Not all of us are of the impression that a romantic dinner with candles, pretty clothes and soft music is the best way to woo the opposite sex. Even if you do, there’s nothing wrong with trying a different kind of romance this year – perhaps one that requires a bit more activity. Check out these more extreme ways for two people to get to know each other and have a lot of fun while doing it.
10 fun and extreme ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day
1. Hot air ballooning – Gauteng
Sweep him/her off their feet with a romantic ride high above the Magaliesberg. Spend an hour soaring over the countryside and return for a full country breakfast upon landing.
Price: From R1750 a person
Contact
076-953-0436/082-800-9189
[email protected]
www.sunfun.co.za
2. Tandem swing – Mpumalanga
If you like the sound of a free fall from one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings, then this is for you. Book a tandem swing to add that touch of romance to such a terrifying activity. You’re promised to enjoy the most beautiful views of Graskop that you’ve ever seen.
Price: R290 a person for a tandam swing
Contact
013-767-1621/072-223-8155
[email protected]
www.bigswing.co.za
3. Zipline – North West Province
The world’s longest and fastest zipline can be found at Sun City, and you’ll be happy to know that you can take in the thrill together on a tandem-like ride. There’s nothing like clinging onto each other tightly while zipping through the air at incredible speeds.
Price: 395.00 a person
Contact
014-557-1544/3382
[email protected]
www.zip2000.co.za
4. Horseback rides at Oaklands Manor – KwaZulu-Natal
Enjoy the fresh country air while trotting along the trails on Oaklands Manor or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, explore the surroundings further afield. Add a picnic to your ride and you have the perfect combination between being active and enjoying a meal together.
Price: R150 – R350 a person
Contact
087-943-8738/079-529-2314
[email protected]
www.oaklands.co.za
5. Boatcruise to Duiker Island – Western Cape
A boat trip from Houtbay harbour to Duiker Island to see thousands of Cape fur seals in their natural habitat might just be your definition of a fun day out with that someone special. Enjoy drinks from the fully licensed onboard bar while taking in a completely different view of beautiful Cape Town.
Price: R70 a person
Contact
021-791-4441/082-658-7055
[email protected]
www.drumbeatcharters.co.za
6. Paintball in Magoebaskloof – Limpopo
Perhaps teaming up (or up against each other) is the perfect way to get to know each other or rekindle your love. Doing it in a beautiful indigenous forest is just a bonus.
Price: R200 a person for 1 -2 hour play and kit.
Contact
083-866-1546
[email protected]
www.thabametsi.com
Read: Six of the best paintball fields in South Africa
7. Sidecar rides – Western Cape
Hop on a World War II motorbike with your beloved in the sidecar and whisk around the Cape Peninsula or the Winelands for a touch of olden day romance. You can either drive yourself or enjoy a chauffeured tour.
Price: R2600 for a sidecar and driver
Contact
021-434-9855/082-308-5483
[email protected]
www.sidecars.co.za
Read: Alternative Cape Town: a sidecar tour of the Cape Peninsula
8. White Mischief boat cruise – Free State
Cruising along through Thaba Sediba Private Nature Reserve, enjoying a single malt, dinner and watching the sun set could be just about as much activity as what you’re keen for, but it still beats eating at the same restaurant you do every year. These folks will even throw in a mid-cruise game viewing excursion.
Price: Enquire on website
Contact
082-920-5551/082-798-5052/051-933-6486
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.thewhitemischief.co.za
9. Horseback rides on the beach – Eastern Cape
If you live in Port Elizabeth or Jeffrey’s Bay and you’re keen for a bit of horseback romance, then you have the advantage of doing this fun, yet romantic, activity on the beach. Not only that though, you can explore the bush, the beach and a beautiful river on your ride.
Price: R250 – R300 a person for two hours
Contact
079-299-8080
[email protected]
www.horsetrails.co.za
10. Floatalong sundowner rafting – Free State
While you’re me sitting in a raft, kitted with a life jacket and paddle in hand, it doesn’t take too much effort to make your way down the Vaal River, so don’t worry about burning too many kilojoules on this one. Stop in a shady nook in the late afternoon for cheese platters and wine.
Price: From R235 a person
Contact
084-245-2490
[email protected]
www.riverman.co.za
