Adventures in Tshwane/Pretoria

TThe Tshwane/Pretoria environs hold a magnetic appeal for extreme sports lovers, with a choice of endorphin-inducing activities. 

Jumping out of planes has long been a pastime of Pretoria's adventurous set. Find like-minded skydiving types at Wonderboom Airport north of the city. And the Aero Club of South Africa and both the South African hang-gliding and paragliding associations have their headquarters in Midrand – midway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve offers freshwater fishing on the western and northern shores, game viewing, bird watching and a number of hiking trails. 

The Hartbeespoort Dam area (45km from Pretoria) is a great place to enjoy a variety of watersports, including waterskiing, jetskiing and sailing, or take a trip to the top of the Magaliesberg courtesy of the Harties Cableway. Not too far away there are hot air balloon safaris that provide a silent and satisfying means of game viewing, and the Elephant Sanctuary encourages visitors to get in touch with these iconic African animals. 

Dirt biking is also popular here, with various quad biking options on offer. Why not hire a 4x4 vehicle and explore the regions of Dinokeng, the Hennops River and the Magaliesberg? If you like horse riding, there are a number of farms located in the Midrand/Centurion and Fourways areas (closer to Johannesburg) where you may indulge your passion. 

Near the Cradle of Humankind, some 45 minutes from Pretoria, hiking trails and an exploration of the Sterkfontein Caves will put human origins in perspective. While there, make sure that you make a special journey into the scenic Wonder Cave. 

The more daring activities of caving and kloofing (canyoning) are also available on the outskirts of Gauteng province.