Top 10 Things to do Adventurous in Western Cape, South Africa

The mountain in the middle of Cape Town offers many hikes and magnificent views in all directions.

Welcome to the malaria-free Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town to the heart of the Little Karoo, along the Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains, Sanbona boasts 58, 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3, 500 years, plus a unique boat safari. More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique. Explore a wilderness sanctuary in the Western Cape while staying at your choice of three luxurious lodges or a back-to-nature Explorer Camp adventure, each of which is surrounded by ancient folded mountains and endless vistas. Please note that Sanbona is a private reserve and booking in advance is essential.

The Green Mountain Trail is a four day hiking trail around the Green Mountain in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.Traversing a tapestry of fynbos and fruit farms this slackpack trail offers fine food and comfortable overnights in the Cape Winelands of South Africa. Accommodation is in four star country guesthouses. Delicious , wholesome meals are provided throughout.The trail meanders around the Groenlandberg, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Guided by THETA accredited guides you learn about the biodiversity and the history of the area. Swimming in rock pools and dams on a hot day is as refreshing for the body as it is for the soul.The Green Mountain Trail is a moderate walking trail with distances varying between 11kms and 18kms each day. The effort level, as gauged by Slackpacker S.A., is set at 3.5 with 5 being the most difficult.The trail traverses privately-owned land. All landowners are members of the Green Mountain Eco Route, the world’s first biodiversity wine route, and part of the region’s efforts to conserve the environment and promote responsible tourism. All members are Biodiversity Wine Initiative champions. This enlightened initiative unites conservation and agricultural development in a complementary, mutually beneficial manner. As part of the Green Mountain Trail’s social responsibility programme, hikers are encouraged to Walk with an Alien, a project in which a personalised walking stick is carved from alien vegetation by local communities.

Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary Panthera Africa offers you the unique opportunity to learn about the big cats and hear their heartfelt stories! We are a true sanctuary with no trading, breeding or interaction, operating as a safe haven for rescued big cats. EDUCATIONAL VISIT Have a guided walk around to see our white and brown lions, black leopard, caracals and tigers and learn more about their species and their threats. TIMES: Everyday expect Tuesdays, 10am and/or 3pm (April - September) 9am and/or 4pm October - March); Open on public holidays. Price: R340 per adult / R170 per child under 13 years. PRE-BOOKINGS ONLY (as we only have a limited amount of spots per visit). SUNSET VISIT Come and enjoy the early evening with your loved ones as the sun sets and the cats come alive after a long day of rest! Your passionate host will take you around to the big cat enclosures. Price: R490 per adult, no children under 16 years allowed. Minimum 4 people. PRE-BOOKINGS ONLY.

Platteklip Gorge is a national park trail of Table Mountain. The route that takes you the most directly up to the Cableway. Learn more about the various routes of Platteklip Gorge hike which takes place on Table Mountain tours and visit our website.

The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.