From big cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, to the smallest communities, the people of South Africa are crazy about sports. That became evident to the whole world, as people from every nation on Earth tuned in to the 2010 World Cup Soccer Championships. As well, people outside South Africa who knew little about the country became aware, because of the movie Invictus, of how the importance of sports is so much a part of the South African psyche, that President Nelson Mandela could appeal to it in his plea for national unity. For sports-loving visitors to Cape Town, the South African infatuation with competition and challenging physical activities provides a wide range of exciting choices.

Challenging Table Mountain

Table Mountain both draws you and defies you and is the single most remarkable geographic feature of Cape Town. It looms over the city and links with Table Mountain National Park, a paradise of mountains, forests and coastline. You can take the cable car up Table Mountain, or you can climb it. Table Mountain is believed to be the most frequently climbed massif in the world; but that doesn’t mean the ascent is easy! Even experienced climbers are advised to go with a knowledgeable guide, and to stick to marked routes. Once you have reached the summit, you can take in the fantastic views of Cape Town and the sea, and then turn to hiking one of the mountain’s many trails. If you don’t want to take the cable car down, you can try abseiling.

Hiking and Cycling

Cape Town is the starting point for some of the most beautiful hiking trails and cycling routes in the world, like the spectacular Garden Route or the gorgeous Winelands. If you want to participate in cycling competitions, look into the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest individually timed bicycle race in the world. There are also some excellent mountain bike tours, including one from Scarborough to Cape Point. Backpackers should be aware that the winter season is the best time for hiking, because you avoid the heat and humidity of summer and you will also have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

Thrills On and Under Water

South Africa has some of the best surfing in the world, and Cape Town is within easy reach of several popular surfing beaches: Big Bay, Llandudno, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Long Beach. If you want to learn the sport, there are several surfing schools here and this is also a popular place with windsurfers and kitesurfers. If you’re into scuba diving, the waters off Cape Town offer great undersea adventures. There are reefs, shipwrecks, and magnificent kelp forests. You have your choice between False Bay, which is an extension of the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic. But be warned, the Atlantic waters are quite cold.

Taking it Easy

For active people who prefer their activities to be a little more laid back, there is still plenty to do. There are several excellent golf courses, including Westlake, Rondebosch, and Milnerton. The Milnerton golf course is especially lovely, tucked between a lagoon and Table Bay with great views of Table Mountain. If bird watching is your preferred activity, the area around Cape Town is home to some 400 species. The best places to see birds are Lion’s Head, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the Cape of Good Hope part of Table Mountain National Park. Have fun.

Author Bio: Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made Cape Town holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Cape Town