When you think of South Africa, images of lions on the prowl, elephants grazing under acacia trees, and open-vehicle game drives often spring to mind. While our safaris are iconic for a reason, there’s a world beyond the bush that’s equally wild, wondrous, and waiting to be explored.
Welcome to the new face of South African travel – where adventure tourism is rising fast. From coastal cliff dives to desert stargazing, township cycling tours to canopy ziplining, South Africa offers adventure that connects you with the pulse of its land and its people. What’s more, it doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With well-located stays at local hotels you can chase the thrill by day and retreat to stylish, secure hospitality by night.
Here’s how you can take your next trip beyond the safari – and deeper into the South African experience.
Dive deep off the KZN coast
For adrenaline seekers and ocean lovers, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast offers world-renowned dive spots, and none is more famed than Aliwal Shoal, just 45 minutes south of Durban. This marine protected area is a mecca for divers looking to encounter ragged-tooth sharks, vibrant coral reefs, and historic shipwrecks — some dating back over a century.
Just a short drive away is Premier Hotel Cutty Sark, perched right on the beach in the laid-back town of Scottburgh. With panoramic sea views, direct beach access, and the warm hospitality of a smaller coastal retreat, it’s the ideal home base for divers — whether you’re a certified PADI enthusiast or just dipping your toes into snorkelling for the first time.
Don’t miss: The nearby Crocworld Conservation Centre and shark cage diving for those who like their encounters a little more heart-pounding.
Hike the mighty Drakensberg
Rising like a stone cathedral along South Africa’s eastern border, the Drakensberg Mountains offer some of the most awe-inspiring hiking in the Southern Hemisphere. Think crisp mountain air, tumbling waterfalls, and valleys where San rock art tells stories older than time.
If you’re planning to hike, horse ride, or 4×4 your way up the legendary Sani Pass, there’s no better stay than Premier Resort Sani Pass. Nestled at the foot of the mountains near Underberg, this resort offers serene comfort, hearty local cuisine, and guided excursions into Lesotho for cultural encounters and snowy peaks.
Adventure tip: Take the 4×4 route up Sani Pass to enjoy a drink at the highest pub in Africa – a must-do for high-altitude bragging rights.
Discover the Karoo by foot, bike or star
The Great Karoo is vast, mysterious, and deeply moving in its quiet beauty. While it may not scream “adventure” in the traditional sense, the Karoo is ideal for soul-searching journeys – whether it’s a cycling tour through ghost towns, a walking expedition along fossil-rich trails, or a stargazing retreat in one of the darkest skies in the world.
Though Premier Hotels doesn’t currently operate in the heart of the Karoo, it offers excellent city stays for those beginning or ending their road trip. Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo, conveniently located near Johannesburg’s main airport, makes for a great launchpad.
Add-on adventure: Stop at Sutherland for observatory tours and a look through the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cultural immersion in the Eastern Cape
While the Eastern Cape is known for its wild beaches and surf-friendly waves, its deeper treasure lies in its rich cultural heritage. From the hometown of Nelson Mandela to untouched rural villages and Xhosa traditions still practised today, this is a place to connect with the roots of South African identity.
The Premier Hotel Regent, located on East London’s esplanade, gives you sea views and city access – the perfect base for day trips along the Wild Coast, hikes to Hole in the Wall, or guided tours into the hinterland where song, storytelling and traditional food offer an unforgettable immersion.
Cultural tip: Join a township tour and try umngqusho (a traditional Xhosa dish), while learning about the resilience and rhythm of rural life.
Paddle and fly the Garden Route
South Africa’s famed Garden Route is a ribbon of coastal bliss, stretching from Mossel Bay to Tsitsikamma. But it’s also packed with action – think sea kayaking in Knysna Lagoon, bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge, paragliding over Wilderness, and forest canopy tours in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Premier Express Inn George offers affordable, central accommodation right in the heart of this region. From here, adventurers can hit the road in any direction and find thrills – all while returning each evening to warm hospitality and modern comfort.
Must-try: The Bloukrans Bridge jump is the highest commercial bungee in the world at 216 metres – not for the faint-hearted!
Cape Town’s urban adventure playground
You don’t have to go far to find adventure in Cape Town – the city itself is an adventure capital. From summiting Table Mountain via India Venster, to surfing the breaks of Muizenberg, to paragliding off Lion’s Head, every corner of the Mother City invites you to step out of your comfort zone.
Premier Hotel Cape Town, just steps from the Sea Point Promenade, is perfectly placed to explore the best of Cape Town’s urban adventure and vibrant food scene. With easy access to beaches, the city centre, and iconic hiking routes, it’s a great base for those who want equal parts action and R&R.
Local tip: Book an early morning kayak tour from Three Anchor Bay – you might just paddle alongside dolphins or penguins.
What makes adventure tourism in South Africa so unique is its diversity. No two days, or landscapes, are the same. One day you’re diving with sharks, the next you’re sipping wine in Stellenbosch or dancing with locals in a dusty village square. And through it all, comfort is never far behind.
So, if you’re ready to go beyond the safari – and beyond the ordinary – let South Africa show you a wilder, richer, more thrilling side of itself.
Do book your next adventure at www.premierhotels.co.za
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