Active Escapes: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Adventure Tours / Holidays

Welcome to Active Escapes! Established in 2007, we specialise in holidays with an outdoor edge. If you're the kind of person who needs a mountain or two, ocean swims, and breath-taking scenery to really enjoy your getaway, our website should be right up your alley.

We understand that outdoor people range from those who thrive on endorphins, to those who simply love relaxing in the quiet of nature; and as such Active Escapes offers all types of active, outdoor and nature-focused holidays. Hiking, slackpacking, mountainbiking, trail running, canoeing, river rafting, horse riding or fishing; we know how dynamic people like to spend their time.

Catching sight of Hole in the Wall on the grassy descent, is a highlight on the Lower Wild Coast MTB Tour »
On our Giants Cup Slackpacking Trail, you can walk with just a small daypack - enjoying the fauna & flora enroute.
On the final day of the Kosi Bay Slackpacking Trail, hikers climb a large sand dune where they can look across to Mozambique, with Kosi Bay mouth just a few kilometres away.
Coffee Bay - Bulungula Hiking Trail

The trail between Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall is one of the most undulating of hike days - but the splendid views make it all the worthwhile! Read More »
The stunning Mtentu Estuary and Gorge - a place few travellers get to see. On the Pondo-Voyager Hiking trail, one of your overnights will be at Mtentu Lodge.
Tugela Bushcamp - just 2.5hrs from Durban and 4hrs from JHB makes an ideal weekend getaway...far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life Read More »
Wild Coast Adventure

Deserted beaches and ocean blue on the Lower Wild Coast Cycle Tour Continue Reading »
A night in a cave is an experience to remember on a high berg hike with an experienced mountain guide Continue Reading »
Ziplining through indigenous forest in the Karkloof, KZN Midlands. The Canopy Tours makes for a great family day-trip or corporate teambuild.
Drakensberg Adventures

Hiking in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains - a Unesco World Heritage site.
Kosi Bay Hiking Trail

Hikers stop to learn about the fossiled relicts on the sand dunes near Kosi Mouth. Read more about the Kosi Bay Hiking Trail »
First Lake on the Kosi Bay estuary system is a maze of fishtraps - a fishing practice used by the local Tonga people. Read More »
Mumbo island in Lake Malawi is a Robinson Crusoe experience... an idyllic honeymoon retreat. Read More »
Local children at play on the boats at Manteku Estuary - Pondoland Hiking Trail »
The Western Cape offers so much for an active holiday. Read More »
The incredible spray display at Luphuthana, Pondoland Wild Coast. Hikers get to see this on the Pondoland Hiking Trail »
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is becoming increasingly famous for its extensive network of handcrafted singletrack - approximately 200km between Howick and the Karkloof alone.
Holiday on the Wild Coast for an authentic experience of both local culture and stunning scenery!
Abseiling is one of adventure activities on offer at Tugela Bushcamp Read More »
Learn to set your gears and make trail repairs on a Bike Maintenance Workshop »
Take a dip in a refreshing mountain stream in the Eastern Cape Highlands »
Why not treat yourself or your loved one to a massage at one of the renowned Spa's on the Midlands Meander »
The Sky Ride MTB Tour is the perfect holiday for dirt roadies looking for high mountain passes, inspiring scenery....but nothing too technical!
A horse trail through the rural Midlands countryside is one of the activities on our Lover's Retreat Weekend Getaway »
On a weekend break to the Midlands, there are lots of outdoor activities to keep you entertained from canopy touring, hiking and mountain biking.
White River rafting on the Tugela River. Only possible during the summer months, this activity makes a great corporate adventure. Read More »
Active Escapes offers a number of day and multi-day MTB Tours in the KZN Midlands, catering to all levels of riders.
Hikers admire the view down one of the many valleys traversed on the Highlands Hike »
Riding through savannah and bushveld on The Tugela River MTB Tour. Read More »
Visit Malawi to experience the warm heart of Africa. Read More »
Try your hand at tiger fishing on a canoe trip down the Pongola River, Northern KZN - Maputaland. Read More »
The Umkomaas River provides some fantastic white water during summer. We offer daytrip and 'wild camping' trips on this river. Read More »
The lower Wild Coast offers great terrain for trail-running. Our 3 day Jikeleza Jog is an annual event but can be run anytime of year by private groups.
Workshops and Courses, such as landscape photography workshops are part of Active Escapes offerings.
A mountain bike daytrip in the Midlands offers a great father-son bonding experience.

HIKING & SLACKPACKING TOURS »

Hiking is the best way to discover South Africa's rugged mountains and unspoilt coastlines. You can do this the traditional way or 'lessen your load' on one of our fully-supported & catered slackpacking trails. Active Escape's has walking trails throughout South Africa, but specialise on the Wild Coast, Kosi Bay, Drakensberg, EC Highlands.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLE TOURS »

From quiet country roads to flowing single-track and downhill thrills, Active Escapes offers tailor-made cycling holidays to interest all levels of rider. Our MTB tours range from fully-supported & professionally guided to 'self-guided' options where we'll assist with route info & trip logistics. We also offer MTB Maintenance & Skills Workshops.

CANOE SAFARIS »

Game spotting, bird viewing, swimming and photography are major highlights on all of our canoe safaris, with the focus falling on fun more than hard paddling. For families and groups of friends wanting a true break from the daily grind and an opportunity to reconnect, canoe safaris are a wonderful way to effortlessly reach that end.

MULTI-SPORT ADVENTURES »

Can't decide whether to pack your helmet or trail shoes? The kids want to go rafting, your wife wishes to hike & you'd like to go fly-fishing? We've discovered those places where you can do it all and more! Let us plan your dream vacation from any combination of outdoor pursuits, or join one of our multi-sport adventure tours.

New Tours & Destinations

Active Malawi
Keen on a biking, kayaking, yachting, snorkelling adventure in the warm heart of Africa?
Trek up Mount Mulanje, cycle through tea estates, swim in an aquarium of cichlids, or paddle to Mumbo & Domwe Islands on Lake Malawi from Cape Maclear.

Pondoland Pedal
Dreaming of riding along hard-pack beach & handcrafted single-track? Still on the waiting list for Imana or don't have the luxury of a week's leave? The 3-5 day Pondo Pedal will give you a Wild Ride experience over a long weekend, 1hr from Durban.

Pongola Birding & Fishing
Ancient sycamore figs and flocks of green pigeon, provide the backdrop to a new tented camp on the banks of the Pongola River. Whether it’s the reel screeching take of a Tiger on fly, or a glimpse of the shy Finfoot you after, this is a holiday for true nature-lovers.

Coffee Bay - Bulungula Hiking Trail

Wild Coast Adventure

Drakensberg Adventures

Kosi Bay Hiking Trail

FEATURED TRAILS

HIKING & SLACKPACKING TOURS »

MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLE TOURS »

CANOE SAFARIS »

MULTI-SPORT ADVENTURES »

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