Most men hate to admit that they enjoy all the attention that comes with Father’s Day, birthdays, and other special days. Yet they secretly enjoy being showered with love and affection, and great gifts – provided they’re what they want. Men can make it extremely difficult to buy gifts that they will really like…and use. So do away with the box of chocolates and bottle of wine, and find a new adventure you can share together. Here are some macho things to do with dad that he’s sure to enjoy this Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June 2014.

Hiking

Let dad feel like the alpha male as he guides you along an adventurous hiking trail this Father’s Day. Pack a picnic with manly treats like biltong, nuts, and sandwiches and spend some time with your old man in nature. Check out some macho hiking trails.

Braai

Braaing is what men do best. Light up a fire and do the work for dad so he can sit back and enjoy a cold one, while still getting to control how the meat should be done. Be sure to include boerewors, chips, and beer in your meal. Brush up on your braaing skills by checking out the ways other people braai around the world.

Camping

When it comes down to the nitty gritty, men tend to prefer “roughing it” more than women. Make dad’s weekend by booking a camping trip where he can get close to nature and do all of the macho things he enjoys like making his own fire and sleeping under the stars. Get some tips from Camping 101 Part 1 and Camping 101 Part 2. Check out some great camp sites.

Bungee jumping

There is nothing more macho than taking on a “who’s the manliest man” challenge – and Father’s Day is just another great day to do this. Test dad’s mettle by going bungee jumping in South Africa. Those in the Western Cape can challenge themselves with Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma, offering the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216m. Other manly options include Bungee Mogale in Krugersdorp, the Orlando Towers in Soweto, and the Big Swing in Graskop. Other adrenaline filled activities you can enjoy with dad include Skydiving at Wonderboom, canopy tours, or a variety of activities at Sani Pass

Shark Cage diving

One of the greatest adrenaline rushes can be had when coming face to face with a Great White Shark when shark cage diving in Gansbaai. It will give you and dad some time to bond (provided the shark doesn’t tackle the cage) and will give you a memory you’re not likely to forget any time soon.

Do a brewery tour

I think it’s safe to say that most men enjoy beer. So make dad’s day by organising a trip to your nearest brewery where he can learn valuable information about how beer is made. He’ll enjoy bragging to his friends about his new-found knowledge afterwards. Here are the Top 5 Breweries to Visit in South Africa.

Pub lunch

While most women wouldn’t be happy with anything less than a fancy restaurant for a special occasion, men are more likely to be happier in a pub with beer on tap and sport on the big screen. Check out the Best Themed Pubs in Cape Town to take your dad to this Father’s Day.

Sport

One thing that graces the priority list above watching sport is playing it. Arrange a game of your dad’s favourite sport, be it a family touch rugby match, friendly game of cricket, fishing getaway, or a day on the golf course.

Go on a safari

If you have the time and budget, whisk dad away on a safari holiday in Phalaborwa.  Dad can choose between a golf, river, hot air balloon, fishing, or game drive safari to make his Father’s Day one to remember.

Road trip

What do men love more than shooting down an empty highway in their most prized possession? Plan some quality bonding time with dad and head off on a road trip. Unsure of where to go and what to do? Read our road tripper’s guide to the Midlands Meander and Route 62.

Go see the snow

If there is one thing that can revert a macho man back to his childish ways, it’s seeing snow for the first time. Spend some quality time together building snowmen and having snowball fights at these excellent places to enjoy a winter wonderland in South Africa.

Gifts

If none of the above interests you and you’d prefer to stick to getting dad a gift, be sure it’s one that meets his macho criteria. Our great ideas for Father’s Day gifts include travel gadgets, accommodation vouchers so he can book his own manly getaway, and other macho options.

What are you doing to celebrate Father’s Day this year?

Main Image by Kamsky (Flickr)