The Mother City has more to offer than trendy restaurants and world-class shopping. If you need to escape the city rush, here are ten of the best adventures within 90 minutes of the urban jungle.

Check out the sharks
Fancy viewing flying great whites or streamlined mako sharks? Hosts to National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The BBC and many more, African Shark Eco-Charters will take you to the best viewing spots and show you just how spectacular these animals are. So, if you're feeling brave, check out the aerial hunting ability of the great whites or dive in the warm blue Agulhas current with the makos.

Take a hike
With so many stunning hikes on the Peninsula it's hard to choose one ? rather get a copy of Tony Lourens' Table Mountain Classics or Mike Lundy's Best walks in the Cape Peninsula or join the MCSA and start exploring.

Sail the seas
If a life on the ocean waves appeals Drum Africa is the only company in Africa to offer hobie courses. They'll also take you sailing as part of a family or corporate day out. New this year is Sail Active, the nearest most of us will get to racing an ocean-going yacht. Kit up in foul weather gear and help out manning the sails or sit back and enjoy the wind in your hair.

Learn to surf
The water is cold, but the multi-directional seaboard means that there are always waves somewhere, whatever the wind direction. Gary's Surf School and Downhill Adventures will teach you the basics and if you're the voyeuristic type get down to Muizenberg or Kommetjie and watch the experts at play.

Take to the skies
Few activities look as inviting as watching paragliders soar above Lion's Head. Parapax will escort you on a tandem jump or contact Airborne to get your licence. Aquila offers microlighting tours along the coast ? and romantic liaisons on deserted beaches.

Hop on your bike
Fabulous mountain biking trails are to be found in the Tokai Forest and Silvermine Reserve, or head for the Cape Peninsula National Park under your own steam or with Downhill Adventures, the Baz Bus or Day Trippers.

Hang off the mountain

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Published courtesy of the 2003 Out There Adventure Guide
If its verticality you're looking for there are some impressive, but relatively easy climbs on Table Mountain that even novices can handle. Africa and Fountain Ledges have great exposure ? contact the MCSA for a list of qualified rock climbing guides ? but watch out for dopes on ropes rushing past you as the Abseil Africa site is right next door. Climbing courses are offered by the Cape Town School of Mountaineering and Active Africa.

Make a splash
Start the day in style with a sea kayak trip around some of the peninsula's finest coastline. Mike's Ocean Kayaks and Real Cape Adventures will take you on a guided tour of Hout Bay and the neighbouring Seal Island ? and Mike will also rent you kayaks on the beach. Coastal Kayak Trails runs trips out of Three Anchor Bay and Royal Cape Adventures' Boulders Route from Simonstown past the penguin colony is understandably popular.

Skim down dunes
Downhill Adventures, pioneers of sandboarding in South Africa, and Guidance Adventures offer instruction at Atlantis and on the long sweeping runs at Betty's Bay. If you can snowboard or surf, sandboarding usually comes easily. If not, be prepared for some exciting tumbles.

Cruise the coast
Hire a Harley Davidson from Harley Davidson Motorcycles and drive one of the world's most spectacular coastlines in serious style.