The benefits of fresh air are undisputed: oxygen boosts energy levels and sharpens the mind. Mix in some movement – maybe a good ol’ cricket match, or even a rip-roaring treasure hunt – and you get a whole lot of feel-good endorphins and plenty of heart-healthy perks too.

These are just some examples of how outdoor fun can impact an individual’s well being. But if that’s what it does for one person, just think what it can do for your team! It’s no wonder that team building events in the great outdoors are so popular in Summer – they leave everyone refreshed, regrouped and ready for new challenges.

Beach Braai & Sunny Sky I Hout Bay I Min 20

In terms of a setting, there are very few places in the world that can compete with Cape Town. And this is the time of the year when the days get longer, balmier and more beautiful.

With a wide variety of adrenaline-fuelled activities, and some seriously chilled options too, Cape Town boasts unrivaled natural locations – think picture-perfect beaches, magnificent mountains and the laid back lure of the winelands.

So if you’re planning a fun-filled get-together for your group of colleagues, you really are spoilt for choice.

Franschhoek Put Foot I Winelands I Min 10

Cool Tips for Summer Team Builds

Here’s a quick guide of things to keep in mind for your outdoor team building activities this summer:

Group Size:  Most activities require a minimum of 10 people – logistically a big Braai Cook-off just isn't the same with any less.

TIP: Make the effort to ensure that everyone attends. After all, the whole point is to get the entire group to bond in a relaxed atmosphere.

Match their mood: Are your co-workers an energetic, competitive lot – or leisurely folks who can turn chilling into a national sport?

TIP:  If they’re all animated and love nothing more than some healthy competition, go for an activity that gets them to compete against each other – like a nail-biting Amazing Race.

For a relaxed group, a super-mellow Summer Yacht Party is just the ticket – complete with stylish sun hats and the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic all round.

Never say never:  You’re not a real Capetonian if you’re blissfully unaware of the fact that Cape Town weather sometimes gets up to a bit of mischief – surprising us with rain showers out of the blue.

TIP: Always line up a plan B and make sure that most of what you’re planning can be moved indoors too. Be creative and turn a potential curve ball into fun.

Atlantic Amazing Race I Cape Peninsula I Min 10

Decisions, decisions

With so many options on offer, the hardest part of organising a team building event can be choosing the activity. What would give your co-workers a kick? It could be anything from something competitive or sporty to a team-builder that involves a bit of exploring. Or perhaps a get-together that takes them away from it all?

Ideas will get you started…

Head off for a fun-filled Put Foot Challenge to experience a specific setting – like the magical Franschhoek Valley – on foot, and forget about spreadsheets and deadlines for a change. Form smaller teams and complete fun tasks, like solving cryptic clues, while making your way to the final destination.

Or give a Mobile Treasure Hunt a go – it’s one of the best ways to get everyone to work as a team and beef up their problem-solving and communication skills using a live mobile app.

A high-octane Sports Day is always a win where you just can’t go wrong with interactive challenges that facilitate team building. Get everyone to dress in sports gear, divide into teams and let the games begin…

You could also take the fun and games to the water’s edge and make the most of the beautiful beaches that are within half an hour of the city centre. A Beach Olympics event gives you all the space in the world for everything from beach volleyball to water tower challenges – and a good old braai, of course.

Crazy Sports Day I Cape Town I Min 20

Inquisitive minds with an itch for travelling will love an Amazing Race adventure that makes them compete against each other – and the clock. By following clues and completing all kinds of challenges, they can explore a beautiful geographical location, like the Cape’s coastline – so you can bank on scenic pictures of your team build too.

If you can find the gap, a Team Building Getaway will really clear the cobwebs and motivate the team anew, and natural gems like the Elgin Valley tick all the boxes. Here, surrounded by mountains and overlooking a lake, a small group can let their inner child roam free with old-fashioned fun like boeresport, as well as archery, stand-up paddle boarding, cook-offs and more.

The bonds forged on breakaways like these are as strong as those family vibes on long weekends away – lasting and real!

Team Building Getaway I Elgin Valley I Min 10

Need more inspiration?

Figuring out ways to push the pause button on stresses at work should not be yet another reason to fret. That’s exactly why the customised events dreamed up and rolled out by Team Orange – including all of these ideas, and more – are perfect for small groups looking for Summer team builds with that added bit of oomph.

Our years of experience with a diverse range of companies means that we can take the guesswork out of finding the right venues, sourcing accessories and designing the best possible menus – and we specialise in matching companies with team builds that motivate the group, while making every member shine.

As we always say: no team build is ever the same and each event unfolds in its own unique way, but they always end up being way more fun than anyone expected – even us!