If you're an activity lover and want to make adventure the focus of your next holiday, take a look at what South Africa has to offer. The nation is ideal if you enjoy getting your adrenalin pumping and don’t want to forgo an active lifestyle just because you're on holiday.

There is a wide range of pastimes to try out during your getaway – read our guide to the top three adventurous activities that will keep you busy during a break in the nation.

Abseiling down Table Mountain

If you're a thrill-seeker, abseiling has to be high on your list of planned activities to try in South Africa. The country is home to the rugged Table Mountain, so named because of its long, flat peak, and this is the perfect place to abseil.

You can book a half-day excursion to the mountain if you're taking your tour of South Africa with The Holiday Place, as the trip can be arranged as part of your holiday package. After climbing to the top of the mountain, admire the views of Cape Town below before abseiling more than 100m down the peak with the Atlantic Ocean beneath you.

Known as the Long Drop, the abseil is ideal for adrenalin junkies keen to experience one of South Africa's most famous landmarks firsthand, while taking in spectacular views.

Diving with sharks

Another pastime sure to get your adrenalin going is diving with sharks, and you can head to Kleinbaai Harbour in the fishing village of Gansbaai for the experience of a lifetime. Board a catamaran and make your way out to Dyer Island, which is a nature reserve home to abundant wildlife. As you journey over the water, you might spot penguins, terns and cormorants, and you should keep your eyes peeled for the Cape fur seals that can be seen on the neighbouring island of Geyser Rock.

When you're close to the island, you'll be invited to venture into the water in a special dive cage, while the crew draws the sharks near with bait. As the Great White sharks circle the cage, you'll be able to get a close look at the creatures in complete safety, as the cage has been specially built to withstand shark bites. Even if you decide not to go into the water, you can get some snaps of the sharks from the viewing platforms on the boat.

Dodging crocodiles during a round of golf

If you enjoy a round or two of golf, you won't want to miss calling in at Sun City Golf – one of South Africa's premier golfing locations. The club is renowned for its championship courses, especially the Lost City Golf Course, which was designed by professional golfer Gary Player and has a unique, desert-like appearance.

The par-72 course is unique for another reason though, and this is the prevalence of crocodiles in the water hazard at the 13th hole. The lake here is teeming with Nile crocodiles, and you might get to see the reptiles up close if they emerge from the water. So, if you're an adventure lover, this is certainly a must-do during your time in South Africa.

If you'd rather steer clear of the crocodiles, you might prefer a game on the other green – the famous Gary Player Golf Course, where you'll encounter challenging water hazards without the reptiles.