Getting out into nature definitely helps to refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body and just generally feel good. An outdoorsy day is made even better with a friend or significant other by your side. Whether you prefer to explore your favourite forest, splash in a tidal pool, take a gruelling hike, or go on an adrenaline-pumping adventure: here are nine outdoor activities to do with a partner.
Western Cape
Zipline tour in Caledon
Spending time above the treetops admiring mother nature and taking in all her sights and sounds, all while whizzing between platforms, makes for a beautiful day out in picturesque Caledon. This zipline adventure has 12 platforms with 12 slides, ranging from 8m-18m in height and from 60m-200m in length. The entire distance of this tour is 1.2km and is equipped with a breaking system that can be controlled to travel at a pace suited to your personal preference. This activity is guaranteed to be an adventurous one.
For bookings and further information, visit the Forest Adventure website here.
Take a dip in the Dalebrook tidal pool in St James
Start your day the right way and take a refreshing wake-up dip in the Dalebrook tidal pool. Arrive just after sunrise and immerse yourself in the salty sea for a peaceful morning. This tidal pool is located halfway between Kalk Bay and St James and is filled with fresh ocean water, without the sharks of course. If you plan to go during the week, be mindful of morning traffic when planning your trip. If you choose to visit on the weekend, make a day of it by spending some time after your swim meandering around Kalk Bay.
Hike to Crystal Pools in Gordon’s Bay
Located an hour drive outside of Cape Town in the Steenbras Nature Reserve, this hiking trip is as unique as it is refreshing. You will need to book a permit ahead of arrival, which will be checked on arrival. The entire hike is 2km but is not for the fainthearted or extremely unfit. It starts off fairly leisurely but puts your body to the test as you begin to make your way to the first pool, which is 45 minutes from the start. The second pool is about 10 to 15 minutes away from the first and offers exhilarating kloofing experiences for those looking for some adrenaline as well as a waterfall to marvel at. The third pool has an incredible view of the surrounding area. The cool water at these pools is a welcome break from the heat, which makes summer the perfect season to go on this adventure. The entire hike will take approximately three hours. For hiking permits and booking visitor information, click here.
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KwaZulu-Natal
Inanda Mountain
Arguably the best viewpoint Durban has to offer, the Inanda Mountain makes for a picturesque sight. Located about 30 minutes drive from Durban central, overlooking the Inanda Dam, the top of this mountain is spectacular for bird watching. Late mornings are the perfect hunting time for birds of prey sightings as animals seek the heat coming off the cliff face. Whether you’re a birder or not, a trip up this mountain is definitely worth doing.
Mzinyathi Falls
Whether you want to do a guided hiking trail, a bit of rock climbing, or simply a leisurely drive, the Mzinyathi Falls should be your first choice of where to go in KwaZulu-Natal.
Located 20 minutes from Gateway, the 100m waterfall is a result of the Mzinyathi river cascading down a spectacular sandstone amphitheatre. For those looking to do some rock climbing, the view from high up on these falls is out of this world. For a full day of exploring nature and chasing waterfalls, book a guided tour that takes you to Mzinyathi Falls along with two other waterfall spots here.
Take surf lessons
Learning to surf is a skill most people want to pursue but never do. With the warm waters that encompass Durban’s coastline, no place is better for taking surf lessons and finding out what all the hype is about. Addington Beach is the perfect place to learn: the waves here are relatively small and the beach protected from big ocean swells.
For information on where to book lessons, visit this website.
Gauteng
SCAD Freefall SA
This is something all thrill-seekers should try at least once in their lifetime. SCAD diving involves taking a person 70m into the air using a winch and cage. The jump master then activates a descend system that drops the diver without an attachment into a suspended catch air device (SCAD). Located inside the Western Tower of the two Orlando Towers in Soweto, is the world’s first SCAD experience inside a cooling tower. For more information, visit the website here. Note that the company works on a first-come-first-serve basis and so doesn’t take bookings.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Departing at dawn, this hot air balloon experience is a special excursion. Upon arrival you can enjoy a cup of hot coffee while a team sets up the balloon under a floodlight. Once ready, you’ll be floating over the Magalies River Valley or high above the Magaliesberg range, experiencing a real bird’s-eye view of the fauna and flora below you. After the adventure, enjoy a champagne breakfast at the Clubhouse Pavilion and Restaurant. For booking information, click here.
Horse trail safari
Enjoy the great outdoors on horseback, located in Hartbeespoort. Take an hour or an hour and a half out of your day for a horseback ride among some of Africa’s best wildlife. If you are looking to take your experience to the next level then definitely book a champagne-style picnic. Day tours include pick up and returns from anywhere in Gauteng and North West, making your trip a leisurely and effortless one. For booking information, click here.
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