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Adventure Tours in South Africa

It can be easy to characterize Africa as a vast desert land, a tropical continent filled with lions and tigers and hippos (oh my!). South Africa, however, is more than the sum of its beastly parts. From the arid grasslands of Highveld to the sandy beaches in Cape Town, adventure travel programs in South Africa vary widely. Prepare for a whirlwind trip, as well as the chance to pick up some strange colloquialisms from the locals (“Howzit?”—a common greeting). Mountain and rock climbing in South Africa get points for being particularly epic in the Rainbow Nation.
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68 Adventure Programs in South Africa

Lioness
9.54 reviews

Penda Photo Tours

Penda Photo Tours logo
Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique hu...

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AHS
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

African Horse Safaris logo
African Dream Equestrian Working Holiday in South Africa

During your stay, you'll enjoy unbeatable riding experiences and ...

See All 2 Programs
102 reviews

Gapforce

Game Reserve Volunteering with Gapforce

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible s...

9.55789 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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91 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in South Africa - Expeditions With Purpose

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. I...

9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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9.48198 reviews

GVI

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

Live on a private reserve in Limpopo, surrounded by wildlife in t...

9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 19 Programs
00 reviews

ARCC Programs

South Africa: Land of Wild Wonders

Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “R...

9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

8.85 reviews

All Out Africa

Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour

The Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour will take you through some of ...

00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Surf and Adventure Program in South Africa

This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the live...

00 reviews

Westcoast Connection

Westcoast Connection | South Africa

Embark on a cultural experience like no other in South Africa wit...

00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Family Kruger Adventure Volunteering: South Africa/ Eswatini

Enjoy the best of both worlds with your children in this family v...

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8.9884 reviews

Warriors Academy

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in South Africa 2025
Warriors Gap Year Experiences

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then l...

104 reviews

Loop Abroad

South Africa Adventure Bonus Week

This one-week program pairs perfectly with our South Africa Veter...

9.673 reviews

Natucate

Ranger Course in Africa: Become a Field Guide Level 1

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete you...

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00 reviews

African Biodiversity Research Expeditions

Volunteer: Reptile and Amphibian Research

The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Res...

See All 4 Programs
00 reviews

Adventure Mania

Marine Conservation & Scuba Gap Year – South Africa

Experience a marine adventure in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, one o...

9.610 reviews

Surfpop Foundation

Surfing for a Better Future

Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that...

00 reviews

Nature Travel Namibia

Kruger National Park Birding

Explore the exceptional bird life of the southern Kruger National...

00 reviews

Life Retreat

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC)

Become qualified to teach yoga online and anywhere in the world w...

102 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Veterinary Internship in South Africa

On this programme, participants will get the opportunity to trave...

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00 reviews

Zoom Vacations

Zoom Vacations Gay-Friendly Group Adventure Trips

Venture into a “magical” journey with Zoom Vacations, a leader in...

00 reviews

Voyemo

LGBTQ+ Travel – Curated Voyemo Experience

Experience the perfect holiday in a space where inclusivity and a...

A Guide to Adventure Travel in South Africa

Most Adventurous Places

When you aren’t busy exploring the incredible habitats on a safari during your South Africa adventures, take the time to explore the historical regions of the country.

Cape Town is renowned for its sunny promenades, nature reserves, and stunning holiday vistas. With a variety of activities for travelers to choose from, daredevils will be spoiled for choice as they plan an itinerary of rock climbing, hiking through the Lion’s Heart at sunrise, and (for those brave enough) cage diving with sharks. Don’t forget to drop by the Boulder Penguin Colony and interact with new friends!

Experience the chameleon-like city of Johannesburg—a town that is ever-evolving, ever-transforming, and ever-reaching towards an exhilarating atmosphere. Famed for being the city which sparked action against an apartheid regime, Johannesburg reflects a town that is determined to persevere. Try something completely unique while experiencing South Africa adventures, such as volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary.

Surf’s up! Port Elizabeth stretches along the western coast, offering travelers idyllic sunbathing, sports, and a strong current for those eager to tail the waters. Not only is it a great place to work on your tan, but it also plays host to some of the most coveted beer in the country.

Latest Program Reviews

Self-growth and improvement through getting uncomfortable intentionally!

October 25, 2025by: Chantal Smith - United StatesProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
10

Warriors academy taught me to face my fears, and be brave. I learned how to push past what I thought to be my limits. I met some wonderful people from all over the world, and was supported by the amazing facilitators here at Warriors. If you are looking for a place to help you grow and work on mastering the inner parts of yourself, I highly suggest you take the opportunity to come on this wild adventure!

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