dancing: picture: pexels Create a scent that’s uniquely yours by blending essential oils and fragrances. A perfect hobby for those who love experimenting with different aromas. 1. Pottery and ceramics Pottery: Picture: Pexels If you love the outdoors, wildlife tracking teaches you how to read animal footprints, markings, and behaviours in the wild. 2. Archery […]
Create a scent that’s uniquely yours by blending essential oils and fragrances. A perfect hobby for those who love experimenting with different aromas.
1. Pottery and ceramics
If you love the outdoors, wildlife tracking teaches you how to read animal footprints, markings, and behaviours in the wild.
2. Archery
Compiled by: Jade McGee
3. Tango dancing
There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a lump of clay into a handmade work of art. Pottery is hands-on therapeutic and lets you create unique pieces you’ll want to display. You can try it at The Pottery Studio, which has locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Ballito.
4. Beekeeping
First published by Woman&home
5. Glassblowing
If you’re looking for a mindful, meditative hobby, bonsai tree cultivation is both relaxing and rewarding. Shape miniature trees into living sculptures with patience and precision.
6. Astronomy nights
Where to try: Reel Gardening (Nationwide), The Urban Farmer (Johannesburg)
7. Sword fighting (HEMA – Historical European Martial Arts)
Train like a medieval knight with historical European martial arts (HEMA). This full-contact sport combines history, strategy, and serious skill. Give it a go in Cape Town at Ars Gladii or the Johannesburg Sword Fighting Club
8. Perfume making
Glassblowing is part art, part science, and entirely mesmerising. Learn how to shape molten glass into stunning, handcrafted pieces with expert guidance. Make your glass at Red Hot Glass Studio in Franschhoek or Smelt Glass Studio in Johannesburg.
Have a brilliant idea for a board game? Learn how to design, test, and refine your own tabletop game. Give it a go at the SA Board Game Design Meetup (Online & In-Person)
9. Circus arts (trapeze, aerial silks, juggling)
Unleash your inner Robin Hood (or Katniss Everdeen) with archery. It’s a fantastic way to build focus, patience, and coordination—plus, hitting a bullseye is incredibly rewarding. Give it a go at Archers of Zoo Lake (Johannesburg), Hillcrest Archery Club (Durban)
10. Bonsai tree cultivation
Where to try: Calligraphy Johannesburg, The Calligraphy Guild of South Africa
Take stargazing to the next level by joining an astronomy group. Whether you’re interested in celestial events or deep-space wonders, there’s plenty to discover. Try it at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town or the Wits Planetarium in Jozzi.
11. Mushroom foraging
Help save the bees while learning the ins and outs of beekeeping. This fascinating hobby gives you insight into pollination, sustainability, and—best of all—delicious homemade honey. Imagine creating your honey in Pretoria at Bee Ware and Cape Town at The Cape Honey Bee Conservancy.
12. Blacksmithing
Why go to the gym when you can learn to fly? Circus arts like trapeze and aerial silks are incredible for strength, flexibility, and confidence. Flex your flexibility, core strength and juggling skills at the Zip Zap Circus School in Cape Town.
13. Calligraphy and handwriting art
If you’re after a hobby that’s equal parts passion and precision, tango dancing is the perfect fit. It’s a great way to boost confidence, improve posture, and meet like-minded dance enthusiasts. Try it out Tango Club Cape Town, Joburg Tango Academy
Forage for wild mushrooms and learn how to identify edible varieties safely. This hobby is equal parts science, adventure, and culinary delight. Where to try: Veld & Sea (Cape Town), Mush Rush (KwaZulu-Natal)
14. Wildlife tracking
Are you looking to break free from routine and pick up a hobby that’s anything but ordinary? Whether you want to get creative, master an unexpected skill, or challenge yourself in new ways, South Africa has plenty of unconventional activities to explore. From sword fighting to mushroom foraging, here are 16 unusual hobbies to shake things up this year.
Also see: How hobbies improve your well-being
15. Board game design
Where to try: EcoTraining (Kruger, Limpopo, and other reserves)
16. Urban farming and vertical gardening
Where to try: Kumanov Perfumery (Johannesburg)
Where to try: Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery (Cape Town), Bonsai Addicts (Johannesburg)
Forge your knives, tools, or artistic metal creations in a hands-on blacksmithing workshop. Make your own sword at The Forge Blacksmithing in Cape Town.
Make the most of small spaces by growing your food with innovative urban farming techniques.
Learn the lost art of beautiful handwriting and create personalised designs for invitations, journals, and more.
Trying something new is one of the best ways to grow, meet new people, and discover hidden passions. Whether you’re drawn to mindful crafts, adrenaline-fuelled activities, or immersive social experiences, there’s an unusual hobby waiting for you. Which one will you try first?
