfect backdrop for a wildlife encounter. You’ll also visit the ostrich capital of the world and get a chance to try local delicacies, giving you a taste of authentic South African culture. This trip offers guided safaris in two prestigious private game reserves, a guided bush walk safari as well as a chance to walk alongside orphaned elephants. Visit the ostrich capital of the world and get a chance to try local delicacies for a taste of authentic South African culture.
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US$89.05
Cape Peninsula Tour from Cape Town
- Experience the scenic beauty and natural landscapes of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula on this full-day tour from Cape Town. Enjoy the convenience of guided visits, as well as the independence of solo sightseeing and learn about this dynamic region from your friendly, knowledgeable guide. You’ll see seals in Hout Bay (with optional Buiker Island boat trip) and have time to wander the shops. You can explore the Cape Point Nature Reserve at your leisure, and check out playful families of African Penguins in Simon’s Town. Your return trip to Cape Town even includes a stop at the colorful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
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US$299.22
3-Day Garden Route Tour with Safari from Cape Town
- Spend three days exploring South Africa’s famed Garden Route from Cape Town, , stopping at all the best highlights the area has to offer. Wander along the Garden Route - a piece of paradise on the southeastern coast of South Africa. Adventure awaits you over the next three days. Choose to join an elephant bush walk where you’ll get to meet three orphaned elephants, walk along forest footpaths and hop in a canoe to float along the Wilderdess National Park, keeping an eye out for the abundant bird life.
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US$163.86
Shark Cage Diving Tour from Cape Town
- Choose to get down in the water with the sharks in a cage or enjoy the show from the decks of the boat on this dive tour from Cape Town. Ride from Gansbaai Harbour to the famous Shark Alley, where you can get up close with the animals or stay on deck. Return to Gansbaai Harbour for lunch and a DVD viewing of your adventure.
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US$648.31
7-Day Garden Route, Winelands and Addo Safari from Cape Town
- Escape the demanding duress of modern life on a 7-day tour of Cape Town’s Garden Route, the ideal adventure for lovers of nature and wildlife. Tick off top Garden Route attractions such as Addo Elephant National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, the Cango Caves, and Oudtshoom, and partake in optional activities such as ziplining and bungee jumping. Plus, taste wine at vineyards located on Route 62 and choose between 4-star, 3-star, or hostel accommodation depending on your budget.
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US$174.19
Marine Big 5 Adventure from Cape Town
- Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip from Gansbaai to see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals, penguins and more. Visit the ominously-named Shark Alley to see if there are any great whites feeding on seals. Head to other parts of the ocean to look for whales and African penguins, as well as seabirds on Geyser Rock and Dyer Island. With experts on hand, you won’t miss any of the majestic marine wildlife on display.
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US$104.80
Full-Day Robben Island and Cape Town City Tour
- Maximize your time in Cape Town with this 9-hour sightseeing tour. With your local guide, visit all the must-sees – Robben Island, Table Mountain and a tour of the Mother City's streets. Weather permitting, enjoy a scenic ferry boat ride to Robben Island and spectacular aerial views during the cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain. In the city, drive through the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood and visit the Company Gardens. All entrance fees and round-trip transportation from select Cape Town hotels are included.
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US$188.79
Shark Cage Diving Full-Day Tour from Cape Town
- Get face to face with a Great White shark, one of the ocean’s most famous predators, during this heart-pounding 6-hour shark cage dive from Cape Town. Travel to Gansbaai, one of the best spots in the world to observe Great Whites up close, enjoying an up-close encounter with one of these ocean-bound carnivores. Breakfast, lunch, and round-trip transport to the dive site are included.
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US$187.01
Whale Watching and Hermanus Wine Route: Private Guided Day Tour from Cape Town
- Spend a day whale watching and wine tasting on this private 10-hour trip to Hermanus from Cape Town. See migrating Southern Right Whales off the coast of Hermanus from June through mid-December. Sample some of the local wines at two estates.
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US$190.22
Cage Diving with Great White Sharks from Cape Town
- Spend time watching one of the world’s most feared fish on this 4-to-6-hour cage diving experience in Cape Town. Travel to the ocean off the coast of Gansbaai for a full-day tour. Learn about great white sharks from your marine-biologist guide, and then dive into the water in a cage to observe sharks in their natural habitat. Breakfast, snacks and hotel-pick up and drop off are included.
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US$159.76
Private Full Day Tour: Whale Watching, Penguin Viewing and Wine Tasting from Cape Town
- Enjoy the best of stunning Cape Town on this private tour that includes whale watching, penguins viewing and wine tasting. You'll journey to the rugged cliffside town of Hermanus, known as the whale capital of South Africa. You will cross Sir Lowry's Pass where you may spot the national bird: the Blue Crane. After spending some time at Walker Bay, stop to see Cape Penguins in their natural habitat on the way back. Finally, enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting before returning to Cape Town.
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US$205.89
Inverdoorn Safari Tour from Cape Town Including Lunch
- Get into the wild and seek out Africa's Big Five on this safari tour from Cape Town that includes lunch. You'll venture into the Inverdoom Nature Reserve, 2.5 hours outside of the city, and explore the South African landscapes in an open-air 4x4. A professional guide will be on hand to help spot wild animals and share interesting facts and information about the country's most spectacular creatures.
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US$332.56
Wild Life Safari Tour including Private Transfer To and From Aquila Reserve
- Trade the urban jungle of Cape Town for a safari amidst real wild animals during this 9-hour private safari excursion. Travel by private vehicle to a game reserve to search for ‘Big 5’ animals like rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo, plus other creatures like giraffes, hippos and cheetahs, observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. On the way home, stop by a winery for a tasting and cheese pairing. A private guide, breakfast and lunch, entrance fees, wine tasting and round-trip hotel transport are covered.
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US$144.98
Great White Shark Cage Diving
- Get up close to Great White sharks without fear or disturbing their natural behavior on this guided excursion from Cape Town. Head out onto the Cape waters, which are home to the greatest concentration of Great Whites in the world, and go below the surface for a personal and educational experience.
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US$470.21
5-Day Small Group Garden Route Tour from Cape Town including Addo National Park
- See the best of South Africa’s scenic Garden Route — with visits to Addo Elephant National Park, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay and Oudtshoorn — during this 5-day trip from Cape Town. Join your expert guide on hikes through lush forests and canoe rides through picture-perfect water. Visit nature reserves to see some of Africa’s endangered species. Kick back and soak in the sun on soft, sandy beaches. This tour offers the perfect mix of guided and self-directed activities.
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US$53.43
Couples Sunset Cruise Including Champagne with Tigger 2 Cruises
- Speed over the waters off Cape Town on this fast cruiser for a couples sunset cruise. Head for Clifton 4th Beach or Table Bay, depending on the day's weather, then anchor to watch the sunset with a glass of Method Cape Classic sparkling wine. On the way back to Cape Town, enjoy the colors of the fading sun and the view of the city lights blinking on for the evening.
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US$76.30
Full-Day Cape Peninsula and Hout Bay Tour from Cape Town
- Discover the wonders of the Cape Peninsula on a full-day tour. Depart from Cape Town for the coastal town of Hout Bay, where you'll have free time to peruse craft markets, stroll beaches, or cruise over to Duiker Island (own expense) to view resident Cape fur seals. Next travel along the spectacularly scenic Chapman's Peak Drive, detouring at Cape Point nature reserve en route to the stunning and remote Cape of Good Hope. Round out your trip with an optional visit to Boulders Beach, home to hundreds of African penguins.
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US$210.17
Full Day Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus from Cape Town
- Swap the hustle and bustle of Cape Town for a peaceful day of scenic views and a whale watching boat trip. No need to worry about booking your own transport as hotel pickup and drop-off is included. You won’t waste a moment, as your guide will point out attractions en route such as Pringle Bay and Fernkloof Nature Reserve. After a delicious lunch, you’ll go on a whale watching boat trip to spot these magnificent creatures in the wild.
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US$33.48
Robben Island Tour
- Explore the most famous island prison in the world, Robben Island, on this half-day tour from Cape Town. Go deep into the history of Nelson Mandela's history and impact on the world through your guide's commentary as you have a look around the historic site. Round-trip ferry ticket from the Victoria and Albert Waterfront and admission to Robben Island are not included to make for a seamless experience. Get to know the history and significance of Robben Island Learn about Nelson Mandela's life through a guide's commentary Round-trip ferry ticket from the V&A waterfront Admission fees are not included.
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US$52.72
Cape Town Skydiving
- To the South, the Mother City lies sandwiched between towering Table Mountain and bustling Table Bay harbour. Further to the south, and to the far side of the mountain, lies False Bay, Hout Bay and the splendour of the South Peninsula as far as Cape Point. To the West, you will spot Robben Island – Cape Town’s own Alcatraz – and the Atlantic breaking on the beautiful Cape West Coast, as famous for its icy water temperature as its mouth-watering crayfish. To the North, the Langebaan lagoon , a great kitesurfing and windsurfing venue.
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US$231.03
Full Day Guided Safari from Cape Town
- Go on safari to see the Big Five — lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros — on a 12-hour day trip from Cape Town. Travel just 2.5 hours outside the city to the Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, where you'll range around in a 4x4 vehicle helmed by an experienced game ranger. After your safari, dig in to a buffet lunch unwind by the pool (summer) or around a cozy fire (winter).
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US$74.09
Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town
- Visit pretty Hermanus for a rare chance to go whale-watching from the shore. Southern Right Whales breed in the waters off Hermanus, not far from Cape Town, every year from July through November. The town is uniquely positioned to offer some of the best land-based whale-watching viewing locations in the world, and you can also choose to go out on a boat for more adventure (own expense).
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US$102.41
Lion's Head Sunset Hike
- The peak of Lion's Head reaches a mighty 2,194 feet (669 meters) above sea level—high above Cape Town and the rolling Atlantic Ocean waves. On this evening tour, hike to the summit of Lion's Head with your guide and enjoy uninterrupted views over landmarks including Clifton Beach and Robben Island. With round-trip travel from your central Cape Town hotel included, watch the sun sink on the horizon in beautiful Cape Town.
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