THINGS TO DO

Cheap thrills: 7 affordable adrenaline activities in and around Cape Town

2 min read
A View of Lion's Head from Table Mountain, popping from low clouds.
Lions Head A View of Lion's Head from Table Mountain, popping from low clouds.Picture: Bheki Radebe

You don't need a massive budget to get a massive rush in the Mother City.

Between the dramatic drops off Table Mountain, the pounding Atlantic surf, and sprawling coastal dunes, Cape Town is a playground for adrenaline junkies on a budget.

Prices exclude transport unless stated.

Activities under R1000

1. Sandboarding at Atlantis Dunes 

In Atlantis, you can rent a board and blast down towering white dunes. Basic sessions start around R300 to R400 at OnTours Cape Town. This does not include the reserve entry fee, which can be found on the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve website.

2. Kloofing at Suicide Gorge

If you're fit and hit the permits early enough (via CapeNature), hiking into river gorges costs approximately R450 for permit access. Suicide Gorge is a demanding route, not simply a low-cost activity. Located in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, CapeNature guidance says the route is about 17km, requires fitness, experienced guidance for first-timers, and is affected by seasonal closure and weather conditions. Access, transport and permits must be confirmed before departure.

3. Downhill toboggan track

Ride a wheeled bobsled at Cool Runnings Toboggan Family Park in Bellville. Adult tickets start at R110 whilst children's tickets start at R100. 

4. Surfing or bodyboarding at Muizenberg

Rent a surfboard and wetsuit for 90 minutes at around R200 at Muizenberg Beach from Surf Emporium. Often regarded as suitable for beginners, depending on conditions. Also make sure to stay updated on shark sightings.

5. Climbing and Ninja wall

At Rush Extreme Trampoline Park located in Claremont, you can get one hour's access to high-performance trampolines, 6m-high climbing walls, and a Ninja Warrior course (like the ones you see on TV) for between R160 and R200. Grip socks cost an additional R50.

Beachgoers soak up the winter sunshine at Saunders' Rocks Beach in Sea Point on Thursday, as warm weather offered Capetonians an early taste of summer. People gathered around the tidal pool and on the surrounding rocks to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the unusually warm August conditions along the Atlantic Seaboard. Picture: Henk Kruger / ANA Studio
Beachgoers soak up the winter sunshine at Saunders' Rocks Beach in Sea Point on Thursday, as warm weather offered Capetonians an early taste of summer. People gathered around the tidal pool and on the surrounding rocks to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the unusually warm August conditions along the Atlantic Seaboard. Picture: Henk Kruger / ANA StudioPicture: Henk Kruger

No activity fee

6. Lion's Head hike

Scrambling up the iron chains and ladders on Lion's Head delivers high exposure and massive views. The route is difficult and requires careful planning, suitable equipment, and an awareness of changing conditions. Parking, transport, gear, or a guide may add costs.

7. Cliff jumping at Saunders' Rocks Beach

You can jump off the granite boulders into the cold tidal waters at no cost. Just be sure to proceed with caution, as the conditions, tides, swell, and submerged rocks can make jumping dangerous.

Before you go, make sure that you've planned for permits, weather, transport, equipment, emergency contacts, and (where relevant) swimming competence.

You don’t need a massive bank balance to get your heart hammering in Cape Town. Pack your gear and remind yourself what feeling alive actually feels like.