Top 5 Adventure Sports in South Africa That Can’t Be Missed While Volunteering

An adventurer’s dream, Cape Town offers a host of activities ranging from water-sports to rock climbing and skydiving to shark-cage diving. So if you are traveling to volunteer in one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, then you have to make plans to experience these for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

South Africa’s diverse terrain along with an ideal climate for outdoor activities makes it a paradise for adventure seekers  – and all the adventure sports companies have dedicated and efficient guides.

While you’ll be occupied on the weekdays with your volunteer work schedule, do make sure to utilize your weekends for achieving your adventure goals.

Here’s a list of the adventure sports that you must try while you are in South Africa:

1. Bungee Jumping

Bloukrans Bridge Bungee holds the record of being the world’s highest commercial bungee jumping at 216 metres (709 ft) above the Bloukrans River, situated at the border between the Eastern and the Western Cape, above the Storm River.

Situated on the edge of Tsitsikamma National Park, this bungee is not for the faint hearted. The jump is run by Face Adrenalin since 1997, and it has become one of the most favored tourist attractions.

2. Shark Cage Diving

Scuba diving is quite common all over the world, but Shark Cage Diving is a popular adventure sport of South Africa, where you’ll get to experience an one-on-one encounter with these huge predators!

The West Cape’s waters are home to one of the world’s largest species and endangered Great White Sharks. Gansbaai, a seaside town which is 2.5 hours drive from Cape Town, is known as the Great White Shark Capital of the World.

No prior diving experience is needed for this – all you need is to have a lot of courage!

3. Sandboarding

Adapted from the concept of snowboarding, sandboarding is a comparatively cheaper and less fearful activity, that can be enjoyed by all – you don’t need to battle with your fear psychosis in this case.

Sandboarding is offered at the magnificent Atlantis dunes, which is located 30 minutes from Cape Town, and it boasts stunning views and soft, white dunes that are up to 35 meters tall.

4. Skydiving

Cape Town is a great place to experience skydiving as it provides with amazing climate and spectacular scenery of the hills and the sea. Also, it is one of the most affordable skydiving destinations of the world, regulated by the Parachute Association of South Africa.

If you are a first-time diver, there’s no need to worry as you’ll be provided with updated guidelines’ brochure and accompanied by professionals. Skydiving is worth trying and it’s going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life – as you’ll get the feel of being on top of the world!

5. Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

While you can be a volunteer for the Surfing Program in Cape Town, you can enjoy windsurfing and kiteboarding as well. The South-easter winds, also known as Cape Doctors, is highly beneficial for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Cape Town has a wide variety of beaches where adrenaline junkies get to fly through the air while feeling the spray of waves on their faces. Apart from these, you can also try out other water sports like parasailing, sea kayaking and surf skiing etc.

Being a volunteer is in itself a courageous decision – to travel to a new destination and engage with people who barely understands your language. But how about making that volunteering journey more memorable by pushing your fears aside and plunging into activities that’ll boost your confidence to a higher level?

If you have participated in any of these, do share your experience – your words might encourage others!