Wondering about things to do in Stellenbosch? If you had asked us what we thought about go-karting before December 2023, our answer would have been fairly uninspiring. Loud, crowded, and not particularly enjoyable. If you’d like to see what the experience is like, click here.
Most of our previous experiences had been at indoor karting venues, and while we understood why people enjoyed them, we never quite saw the appeal ourselves. That changed when we tried Xtreme Outdoor Karting in Stellenbosch.
The biggest difference is exactly what the name suggests. Instead of racing around an enclosed indoor track, you are surrounded by open space, fresh air and views of the surrounding landscape. It completely changes the experience.
The outdoor track feels wider and more spacious, giving riders more room to navigate corners, overtake safely and enjoy the drive. The extra space makes the experience feel less chaotic and more enjoyable, especially for first-timers.
Another unexpected benefit is the noise. Go-karts are never going to be silent, but being outdoors means the engine noise does not feel overwhelming in the same way it often does indoors. We found it much easier to focus on the experience itself rather than the constant sound of engines.
The venue caters to both individuals and groups, making it suitable for friends, families, team outings and special occasions. As always, the team will share safety instructions with you, ensure your helmet is on correctly, and you’ll also be shown some different coloured flags and what they mean (including how to know when your time is up and you need to stop). There are small lockers where you can leave your belongings, as unless something is strapped tightly to you, it will probably fly off on the go kart.
Things to do in Stellenbosch
For anyone trying go-karting for the first time, we would recommend the eight-minute individual session. It gives you enough time to get comfortable on the track and experience the thrill of racing without committing to a longer session. At the time of our visit, the eight-minute ride cost R230 per person, with other packages available for groups and longer sessions. If you enjoy go karting and have tried it before, you may enjoy going for a longer ride. This will be cheaper than doing two 8 minute rides, for instance. However, if you’ve never done it before, stick with the minimum! We had a friend who was stressed and then bored because it just wasn’t something they particularly enjoyed.
Booking is essential. We learnt this the hard way after arriving on a previous occasion and discovering there was no availability. Fortunately, the booking process is straightforward and can be done via WhatsApp. They’re also closed on Mondays and Fridays (except on request), so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
The venue currently operates primarily on weekends, although group bookings can be arranged during the week, subject to minimum booking requirements.
The best part about Xtreme Outdoor Karting was that it completely changed our perception of the activity. Instead of feeling like a noisy indoor attraction, it felt like an outdoor adventure that combined competition, skill and plenty of fun.
If you have never enjoyed indoor go-karting, it may still be worth giving the outdoor version a chance. It certainly worked for us! Also, our safety is very important. Our post is in no way encouraging driving at high speeds 👀
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