Gauteng may be the smallest province in South Africa, but it’s also the busiest and richest. It stretches from Pretoria in the north to Vereeniging in the south, and as the gateway to Africa, its energy is palpable from the moment you arrive.
But there’s more to the province than its role as the home of SA’s corporate capital, as there’s an enormous range of outdoor and adventure activities for those looking to escape busy city life.
Adventurous things to do in Gauteng
SHEPHERD’S FOLD STABLES
Shepherd’s Fold Stables is situated in the lovely Elandsdrift Valley in Lanseria, bordering the Cradle of Humankind. A range of trail rides, suitable for riders of every age and experience level, are available. Visit: shepherdsfoldstables.co.za
STERKFONTEIN CAVES
World famous for fossils that have been found there, the Sterkfontein Caves allow easy access to the cave network, with modern walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where the fossils were discovered. Start your experience above ground before heading deep into the caves. Visit: maropeng.co.za
WILD CAVE ADVENTURES
Based in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Area, Wild Cave Adventures offers a unique blend of ecological awareness and family fun. Activities include abseiling into a dark cavern, caving and hiking in the open air of the Magaliesberg. Visit: wildcaves.co.za
HAKAHANA TRAILS
This endurance mountain bike and trail running venue is located en route to Hartebeespoort. The former horse farm is a tranquil setting with paddocks, riverine ecology and bushveld koppies. The trails network spans 40 properties, offering a safe and diverse sporting experience, mostly on custom-built single tracks. Visit: hakahanatrails.co.za
MAGALIESBERG CANOPY TOURS
This unique two-and-a-half-hour canopy tour through the Ysterhout Kloof consists of 11 platforms built into the rock faces of the kloof. The platforms are joined by 10 slides up to 140m long and 30m above the stream. Trained guides ensure your safety, while offering interesting facts about the mountains, area and bird and animal life. Visit: canopytour.co.za/magaliesberg
FLYBOARD
The Flyboard experience allows you to perform extreme manoeuvres on Gauteng’s rivers and dams. Water propulsion drives the flyboard into the air, in a sport known as hydroflying. The rider stands on the board connected by a long hose to a watercraft. The experience includes training and orientation, all equipment and a 20-minute flyboard experience. Visit: flyboardafrica.co.za
ACROBRANCH
The first Acrobranch venue in South Africa can found in the picturesque James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose. Here you’ll enjoy an aerial adventure with ziplines, Tarzan swings, nets, bridges and obstacles that take you from tree to tree. Several courses are available for different ages and abilities. Visit: acrobranch.co.za
AMA ZWING ZWING
Located near Hartebeespoort Dam, this biplane adventure consists of seven slides and 10 platforms ranging from 2m to 14m in height. This experience is suitable for all ages from seven to 75. A highlight is enjoying refreshments on the highest platform with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. Visit: amazwingzwing.co.za
BOSWA SURVIVAL
Boswa Survival Bushcamp, on Kareebos Game Estate in Hartebeespoort, offers courses and camps that would make Bear Grylls jealous. From basic survival camps to nomad bushcraft courses and a 24-hour survival adventure, this is not for the faint-hearted. Visa: boswa.co.za
BASS LAKE DIVING
Bass Lake – a 10ha body of spring-fed water – is considered one of the best scuba-diving training venues in South Africa. Depths vary from a walk-in slope to 23m at its deepest point. There are a number of interesting wrecks to be seen, including a bus, an areoplane, various cars and an old helicopter. Other adventure activities include mountain hiking, archery, boating, bird watching and bass fishing. Visit: basslake.co.za
ADA DRIVER TRAINING ACADEMY
Located in the beautiful Cradle of Humankind, there’s fun for the whole family. ADA is a Teta-accredited training institution and the only academy in South Africa with a tar range for motorcycle training, a dedicated K53 range, adventure 4×4 tracks and trails, and a gravel skidpan. They also rent out all types of motorcycles and quad bikes. Visit: adasa.co.za
STOKE CITY WAKEPARK
Experience family-friendly entertainment at the Stoke City Wakepark. Water-ski, kneeboard or wakeboard on the main cable or the straight cable. There’s a fully stocked rental store for all your requirements and professional instructors to get you up and riding in no time. Visit: stokecity.co.za
RAPID DESCENT ADVENTURES
Enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour river rafting expedition with grades one, two and three rapids. This is the longest commercial rafting trip available on this part of the Crocodile River. Enjoy a drive through the Lion & Safari Park to get to the launch site, from where experienced and certified guides will accompany you on the river. It’s a great experience for families and friends who enjoy being outdoors, love water and don’t mind having the odd swim. Visit: rapidescentriverrafting.co.za
by Kim Bell
