Here are some of the more unique outdoor excursions in Cape Town that you can’t miss:  

1) Explore the treetops of Constantia with Acrobranch

Photo credit: acrobranch.co.za Acrobranch is a nationwide outdoor adventure – now offered across much of SA, in her major cities – which caters to adults and children alike. Its newest adventure park is based in Constantia, Cape Town, and offers original outdoor fun and action set among the trees. Located at the top of Constantia Nek (next to the restaurant), this adventure park offers amazing, expansive views, overlooking the whole Constantia wine valley and the surrounding mountain peaks. In the midst of a beautiful eucalyptus forest, visitors will discover three different outdoor obstacle courses in the Yellow, Green and Blue routes. They vary in difficulty but each is suitable for the whole family. Safety is always forefront of their minds over at Acrobranch, so you will be given training before you embark on your treetop adventure, and when you do take to the trees, you will be harnessed and carefully supervised by a skilled guide. For more information on Acrobranch, call:  (021) 201 1121 or visit: www.acrobranch.co.za.  

2) Blissful beach rides with Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding

Enjoy wonderful, 2-hour rides along Noordhoek Beach with the Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding. Rides depart from Imhoff Farm, Kommetjie and make their way over to the popular, yet well-preserved Noordhoek Beach, where sea- and bird-life abound. Beach rides cater to inexperienced and experienced riders alike, and are suitable to children 12 years and older, as well as adult riders; nevertheless, the maximum weight is 100kg. The beach trail will see riders enjoying a ride along the shoreline and in so doing, covering some 8 km of pristine beach. In addition to this, there are also pony rides, led through the tranquil Noordhoek lanes by capable grooms, for younger riders to also enjoy. Importantly, all Sleep Hollow Horse Riding activities support the South African Riding for the Disabled (or SARDA), a non-profit organisation, which offers free and therapeutic riding to disabled and disadvantaged children. For more information, call: (021) 789 2341 or (083) 261 0104.  Photo credit: www.imhofffarm.co.za  

3) Surf the sand with Cape Xtreme

If you’re looking for a one-stop adventure tour operator in greater Cape Town, then Cape Xtreme is your best bet. And now, thanks to Cape Xtreme, you can enjoy surfing of a different kind in the Mother City: sandboarding! After you’ve been supplied some careful equipment and good safety instructions by their top instructors, you will get the chance to stir up the sand on one of many great sand dunes in Atlantis, outside Cape Town.  Photo credit: www.lovemycapetown.com This outdoor excursion is suitable for birthday or team-building occasions, for both a small or large group, and makes for a really unique, fun day out in Cape Town. This activity may also be combined with their other adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping beforehand or afterwards. For more information, call: (021) 510 0643 or (076) 016 9696.  

4) Battle Kirstenbosch’s Boomslang

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, is home to over 20,000 indigenous plants. Established in 1913, the garden was founded to conserve, study and display our country’s amazingly diverse and rich natural flora. A few years ago, on the garden’s 100-year anniversary, the Boomslang Canopy Walkway/Aerial Boardwalk was unveiled. This curved walkway, set high among towering trees, winds its way through the arboretum section of the garden and offers breath-taking 360-degree views out across the garden. Although it might have you feeling a bit shaky if you’re afraid of heights, it’s worth braving it even so. There is so much else to enjoy outdoors at Kirstenbosch though, including popular hikes (up Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine), summer outdoor music concerts, picnics – and of course, exploring the garden’s vastness. For more information, call: (021) 799 8783.  Photo credit: Portfolio Collection These are just a few of the amazing – and perhaps lesser known in some instances – activities and outdoor excursions that you can enjoy across our wonderful city. Whether it’s sliding down the sand dunes or enjoying calming canopy walks among the trees, there’s something suitable to everyone’s fitness- and adrenaline-levels in the marvellous Mother City.