Exploring South Africa: 10 Best Day Trips

By: Angela Ayles

The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern portion of Africa. There are nine provinces and its neighboring countries are Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The region is a hot spot for tourist action and in South Africa, there are numerous incredible day trip destinations that give you a little of everything from death defying adventures with man-eating predators to riding on the back of the majestic elephant.

What are the top 10 day trip destinations located in South Africa? Find out below:

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1. Canoeing the Orange River in Upington

While this is an activity that not everyone takes part in, the experienced canoe rider can enjoy the adventures found on the Orange River.

2. Sunset Cruises in Cape Town

Taking a sunset cruise in Cape Town will give you the scenic backdrop of the Table Mountain and Chapmans Peak. You will get to enjoy the sunset and if you are lucky, will also get a chance to see Southern Right Whales move along your cruise ship.

3. Quad Riding in Drakensberg Mountains

For those that enjoy taking their adventures deep into the mountains, valleys, and forests, you can take a quad and ride your own path. The view you will get on your quad will be awe inspiring and require the need to show pictures for some to fully understand the beauty that is South Africa. You can take a quad in most parts of the country, with each offering their own unique views and experiences.

4. Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai / Mossel Bay

If you have ever had the desire to be face to face with the beautiful creatures known as sharks, this activity would give you the chance to achieve that goal. Completing this popular activity at this location is easy, as it is only a few hours away from Cape Town.

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5. Parasailing in North West Province

This activity has grown in popularity over the past several years and South Africa provides some of the best experiences to do this. This day trip can begin at the Hartbeespoort Dam and the mountain ranges are ideal to complete your parasailing adventure.

6. Crocodile Cage Diving in Oudtshoorn

This activity can only be done at the Cango Ranch in the Western Cape. This is a dangerous activity that could lead to injury or even death as you go searching for the meat loving Nile crocodiles that can grow to be as long as 4 meters.

7. Game Viewing on Back of Elephant in Sun City / Pilanesberg

Not only will this day trip take you out in the wild to check out some of the most exotic animals this nation has to offer, you will do so on the back on one of the most amazing creatures on earth, the elephant. These safaris run daily and will take up two to three hours of your time and will leave you wish the trip lasted longer.

8. Rhino Tracking in Kruger National Park

Enjoy your search for another marvelous creature by rhino tracking at this national park. You’ll go with guides that know the scenery and the history of the majestic animal and while using basic tracking skills.

9. Rapp Jumping

This is a relatively new sport to gain popularity in the nation and is one that is closely related to abseiling. With a rope attached to your back, you will have the chance to run down the side of buildings and the more exciting option of mountains.

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10. Paragliding in the Garden Route

What better way to see everything that South Africa has to offer than by seeing it from the sky above. In the Garden Route, you will get a chance to see the valleys, lagoons, estuaries, indigenous forests and other pieces of scenic art. There are different areas to paraglide in this area including Pilot’s View, Brenton, and Eagles Nest.

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