With the promise of warming temperatures, cool breezes and blooming flowers - Spring is the perfect time to head outside in search of adventure.
With a selection of beach, mountain or river adventures to be found at every turn, South Africa is a preferred adventure destination. No matter where you may find yourself, you are bound to find a cycling route or hiking spot not too far away.
But we've made it even easier for you with some of the best adventure events across the country to truly put the spring in your step.
SEE: #FindYourEscape: 35 plus events to ring in spring across buzzing SAWestern Cape
Spring into action and get fit as you zip past Spier’s pastures and vineyards against the backdrop of the majestic Helderberg mountains. You can also indulge in great wines, craft beers and food after that's available from the Spier Farm Kitchen.
When: 30 August & 6 September
Where: Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery, Spier Wine Estate
Cost: Entry prices range between R60 - R120 depending on which race (4km or 8km) you do and whether you pre-book or enter late.
Read more on that here.
(Photo: Spier.co.za, Kirk Media)
The Slanghoek Triathlon in the beautiful Slanghoek Valley outside Rawsonville caters for all categories, from beginners to elite athletes, with four different races to choose from.
On the Saturday, there will be a mountain bike triathlon, with the option of doing either a standard or a sprint distance. On Sunday the road triathlon takes place, also with standard- or sprint-distance options. This event has become a great weekend getaway for the whole family, with many festivities at the end of the races.
When: 27 & 28 October
Where: Breeland Wine Cellar
Cost: Long courses - R560 (excluding temp day license), short courses - R390
Click or tap here for more information and registration.
(Photo: iqela-events.co.za)
Get your celebrations started the right way this a scenic run through the breathtaking vineyards at Eureka Estate, just outside of Durbanville. With an option of an easy 5km run or a leisurely 10 - it is entirely up to you to decide how hard you want to go.
When: 1 September
Where: Hillcrest Estate
Cost: 5 km: R 110, 10 km: R 110
For more information, click or tap here.
(Photo: trailfun.co.za)
Make sure to check out the Table Mountain Challenge, one of the most coveted races on the South African trail running calendar. Run alone, with a partner and push yourselves to endure a full 44km run through some of the most beautiful spaces in the country. This event does have some specific requirements that you can read up on over here.
When: 2 September
Where: Gardens Tech Rugby Club
Cost: Solo - R650, Lite - Leg 2 (23km) - R435, Duo Team (2) - R870
For more information, click or tap here.
(Photo: energyevents.co.za, Govan Basson / TOTALKAOSPHOTO)
Neethlingshof Pinotage Fun Run
If off-road running action sounds like your idea of fun then look no further than the Neethlingshof Pinotage Fun Run. Celebrating international Pinotage day, this run will see participants enjoying wine tastings roughly every 2km on route. Everyone who finishes gets a bottle of wine to enjoy. There will also be music, entertainment and food waiting for you at the finish line.
When: 13 October
Where: Neethlingshof, Polkadraai road, Stellenbosch
Cost: R200 (includes tastings and a bottle of wine). Under 18: R100. Under 12: Free
For more information, click or tap here.
SEE: #SpringTrips: Chasing the sun in SA
GARDEN ROUTE
Get on two-wheels and enjoy this 2-day mountain biking adventure with non-technical and fun riding in and around beautiful Swellendam, the 4th oldest town in South Africa.
When: 3 - 4 November 2018
Where: Langeberg mountains as well as the Breede River and also through the Bontebok National Park, Swellendam
Cost: TBC
For more information, click or tap here.
Langeberg Mountains (Photo: iStock)
Gauteng
3 Day/ 2 Night Champagne Castle Hike-Drakensberg
Why not celebrate Spring with a multi-day hike to the summit of Champagne Castle in the Drakensberg? The hike covers about 40km with an altitude gain of over 2300m so you can expect to enjoy some of the country's natural beauty up-close.
When: 5 October
Where: Drakensberg
Cost: R2,900 including transport from Johannesburg, dinner and breakfast on the mountain, guide, park fees, tents and cooking utensils.
For more information, click or tap here.
Gajiga Run - Thaba Trails 'Spring Bounce'
Take a 5km run through a 450-hectare nature reserve in the middle of the city. With local wildlife including springbok, sebra, jackal and impala to be spotted, the Gajiga Run 'Spring Bounce' is set to be a fun way to stay fit and enjoy a fun spring-time adventure. Make sure to hang around afterwards and grab some food and drinks while you enjoy the local musical acts on hand to ensure the fun doesn't stop.
When: 2 September
Where: Thaba Trails
Cost: FREE - Kids under 5, R100 - Kids 15 and younger, R250 - Adults (Early Bird), R300 - Adults (On the day)
For more information and tickets, click or tap here.
Test your limits and stay in shape with a 21.1km road race, or a 10km or 5km fun run. Enjoy the Spring sunshine and challenge yourself.
Where: Corner Veale and Bronkhorst streets
When: September 15, 06:00
Cost: R 45 - R 114, purchase tickets here.
For more information, click or tap here.
SEE: SA Outdoor Fun: 5 great Joburg hiking trails
KwaZulu-Natal
The TinMan Series is an exciting fast-paced Run & Triathlon event catering for athletes coming from diverse backgrounds. The event will see participants test themselves physically and push their limits.
When: 28 October
Where: Suncoast Casino
Cost: R80 - R570
For more information, click or tap here.
FREE STATE
AfriSki #CrankChaos Maluti Mountain Bike Festival
The one of a kind mountain bike festival at 3 222m above sea level, where visitors can test the gear with a choice of downhill paths. You will be lifted up to 200m and then free your way down a selection of mountain paths - giving you the true feeling of the bike. Test gear, explore the latest equipment and stick around for some exciting downhill races!
When: 1 - 4 November 2018
Where: Afriski Mountain Resort, Lesotho
Cost: R2,250
For more information, click or tap here.
