Cool, outdoor, COVID-19-safe things to do in December

Johannesburg

Feed the ducks and take a boat out on Zoo Lake

Rent a rowboat and take some seeds along to the Zoo Lake to feed the ducks and geese. The rowboats can fit up to six people. You’ll have a great time paddling about. The boat club is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Cost: A minimum charge of R15 per boat. www.zoolake.org

Visit Melville Koppies Reserve

This nature reserve and heritage site is in the heart of Joburg. It provides great views of the three-million-year-old ridges that made up the Johannesburg landscape. Cost: R80 per adult in the controlled access hiking area. www.mk.org.za

Explore Honeydew Mazes

There’s so much fun to be had exploring mazes, secret gardens, and completing mind-bending quizzes. The Mazes are open every weekend and most public holidays. Cost: R150 per adult, R100 per child. www.honeydewmazes.co.za

Take a picnic to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens waterfall

Take a break from Jozi’s bustling city and venture into the peaceful cover of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, a 30-minute drive from the CBD. Cost: Adults R65, free for children under the age of six. www.sanbi.org

Cape Town

Cycle along the promenade

Rent a bike from Up Cycles at the Sea Point Pavilion, and explore Cape Town at your own pace.

Take a hike up Lions Head

The free Lions Head hike is a hit with locals and visitors. For the price of a bottle of water and a packet of chips, you enjoy unsurpassed views from the top of the city’s second most iconic mountain.

The Boomslang at Kirstenbosch

On the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens is internationally acclaimed as one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world. The aerial walkway offers a fresh perspective over the lush gardens. Contact: 021 799 8800

Pick strawberries at Polkadraai Farm

Just a short day trip out of town, enjoy strawberry picking at Polkadraai Farm near Stellenbosch. Fun for all ages. Contact: 021 881 3303

Durban

The Skycar at Moses Mabhida Stadium

Take the Skycar, a single cabin that runs up steel tracks on the northern arch of the stadium, up to the Big Sky Walk along the arch of the stadium for the most amazing views. www.mmstadium.com

Visit Mini Town

Durban’s Mini Town is fun for kids and grown-ups. www.mini.co.za

Mitchell Park Zoo

Mitchell Park Zoo used to be an ostrich farm but now houses crocodiles, buck, meerkats, cranes, flamingos, wallabies, monkeys, and tortoises. Contact: 031 303 2275

Try surfing at Addington Beach

Grab a board and do as the locals do on Addington Beach. There are plenty of surf shops to book a private or group lesson.