17 Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa: best budget adventure activities
Looking for the best budget adventure activities in Cape Town, South Africa?
Here are 17 of the Best Things to Do in Cape Town on a budget – from thrilling adventure sports to laid-back outdoor activities in Cape Town and nearby. These are relatively cheap budget adventure activities in Cape Town. Most of them cost under R1,000 (less than 66USD/49GBP) per person and some A LOT less.
For short tours (max 4 days) to Cape Town and destinations close to the city - see our budget Cape Town Safari Tours. These include Big Five Safaris, Shark Cage Diving Packages, and more.
Cape Town Adventure Activities on a Budget
- Snorkeling with Seals in Hout Bay
- Abseiling off Table Mountain
- Go-Kart Racing in Cape Town
- Kayaking with Penguins & Other Marine Animals
- Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach
- Hint Hunting in Cape Town
- Tobogganing at Cool Runnings in Tygervalley
- Surfing in Cape Town
- Treetop adventures in Constantia Nek Forest
- Sunset sailing cruises & motorboat trips
- Rock Climbing (outdoors & indoors)
- Cycling Tours & Mountain Biking
- Water Biking in Simon's Town
- Windsurfing & Kiteboarding
- Paragliding off Lion's Head or Signal Hill
- Scuba Diving in Cape Town
- Big 5 Safari near Cape Town
[Please note: We have selected the Cape Town activities and activity providers in this post based on popularity and our experiences. None of the activity/tour companies has paid us to mention them or sponsored links to their websites.]
Cape Town - the Adventure Activity Mecca
Nowhere in Africa can compete with Cape Town, South Africa, when it comes to outdoor adventure activities in stunning settings. Cape Town is an unparalleled outdoor playground! Whether you like to get your adrenalin kicks by water, land, or air there's plenty to keep your thrill-o-meter dialled up for months on end.
Here are some of the best adventurous things to do in Cape Town without blowing your budget.
1. Snorkelling with Seals in Hout Bay (Cape Town)
Starting with one of the best water activities in Cape Town, and one of the cheaper adventures around. Take a boat ride to Duiker Island to snorkel with 100s of playful seals in their natural environment. This island near Hout Bay is home to about 5,000 Cape Fur Seals!
Best Things to do in Cape Town - Seal swim by Animal Ocean
You'll also get to explore the kelp forests around the rocky island, located inside Table Mountain National Park. To join the seal diving experts at Animal Ocean you need to be over 10 years old and able to swim. But, kids between 6 and 10 can join as boat riders. The best time to snorkel with seals in Cape Town is from March to April. This is when the seal pups are beginning to swim so you can interact with these cuties.
Animal Ocean runs 3-hour boat trips to Duiker Island in the mornings and afternoons. They provide 5mm wetsuits with hoods, as well as booties, vests, and gloves to keep the cold at bay. The one-hour snorkel takes place between a depth of 1 and 5 meters. The price includes a professional guide, the return boat trip, snorkelling gear, snacks, and hot chocolate.
Budget adventure activities - Seal snorkeling by Animal Ocean
But 'what about the great white sharks?' some ask. Sharks aren't a problem, because the water is too cold and the reefs too shallow and sheltered by kelp forests.
You can book a dive with the seals on the Animal Ocean Facebook page or on their mobile-friendly website.
Cost: Under R1,000 per person
2. Abseiling off Table Mountain (Cape Town)
Only in Cape Town - abseil off the cliffs of Table Mountain! You'll descend 112 meters on a sheer cliff face. As you drop you'll be taking in views of the city and ocean from over 1,000 meters above sea level. You'll also be abseiling off the top of one of the world's natural wonders! Once the highest commercial abseil in the world, this adventure activity is sure to get your heart racing.
Adventure activities in Cape Town - Table Mountain Abseil by Abseil Africa
You'll abseil for 45 minutes, weather permitting. The price includes an activity demo, kit, and hike back up to the abseil starting point on top of Table Mountain. The price excludes the cable car ride. You can hike up and down Table Mountain, either with Abseil Africa for a fee or on your own for free.
Abseil Africa pays close attention to safety, maintaining its impeccable safety record. I went abseiling off Table Mountain with them and LOVED it! It's one of my all-time favourite outdoor activities in Cape Town.
Cost: Under R1,000 when booking online
3. Go-Kart Racing in Cape Town
A super affordable, high-speed adventure activity that comes in kid-friendly options for adventurous families. It entails zooming around the custom-designed, 310-meter racing track in high-tech go-karts. You'll be under watchful supervision, to keep things safe without losing the rush.
Go-kart racing in Cape Town, South Africa by Kenilworth Karting
Either head to the Killarney Race Track replica at Kenilworth Karting or the Century Karting track at Canal Walk. They are two of the best indoor karting circuits in the country. You get to 'Arrive and Drive' by choosing how long you want to race for, from beginner to expert slots. Rates include a safety briefing, helmet, and driving instructions for the first-time racer.
Go-karting is a fantastic rainy-day activity in Cape Town and family or group events. They take special bookings for large groups (up to 24 drivers) and for groups of under-16s. The race tracks are open 7 days a week (morning to late night), so karting is an excellent night-time adventure.
Cost: Under R500 per person
4. Kayaking with Penguins & Other Sea Animals
A cheap and eco-friendly outdoor activity in Cape Town. Kayak with penguins at Boulder's Beach in False Bay, near Simon's Town. This is one of the most popular water activities in Cape Town, so book in advance.
The kayaking trips run daily - usually in the mornings when it's less windy. Kayak Cape Town takes up to 18 people at a time so this is a great group activity. They use stable double kayaks and you don't need any kayaking experience. The recommended age is over 10 years although you can pair a younger child with a strong adult prepared to do all the powering. Anyone with a mild level of fitness will be able to handle the paddle, even senior citizens.
Cape Town activities - kayaking with penguins by Kayak Cape Town
The Kayak Cape Town trips cost about R350 per person. This includes your kayaking guide, an introductory 'how-to-paddle' and safety briefing, life jackets, kayaks, and paddles (of course). Winter (June to August) is surprisingly a good time to go sea kayaking because it is less windy and it is the whale-watching season. They also do a full moon-rising paddle in False Bay.
Cost: Under R500 per person for a two-hour trip
Kayaking with Dolphins & Other Marine Animals
On the Table Bay side of the coastline, Kaskazi Kayaks is the place to go. Dolphins, seals, and whales are often encountered on these trips. That's why it's one of my favourite adventure activities in Cape Town.
You'll launch from Three Anchor Bay, close to the city centre, and paddle for two hours. They take you along the Atlantic Seaboard in stable double kayaks, towards Clifton Beach or Granger Bay.
Things to do in Cape Town - kayaking by Kaskazi Kayaks & Adventures
Having gone kayaking with Kaskazi myself I can highly recommend them (for more details see Sea Kayaking in Cape Town). One of the most memorable aspects of sea kayaking here is the stunning views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Twelves Apostles.
Cost: Under R500 per person for two-hour trips
5. Horse Riding on Noordhoek Beach (Cape Town)
Noordhoek boasts a long, wide sandy beach ideal for horse riding in Cape Town. The scenery is stunning with the pristine beach stretching to the foot of Champma's Peak.
Best things to do - horse riding in Cape Town by Imhoff Equestrian Centre
Imhoff Equestrian Centre in Kommetjie runs three outrides a day. You'll ride through the wetlands and onto the Noordhoek beach. Look out for birds and animals that are sometimes seen on the rides, including whales, seals, and otters.
To join an outride you need to be at least 12 years old and weigh less than 95kgs. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced riders. The horses are well-trained and in excellent condition, which makes for a safe and fun adventure. Although the outrides are exhilarating for most, galloping is not permitted on the beach.
Horses on beach in Cape Town, South Africa by Imhoff Equestrian Centre
The horse rides are led by one or two accomplished guides for groups of up to 8. Noordhoek is on the west coast of the Cape Peninsula, 25 minutes from the centre of Cape Town city.
Cost: R700 per person per outride
6. Hint Hunting in Cape Town
The best rainy day activity in Cape Town, under R500! Ready for something playful and different? Take the creative 60-minute challenge to escape from a themed game room. You can HintHunt in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront or The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock. HintHunt is an exhilarating mystery-solving game. Contestants work together to figure out how to escape, using their ingenuity to solve brain-teasing puzzles.
Hint Hunting in Cape Town, South Africa by HintHunt
Play in groups of 3 to 6 or dual with two. Participants between 9 and 15 years old need adult supervision to play, but over 15s don't. Note, that these age restrictions are due to the level of complexity and not safety concerns. This adventure is ideal for team-building outings and groups of friends. As an indoor activity, HintHunt is perfect for rainy days (more in rainy day activities in Cape Town).
Hint Hunt Adventure in Cape Town by HintHunt Cape TownIn Woodstock, you can book both rooms for an inter-room competition (aka a double John Monroe). The game takes about an hour to play and you can book on the HintHunt website. The cost of this group activity starts at about R200 per person for a group of 4 players.
Cost: Under R500 per person
7. Tobogganing at Cool Runnings in Tygervalley (Cape Town)
Bundle the whole family into the car and head to Cool Runnings Theme Park to whizz down the 1.2km toboggan track! This is one of some 300 toboggan tracks worldwide, and the only one in Africa.
Tobogganing in Cape Town, South Africa by Cool Runnings
The outdoor toboggan track is designed for all ages and budgets. But, what is tobogganing? This thrilling outdoor activity entails speeding downhill in a bob-sled on a winding track. It's kind of like a land version of the Supertube ride... in a sled, so the kids love it.
A day pass gives you as many rides as you can stomach in a day. Cool Runnings has special rates for families and during working hours. The cheapest option is to take one ride, but who does that?
Best budget adventure activities - Toboggan by Cool Runnings
The Cool Runnings Toboggan Track opens its gates Tuesday to Sunday until 18:00 and on Mondays that are public/school holidays.
Cost: Tickets from about R60 & a day pass for under R400
8. Go surfing in Cape Town
Cape Town is one of Africa's best surf spots, so why not? Learn to surf or hone your surfing skills with Stoked School of Surf - the most happening surf school in Cape Town. These guys run mobile surf lessons all along the scenic Cape Peninsula. This means that you get to surf where the conditions and swell are best at the time!
Adventure activities in Cape Town - Surfing by Stoked School of Surf
Surfing lessons are for all shapes and sizes (that can swim), and they have special kiddie lessons. A group lesson includes digital photos of your surfing adventure and a super-qualified surf instructor. Oh, and a surfboard and wetsuit, of course. The team at Stoked is passionate about sharing what they call the 'stoke' (i.e. being intensely excited about surfing). They also promise to get you standing by the end of your surf session!
Things to do in Cape Town - surf lesson by Stoked School of Surf
There are plenty of great surfing spots and schools to choose from in and around Cape Town. What makes the local surfing experience even better is that most of the beaches are gorgeous! If you're a serious surfer be sure to check out the best surfing spots in Africa, from Cape Town to Morocco.
Cost: From R540 per person for a group lesson
9. Treetop Adventures in Constantia Nek Forest (Cape Town)
Acrobranch outdoor activity park is a fantastic adventure spot for families with kids. Plus, it's located close to the city in Constantia Nek Forest. Acrobranch sports tree-top zip lines and obstacle courses for kids, teens, and adults.
Outdoor adventure activities in Cape Town by Acrobranch Outdoor Adventures
The treetop adventure activities are ideal for team-building, school groups, birthday parties, and events. A visit to the Acrobranch adventure park is super affordable too. Prices range from about R140 for 3 to 6-year-olds up to R280 for over 12-year-olds, making it one of the cheapest adventure activities in Cape Town.
Cost: Under R300 for adults & under R200 for kids
10. Sunset sailing cruises & motorboat trips (Cape Town)
An idyllic way to end a day of exploring and sightseeing in Cape Town. Set off on a sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront in a sailing boat or motorboat (depending on the weather and your preference). This one isn't an extreme adventure but it's still quite an adventurous thing to do in Cape Town.
A sunset cruise with Waterfront Charters will set you back just over R400 if you book online. And that includes two glasses of bubbly per guest! The champagne cruises run daily and take under two hours. There are lots of surprisingly affordable boat trips and cruises to choose from so you can easily work this ocean adventure into your schedule.
Cost: Under R500 per person
11. Rock Climbing in Cape Town (outdoors & indoors)
For indoor climbing (great for rainy day adventures), there's CityROCK. This climbing gym has an extensive bouldering area and high walls for climbing with ropes. They cater to climbs of all levels - from beginners and kids to experienced outdoor climbers. CityROCK is an excellent place to meet fellow climbers and try climbing (safely) for the first time. They also rent out climbing gear by the day with discounted rates for rentals over multiple days. A day pass costs under R200 for adults and under R150 for kids. You can rent climbing shoes and a harness for R100.
City Rock Cape Town - Things to Do by CityROCK Cape Town
Cost: About R300 (gear and climb)
Outdoor Rock Climbing
When it comes to outdoor rock climbing, Cape Town offers multifarious sites for bouldering, traditional, and sports climbing. The Cape Peninsula and Cape Fold Mountains in this rocky region are perfect for climbing. The Western Cape is one of the best places in Africa for rock climbing with world-class routes on offer.
Rock climbing on Table Mountain, Cape Town by Shaen Adey
It's best to join a guided rock climbing tour for safety and security reasons. Vertigo Adventures is one of the reputable tour companies that can take you climbing on Table Mountain, Lion's Head, or the Cape Peninsula. Guided rock climbing trips are fairly affordable adventures, coming in at under R1,000 per person (in a group) for beginners on a half-day tour.
Cost: Under R1,000 per person
12. Cycling Tours & Mountain Biking
If you're partial to cycling then you're in for a real treat in Cape Town. It is one of the most popular things to do in Cape Town. Home to the epic Cape Argus or Cape Town Cycle Tour (the largest individually-timed cycle race in the world) Cape Town is a biking Mecca!
Cape Point cycling tour in Cape Town by Daytrippers
Choose from city cycling or township bicycle tours, Cape Point and Peninsula cycling trips, Table Mountain bike tours and more. You can even do electric bicycle (e-bike) tours and off-road mountain scooter trips! From experience, I can recommend Daytrippers (more about my day trip here) who offer all kinds of bike tours in and around Cape Town. They now do a guided e-bike tour of scenic Cape Point for about R1,200. You'll also see the penguins at Boulders Beach and the endemic fynbos vegetation.
Cost: About R1,000 (shop around)
13. Water Biking in Simon's Town (Cape Town)
If you're looking for something unusual to do in Cape Town then water biking could be just the adventure for you. And, it's an eco and budget-friendly adventure activity. In Cape Town, you can go water biking at Simon's Town on the Cape Peninsula. A two-hour guided water bike adventure costs R590 per person making it one of the cheaper adventure activities in Cape Town, South Africa.
Best adventure activities - Water biking in Cape Town by Cape Town Water Bikes
Perched on your water bike, you can take in the rugged coastal scenery and ocean surroundings. Plus, the water bikes are silent, so you may see seals, penguins, dolphins, water birds, and other marine life. One of the major pluses of water biking is that it's an eco-friendly activity. This is one of the best zero-emissions ocean activities of the Cape.
Cost: Under R600 per person
14. Windsurfing & Kiteboarding in Cape Town
Much to the chagrin of visitors and locals alike, Cape Town is a very windy place. Fantastic news for windsurfers, kitesurfers, kiteboarders, and any wind-powered adventure sports fans! Cape Town is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing/kiteboarding and windsurfing. And conditions are ideal for these activities in Cape Town from November to March.
Two of the top windy watersports hotspots are Blouberg and Table View in Table Bay. Here's a nice overview of the kitesurfing and windsurfing beaches in Cape Town and a spot guide to kitesurfing in Cape Town. You can find kitesurfing adventures for under R1,000 in Cape Town. Like High Five's two-hour kitesurfing lesson for two beginners that costs R800 per person. But, windsurfing and kiteboarding lessons will more likely cost over R1,000.
Cost: Under R1,500 per person
15. Paragliding from Lions Head or Signal Hill (Cape Town)
One of the more adventurous things to do in Cape Town. Take a tandem paragliding flight from Lion's Head or Signal Hill to boost your adrenalin and get a bird's eye view of the city, seashore, and surrounding mountains. This adventure activity takes place close to the city centre which will save you time and transport costs.
Hi5 paragliding over Cape Town, South Africa by Bruno N on TripAdvisor
Hi5 Tandem Paragliding is one of the best and most affordable companies. A tandem flight for one "passenger" and an instructor costs about R1,300.
Cost: Under R1,500 per person
16. Scuba Diving in Cape Town
Despite Cape Town's chilly waters, it offers diverse and exceptional scuba diving. Cape Town is best known for its shipwreck diving sites and kelp forest dives. Top highlights also include diving with seven-gill cow sharks, seals, and other marine life, as well as the pretty nudibranchs and corals.
Scuba diving in Cape Town - Best Things to Do by African Budget Safaris
This is another one of the budget adventure activities in Cape Town that costs a little more but is worth the spend. A guided shore diving package costs about R1,300 and includes two dives, equipment, transport, and lunch. I did the refresher PADI diving course a few years back with Pisces Divers and highly recommend them.
Cost: Under R1,500 per person
17. Big 5 Safari near Cape Town
While Cape Town's Mediterranean climate and fynbos vegetation are not classical African safari territory, there are a few excellent Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town worth a visit.
Big 5 Cape Town Safari in Aquila
Our top recommendations are Aquila Game Reserve and Inverdoorn Game Reserve, two of the closest Big 5 game reserves to Cape Town (aka Kaapstad). You can do a day tour safari in Aquila, under a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, or overnight at the Aquila safari lodge. Inverdoorn is slightly further away, at under 3 hours from Cape Town, so the shortest trip is a 2-day safari.
See our budget-friendly Aquila Big 5 Safaris near Cape Town and Inverdoorn Big 5 Safari Tours from Cape Town.
Cost: From under R3,000 per person
Let your adventures in Cape Town, South Africa, begin!
Now that you know about many of the Best Things to Do in Cape Town, it's time to get out there and have the experience of a lifetime!
The easiest way to plan your Cape Town activities on a budget is to talk to a local travel expert. Or, see our tours departing from Cape Town and our Cape Town Safaris & Tours.
[Updated in Jan 2020]
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Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds seeking out quiet places. She has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!
Go kayaking in Cape Town! It's a unique and affordable way to experience the great outdoors, beautiful coastline and marine encounters. Sea kayaking is also a healthy and completely crowd-free outdoor adventure activity in Cape Town.
