Water wonderland

All year-round water adventure enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with an abundance of coastlines, dams and rivers to explore. It's a unique way to experience the lush beauty of SA while offering high thrills and tranquillity.

River rafting

Orange River, Northern Cape: A veritable

haven for water enthusiasts of all levels. While there are some challenging rapids, there are also long, flat stretches that are suitable for families or beginners.

Tugela River, KwaZulu-Natal: Possibly the

most famous rivers, the Tugela River delivers on the adventure for thrill seekers with rapids ranging from Grades 1 to 5.

Blyde River, Mpumalanga: Blyde River

offers Grade 3 to 5 rapids. It offers a combination of challenging sections, and more gentle stretches that are suitable for families and beginners.

Diving

Aliwal Shoal, KwaZulu-Natal: Aliwal Shoal is a world-

renowned scuba diving site that boasts a variety of hard and soft corals in addition to tropical and subtropical fish species (including large predators).

Gansbaai, Western Cape: Over the years, Gaansbaai has gained popularity for its shark cage diving, which offers adventurers thrills while retaining a level of safety. While it is advised to do this in the winter months, Gaansbaai is the only place in the world where you can undertake this activity all year round.

Storms River Mouth, Eastern Cape: Situated in the

picturesque Tsitsikamma National Park, the underwater is as much as a treasure trove with an abundance of marine life.

Knysna Heads, Western Cape: Diving along the Knysna

coastline offers visitors the opportunity to sight the world’s only estuarine seahorse species.

Hydrofoil boarding

Relatively new, a hydrofoil board is a surfboard with a hydrofoil attached to it. Hydrofoils were originally used on ships and sailboats to enhance speed. Now it’s become a hot new trend as people use it for surfing and kiteboarding. Surfing with a hydrofoil allows a surfer to begin riding waves sooner than being on a regular board as once you start moving and stand up on the wave, you are able to pump the board up and down which will start creating your own speed.

Tubing

For a more leisure activity, tubbing is an excellent way to enjoy the water, soak up some rays and even enjoy a good read while floating on a calm river or dam. For a more adrenaline packed adventure, the tube can be towed behind a jet-ski or a speed boat – just be sure to hang on!

Advice:

When booking any water sport activity, ensure that you go with an experienced tour company and guide who is knowledgeable about the area and challenges.

Recreational fishing

Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: Kosi Bay is a top spot for all avid fishermen. There are a variety of fishing options including fishing the Kosi lake system, the estuary at Kosi Mouth and rock and surf angling at Kosi Mouth, Bhanga Nek, Black Rock, Dog Point, Toolbox, Lala Neck and Rocktail Bay. Catches include Grunter, Kingfish, Rock Salmon/ Red Snapper, Yellowfin Bream and Pick-handled Pike. There are certain areas where fishing is not allowed – so be on the lookout to avoid a fine.

Giant’s Cup Wilderness Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal: Known for wild-trout fly fishing, it is the only lake locally with a self-sustaining wild trout population. The accompanying landscape with an abundance of fauna and flora makes for a brilliant day out.

Schroda Dam, Limpopo: Schroda Dam is located within the Mapungubwe National Park. As a means to replenish the tiger fish, which used to be abundant in the Limpopo River, the dam was stocked with tiger fish in 2003. Fishing tigers is allowed on a catch and release basis only.

Maswiri Dam, Limpopo: Located just outside Musina and part of the Maswiri Safari Nature Reserve, Maswiri Dam is famed for its giant bass and bream populations. The surrounding reserve gives visitors an opportunity to fish and take in the splendour of the natural scenery in addition to game viewing.

Du Toitskloof Streams, Western Cape: Surrounded by rugged valley landscapes, Du Toitskloof Streams offers a healthy selection of rainbow and brown trout.

Orange River, Northern Cape: There are a variety of camping options available where fishermen/women can stay, enjoy the natural splendour and fish daily for yellowfish, which the Orange River is famed for.

Advice:

Ensure you read up on regulations pertaining to where you can fish and if it is a catch and release site.