Step foot outside and enjoy nature. Here’s a list of outdoor activities that will keep the gloom at bay. Forget the stereotype of Joburg being a concrete jungle! Our vibrant city is bursting with opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping and reconnect with nature. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, Joburg's outdoor scene offers something for everyone. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your bike helmet, and get ready to explore the wild side of Joburg!
Hike & Bike Through Picturesque Landscapes
Joburg boasts a surprising number of green spaces, perfect for those seeking a scenic escape. Get out your hiking boots, and take one of the nature trails at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Explore the meticulously landscaped surroundings. Or take a trek through this list of the best hiking trails in Gauteng.
And if biking is more your thing, be sure to visit Rietvlei Zoo Farm and Taroko Trail Park, and pedal your way through their MTB trails. It's the ideal way to get your heart rate up while enjoying nature.
Take a High-Octane Adventure
Looking for a rush? Joburg has you covered! Strap yourselves in for an unforgettable experience at Ground Zero Adventures. This Lanseria-based company offers a heart-pounding array of activities, from white-water rafting and abseiling down cliffs to quad biking and archery. But that's not all! Also, try your hand at axe throwing, take it the beautiful outdoors via horseback, or get competitive with a round of paintball.
Go Wild at a Wildlife Sanctuary
Joburg offers several wildlife sanctuaries where you can observe a variety of animals in a more natural setting. The Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve lets you get up close to lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and many other African animals on a guided game drive. Feeling peckish? Visit the Neck & Deck Restaurant for a delicious lunch. And, to make your experience even more memorable, you can enjoy the opportunity to feed a giraffe!
Embrace Your Inner Tarzan at an Aerial Obstacle Course
Channel your inner Tarzan at one of Joburg's exhilarating aerial obstacle courses. Acrobranch offers a series of treetop courses with varying difficulty levels, catering to both families and adrenaline junkies. Swing through the trees, tackle zip lines, and navigate challenging obstacles, all while surrounded by lush greenery.
Explore the Cradle of Humankind
Unearth the secrets of our human ancestry at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just outside Johannesburg. This fascinating region boasts a wealth of hominid fossils and archaeological sites. Take a guided tour through the Sterkfontein Caves, marvel at the Maropeng Visitor Centre's exhibits, and learn about the pivotal role this area played in human evolution.
Go for a Horseback Ride
Experience the beauty of the Joburg surrounds from a unique perspective – on horseback! Several ranches offer guided horseback riding trails, allowing you to explore scenic landscapes and connect with nature at a leisurely pace. For a truly special experience, consider a horseback safari, where you can spot game while riding through the African bush. Click here to find a horseback experience.
Get Wet and Wild
Joburg may be an inland city, but there are still plenty of ways to get wet and wild. If you're feeling adventurous, try white-water rafting on the Crocodile River at Crocodile River Adventures. Navigate the thrilling rapids and soak up the beautiful scenery. For a more relaxing experience, spend a day at Emmarentia Dam. This popular spot offers a variety of water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Picnic with a View
Joburg is home to numerous parks and gardens perfect for a relaxing picnic. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offer a picturesque setting with a variety of themed gardens. If you're looking for something a little closer to the city centre, check out the James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose. This urban oasis boasts sprawling lawns, a lake, and a children's play area, making it ideal for families.
Stargazing Under the African Sky
Escape the city lights and immerse yourself in the beauty of the African night sky. Several locations around Joburg offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Telescope Night holds astronomy evenings in Dainfern where you can stargaze and enjoy the night sky while learning about constellations guided by experts. Alternatively, head out to the Magaliesberg Mountains for an even clearer view of the Milky Way and beyond.
Saddle Creek Adventures
Nestled in the Hekpoort Valley, at the foot of the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountains, just 45-minutes from Joburg, you’ll find a thrilling destination that’s filled with outdoor beauty, excitement and adventure. The Saddle Creek Adventure Ranch is just the place if you’re looking to do something a bit more daring than sitting on the couch all weekend. There's plenty to do and see here, so be sure to take a look at our review of the destination and plan your next adventure with them!
So, ditch the Netflix and get out there! Johannesburg's diverse outdoor scene offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a thrilling adventure, a peaceful escape into nature, or a family outing, Joburg has the perfect activity waiting to be explored.
Now that you have a list of activities to keep you busy for a while, why not convince your friends to join in by sharing this article with them?
