There are ample opportunities for aerial activities in South Africa. In the Winelands you can go ballooning, while paragliding offers a thrilling way to see Cape Town, by diving off Lion's Head and riding the thermals. More down-to-earth options include mountaineering and rock climbing, both of which have a huge following in South Africa. If you decide to go skiing at one or two resorts in the Eastern and Western Cape, you'll be able to go home with a quirky experience of Africa. And finally, if you can't choose between being airborne or earthbound, you can always bounce between the two by bungee jumping off the Gouritz River Bridge near Mossel Bay - the world's highest commercial jump.

Horse-riding is a sport you'll find at virtually every resort, whether inland or along the coast, for two hours or two days. You can ride in the Drakensberg from the Natal parks, or go pony trekking for several days in Lesotho. Take your own hat, as not everyone provides them.