Take a leap
Both of KZN's biggest commercial abseils, each over 100m, are just over an hour's drive from central Durbs. Over the Top's Howick Falls abseil gives you a spectacular ride down next to the falls and into a boat in the pool at the bottom, and Oribi-X-Treme helps you step off the edge of a 130m drop into the Oribi Gorge. And if that's not scary enough, you can also try out their 130m Wild Swing.

Ride wild water
The Umgeni, Umkomaas and Umzimkulu rivers, as well as the Indian Ocean, of course, are all within range of Durban. There are adventures to be had on all of these, from rafting SA's version of Batoka Gorge on the Umkomaas to watching dolphins leap in the sunrise in Durban bay. For river adventures contact 180? Adventures, Oribi-X-Treme, or Umko Rafting & Adventures. For ocean paddling experiences get in touch with Real Cape Adventures.

Scale tall walls
Over the Top, Peak High, Wildways Mountaineering and 180? Adventures will guide you to the area's best rock climbs at Monteseel, Shongweni or a host of other crags in easy striking distance. 180? also operates The Rock at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban North. At 22.5m it is reputed to be the tallest indoor climbing wall in the world.

Skim down waves
Durban's beaches are home to some of the country's best breaks and Beach and Bush Adventures provides all equipment and training for those who want to learn, from day trips to two night "surfaris." The Wave House at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping boasts the amazing D-Rex double point break standing wave; the only one in the world. To qualify though, you need to spend some time on the FlowRider which gives you a feel for how to ride these artificial waves.

Pump those peddles
There's loads of biking to be done in the area. From their base in Durban, 180? Adventures runs mountain-biking trips to the southern Drakensberg, including Sani Pass, as well as down the Wild Coast. If it's just a day ride you're looking for, Beach and Bush Adventures runs some innovative mountain-biking trips around Durban.

The City Tour takes you through the working port and along the beaches stopping at cultural sites along the way. The bush ride through Tala game park is also something special, allowing you to sneak up on big game such as rhino and giraffe under the watchful eye of knowledgeable guides.

Explore on foot
There are dozens of trails in the area, from a 500m stroll at the Umhlanga Lagoon to multi-day hikes such as the Ingweni Trail around Kloof and Gillitts and the Blinkwater Trails in the Karkloof mountains. Great destinations include Krantzkloof Gorge, Umgeni Valley, and Oribi Gorge. Need a guide? Over the Top, Peak High or Wildways will gladly show you the way, or ask KwaZulu-Natal Tourism for more information.

Get an airy perspective
Experience the splendour of the Valley of a Thousand Hills from the air with the Cato Flying School, or search for whale sharks off the coast from La Mercy Flight Park. Both companies will take you sky high in a microlight. If you want to fly without the noise, hitch up with Blue Sky Paragliding which does tandem flights at 10 different sites in the greater Durban area.

Dive the depths
Aliwal Shoal was recently voted among the top 10 dive sites in the world, with virtually guaranteed sightings of ragged-tooth sharks. Along with Protea Banks, the Umhlanga Wreck, and other sites, the Shoal makes the city a great dive destination.

Sail the Indian Ocean
Beach and Bush Adventures also runs unique adventure sailing trips on board a 50-foot monohull racer-cruiser, Obsession, where you learn to sail and skipper. If the bug bites and you are up for something more in-depth, get in touch with South Africa's largest sailing school, the Ocean Sailing Academy, for five-day courses and more.

Alternative adventures
There are plenty of adventures with a difference. At the outer limit in the forest town of Eshowe, Zululand Eco Adventures will take you skimming down a series of near vertical rock slides as high as 30m.

While you're there, visit the Dlinsa Forest Aerial Boardwalk. If you're after something more sedate get back to the grandeur of steam and ride the 1000 Hills Choo Choo or, further afield, wind down into the Umzimkulu valley on a narrow gauge line perched on an open wagon behind the Alan Paton Express.