Whether you decide to hop on and off the CitySightseeing Bus in Cape Town, go hot air ballooning over Pilanesberg Game Reserve, see Durban’s coastline from a traditional rickshaw, or take a motorbike ride through Mpumalanga, there are so many ways to see the diverse and beautiful landscapes of South Africa. Or you can forego traditional modes of transport and try something new and different – like an entertaining, interactive, eco-friendly Segway tour.
So what is a Segway, how does it work, and why should you explore South Africa on one?
If you’re not familiar with the concept, a Segway is a two-wheel, self balancing, battery-powered vehicle that makes you feel as if you’re gliding across the ground. It’s faster, easier and a whole lot more fun than walking under your own steam, especially for long distances. It also allows you to more fully take in the beautiful landscapes around you, since it does not go as fast as a motorcycle or car. Learning to use a Segway takes only a few minutes, and all Segway tour companies offer training before you start exploring.
Over the last few years, Segway tours have increased globally with city tours in Berlin, temple tours in Chiang Mai, and monument and memorial tours in Washington DC. And now they’ve made their way to South Africa, with new tours popping up all over the country. Here is a rundown of a few you should try.
Photo courtesy of Segway Gliding Tours
Moses Mabhida Stadium & Beach Tour: This tour covers two things any first-time visitor needs to Durban needs to see: Moses Mabhida Stadium and the beaches of the Golden Mile. Prefaced by a quick training session to make sure you are comfortable using the device, the first stop is the world famous Moses Mabhida Stadium. Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, you’ll get an inside look at the architecturally unique structure while gliding from one side to the other, with stops along the way to glean information about the design and construction process. Next you’ll head to Durban’s famous mile-long strip of beachfront. You’ll feel the balmy sea breezes as you glide past the gorgeous Indian Ocean while watching surfers in the distance, the antics of traditional rickshaw drivers and tourists gawping at you on your high-tech two-wheeler.
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Age Limit: No children under 10 years
Cost: R380 per person
Photo courtesy of Tsitsikamma Segway Tours
Tsitsikamma Segway Tours: This amazing off-road tour lets you explore the majestic Tsitsikamma Forest around the small town of Storms River (along the Garden Route just pass the Bloukrans bungee jumping bridge). A 20-minute training session shows you how to use the custom off-road Segways that are specifically made for forest trails, and runs you through an obstacle course to prepare you for any difficult situation. Once you are comfortable with the vehicle, the tour starts with a short glide through the quaint Storms River Village before heading deep into the Tsitsikamma Forest with an experienced local and knowledgeable guide. You’ll plow through mud and water while exploring the forest floor, then visit the 1000-year-old Tsitsikamma Big Tree before heading back. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the indigenous elephants that live in these forests.
Duration: 2 hours
Age Limit: No children under 13 years
Price: R400 per person
Photo courtesy of Segway Gliding Tours
Spier Wine Farm & Vineyard Glide: If you’re a wine lover then this tour by Segway Gliding Tours is the perfect way for you to see the Cape Winelands. Situated on Spier Wine Farm – one of the most famous in the country – about an hour outside of Cape Town, the journey starts with a training session and obstacle course before heading out into the vineyards. On the two-hour excursion you’ll Segway through an indigenous protea garden and spectacular vineyards, before stopping at a water treatment facility and bio-dynamic farm. For those old enough to enjoy a glass of wine, the tour ends with a delicious wine tasting, where you can sample the award winning vintages produced on the estate.
Duration: 2 hours
Age Limit: No children under 13 years
Price: R400 per person, including wine tasting
Photo courtesy of Segway Gliding Tours
Sun City Multi-Terrain Adventure Glide: Sun City Resort is situated in the bushveld of South Africa’s North West province, about 180 km from Johannesburg. Surrounded by the scenic Pilanesberg mountains, Sun City is known as the Las Vegas of South Africa because of its man-made beach, replica “palaces,” casinos, and golf courses. Since 2004 visitors have been able to tour the massive property from atop a Segway. The tour takes you along the Pilanesberg National Park fence where you can often spot a few of the Big Five game animals, and glides through two of South Africa’s top golf courses with their immaculate gardens, shimmering lakes, and lush fairways. You’ll be impressed by both the man-made and natural beauty of this area. The tour ends with a stop at a crocodile pit, where you can see these majestic predators eat and sleep. It’s a fun way to see a bit of scenery, some animals, and get an overview of Sun City without wearing yourself out too much.
Duration: 2 hours
Age Limit: No children under 13 years
Price: R365 per person including refreshments
If you want even more Segway tour options, consider a Drakensberg Segway Tour in the mountains between Johannesburg and Durban, or a Grabouw tour, which explores the slopes of the Worlds First Biosphere Reserve in Western Cape. Both tours are offered by Segway Gliding Tours.
