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12 Best Adventurous Activities in Pretoria: Trails and Other Thrills
If Indiana Jones lived in Pretoria, he’d have no shortage of adventures. The city and the spots nearby lead me from one thrilling activity to another. One day I can go hot air ballooning by the Cradle of Humankind, and then the next day I can go horseback riding in a nature reserve.
Whether you like to hike through rugged landscapes or abseil off cliffs, here are adrenaline-fueled activities that will have you living out your own action-packed quests.
Mountain Biking
Media from wolwespruitmtb
Website: https://wolwespruit.co.za/
Location: 501 Jochemus Street, Cul de sac, Erasmuskloof
Contact details: +27 12 054 5448
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 6 AM – 6 PM
Price: R60 per person
Wolwespruit Bike & Trail Park challenges novice and skilled mountain bikers with its flow trails, steep climbs, and exhilarating descents.
You’ll get a rush on the more challenging sections featuring thrilling drops, jumps, and river crossings. Also, I loved speeding downhill while staying focused on the rocky parts. I felt accomplished every time I nailed a tricky section.
Pro tip: For convenience, you can access Wolwespruit from the N1 freeway. |
Abseiling
Media from mortosx_eczoruzn
Website: https://www.adventurezone.co.za/
Address: 103 Oak Ave, Cullinan
Contact details: +27 12 734 0507
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 AM-5 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM-3 PM
Price: R650 per person (minimum 2 people)
Challenge yourself in the stunning Muningi Gorge. In Adventure Zone Cullinan, you’ll glide to 60 meters down sheer cliffs—the highest commercial abseil in Gauteng.
There’s that moment you take the first step off the edge, and your heart is racing. But once you commit, the rush of descending into the gorge is incredible. Every meter down brings a sense of relief.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling brave, you can try forward abseil running for the same price as the abseiling package. |
Zip Lining
Media from: acrobranchza
Website: https://acrobranch.co.za/outdoor-activity-parks/pretoria-north/
Address: Soutpansberg Road, 18 Honingnestkrans St.
Contact details: +27 21 201 1121
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9 AM-6 PM
Price:
- R250 – Green combo for beginners
- R290 – Blue combo (moderate difficulty)
- R300 – High flying & 1 Big Zip (advanced)
- R350 – High flying and 3 Big Zips (advanced)
- R100 – The Big Zip
While I enjoy many adrenaline-pumping activities at Acrobranch, nothing beats soaring the Big Zip—the longest zipline in Gauteng. This 300-meter zipline is enough to challenge every thrill seeker.
I was a bit nervous at first. But the moment I pushed off from the platform, the exhilaration completely took over. Soaring through the canopy made me feel like I was flying above the world for a moment.
Pro tips: Acrobranch is a cash-free zone. Bring a card or use a payment app. You can reserve a braai area for R400 per stand, including tables and complementary charcoal. Braai packs and side dishes are also available at an additional cost. |
Quad Biking
Media from saddle_creek_adventures
Website: https://www.saddlecreekadventures.co.za/
Address: Hekpoort Valley, Hartebeesfontein Road, Hekpoort
Contact details: +27 79 467 9906
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM-4 PM
Price:
- R583 per adult – 30 mins
- R853 per adult – 45 mins
- R187 per child – 30 mins (under 12 go as passenger)
- R253 per child – 45 mins (under 12 go as passenger)
Quad biking is a fun way to explore the outdoors. At the Saddle Creek Adventures, you’ll be driving the quad along the rugged Hekpoort Valley.
The trail has a mix of obstacles—mud patches, bumps, and sharp turns—which kept me fully engaged. It was liberating to have full control of the quad bike while driving around the nature reserve.
Pro tip: Wear suitable clothing such as jeans, takkies, and boots. Also, bring spare clothes just in case. |
Horseback Riding
Media from: cape_riding
Website: https://www.caperiding.co.za/
Address: Portion of the farm Witkoppies, Rietvlei
Contact details: +27828286323
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 8 AM-5 PM
Price:
- R280 per hour ride
- R550 per 2-hour ride
Horseback riding by the Voortrekker Monument should be on your bucket list. In Pretoria Cape Riding Horse Club, riders can appreciate the picturesque monument and its surrounding 340-hectare nature reserve.
Seeing wildlife nearby while on horseback was the highlight. I came across a few grazing zebras, which was an incredible sight. In addition, the horse was calm, which put me at ease since I’m not a seasoned rider.
Pro tip: Join their riding club and get a discount for all your rides. The fee may range between R380 and R1, 645 depending on the number of hours per ride. |
Tandem Skydiving
Media from: skydivepretoria
Website: https://skydivepretoria.com/
Address: Wonderboom Airport, 122 Lintvelt Road, Onderstepoort
Contact details: +27814995739
Operating hours:
- Saturday: 8 AM-7 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM-5 PM
Price:
- R2,370 – Standard tandem skydive (without media)
- R3,270 – Tandem skydive with media package (including 6-8 min video and 60+ photos)
Tandem skydiving at Skydive Pretoria is a heart-racing experience suitable for first-timers and seasoned adventurers.
The freefall was one of the most intense 40 seconds of my life. There’s nothing that compares to falling from the sky at 200 km/h. Once the parachute opened, I peacefully floated above Pretoria.
Pro tip: Take note of the weight limit. Men should weigh no more than 100 kg, and women are recommended to be less than 85 kg due to harness fit and safety considerations. |
Hiking
Media from: hennops_hiking_trail
Website: https://hennopstrails.co.za/
Location: Road R511 between Diepsloot and Hartbeespoort Dam
Contact details: +27 82 825 9205
Operating hours:
- Daily: 7 AM-1 PM
Price:
- R100 for adults
- R50 for children
If you enjoy a long walk and a beautiful view, then you should go hiking at Hennops Hiking Trail. This park has three hiking trails for casual and skilled hikers.
I tried the Krokodilberg Trail—their longest trail—and it was challenging. The trail has a gradual 400-meter elevation. Moreover, the last 3-kilometer walk was slippery because of the loose rocks along the way. However, the panoramic views when you reach the top made it all worth it.
Pro tips: Pack essentials. Bring at least two liters of water, high-energy snacks, and sunblock during the hike. Check the weather forecast before heading out since the activity is weather-dependent. |
E-Biking While Wildlife Watching
Website: https://e-biking.co.za/
Address: Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof
Contact details: +27836036744
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8 AM-5 PM
Price: R650 per person
At E-Biking Africa, you’ll see a variety of wildlife species, including giraffes, ostriches, and zebras, while riding an electric bike through the reserve. It’s a thrilling and eco-friendly adventure friends and families can enjoy.
I found this activity exhilarating! We were riding through the bush—surrounded by wildlife—which felt like a true wilderness adventure.
Pro tip: Head to their page to book in advance, especially on busy days like weekends and holidays. |
Game Driving
Media from: dinokenggamereserve
Website: https://www.dinokengreserve.co.za/
Address: Dinokeng Game Reserve, N1 North, Hammanskraal
Contact details: +27 12 711 4391
Operating hours:
- Daily: 6 AM-4:30 PM
Price: R380 to R430 per person for a 2.5-3 hour drive
If you want a wildlife adventure, you should go game driving at Dinokeng Game Reserve. Here, you’ll see Africa’s famous Big 5 up close: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. In addition, you’ll spot antelopes, many bird species, and other animals.
I had a ranger accompany me during my game drive. He helped me spot animals hidden in the bush and trees and talked about the wildlife. The entire experience was thrilling and educational.
Pro tip: Opt to stay overnight. There are many accommodation options in Dinokeng, ranging from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets and campsites. |
Go-Karting
Media from: indykartindoorgokarting
Website: https://indykart.co.za/our-tracks/parkview-shopping-centre/
Address: Parkview Shopping Centre, 24 Garsfontein Rd, Moreleta Park
Contact details: +27 11 764 2771
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM-8 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11 AM-9 PM
Price:
- R150 per person – 8-minute session
- R300 per person – 20-minute session
If you’re looking for a fun day out, Indy Kart’s 42-meter-long indoor track is for you.
The layout is challenging enough to keep you on your toes. Each lap felt satisfying, especially when I nailed that perfect turn.
Pro tips: Book online. The management prioritizes online over in-person bookings. Prepare electronic or card payments since the establishment doesn’t accept cash. |
Hot-Air Ballooning
Media from: airventuresballoonsafaris
Website: https://www.air-ventures.co.za/
Address: About a 40-minute drive from Pretoria
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Daily: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Price:
- R3,100 per person – Classic hot air balloon flight
- R3,270 per person – Safari hot air balloon flight
AirVentures’ hot air ballooning offers a breathtaking view above the Cradle of Humankind and the Magaliesberg region. Here, you can behold the city and its beauty from the sky.
I tried the safari hot air balloon flight. We floated silently over the game reserve and spotted a herd of elephants moving slowly through the trees. It’s like a private wildlife viewing from above!
Pro tip: Book an overnight stay in the area. AirVentures offers special packages that include accommodations. You can relax the night before your flight and enjoy hot air ballooning without rushing. |
Jet-Skiing
Media from: kagisomatjie
Website: https://www.hartieswatersports.co.za/
Address: 1 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort
Contact details: +27826523140
Operating hours:
- Daily: 8 AM-4 PM
Price: R250 per person for 10-15 minutes
Jet skiing at Harties Watersports Centre is another electrifying activity that combines speed, freedom, and Hartbeespoort’s scenic beauty. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the experience satisfies your desire for the rush.
I was thrilled the moment I hit the throttle. As I glided across the water, the acceleration was rapid. The faster you go, the better the adrenaline!
Pro tip: For your safety, check the weather forecast before coming to the venue. |