Southern Africa’s urban and natural geography makes it a great place for either beginning and experienced thrill seekers looking for an airborne adrenaline rush. From bungee jumping, to skydiving, to rapp jumping, to zip-lining, here are the 15 best places for up-in-the-air thrill seeking in Southern Africa.
Gouritz River Bridge (M.Uebel/Wikimedia Commons)
1. Gouritz Bridge
Take a thrilling leap off this large South African bridge and experience one of the oldest operating Bungee locations in the country. Full falls comes close enough to the river below that you’ll swear that you touched its surface.
Orlando Towers, Johannesburg. Photo by Sarah Duff
2. Orlando Towers
This former power station in Soweto has become a favorite destination for adventure seekers. Bungee jumping is a popular choice, but visitors can also try out activities including a zip line and swing
http://www.orlandotowers.co.za/
3. Victoria Falls Bridge
The over 300-foot-tall bridge presents an exhilarating fall for jumpers. Try the bridge swing for a jump that will test the nerves of even the most experienced traveler.
http://www.victoriafallsbungee.com/
Rappelling down Table Mountain (Shutterstock)
4. Table Mountain
Similar to bungee jumping, rapp jumping is a popular choice at this well-known African destination. The view below offers a beautiful glimpse of South Africa as you fall over 100 feet. Take a quick run before the jump to bring out the best thrills of this experience.
5. Rustenburg
Take in views of the Magaliesberg mountain range as you freefall at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Divers have also been known to catch glimpses of nearby reserves like the Madikwe Game Reserve. Canopy tours are also popular choices among tourists.
https://www.adventurebookings.co.za/find/canopy-tours/magaliesberg-canopy_tour/
Shutterstock
6. Wonderboom Airport
Take a plane from Wonderboom Airport and enjoy a tandem skydive over the beautiful Pretorian landscape. The Pretoria Skydiving Club is on hand to provide helpful tips as well as coaching for those visitors new to the sport.
http://www.iloveskydiving.co.za/
7. Limpopo
The Limpopo River and nearby buttes offer great bungee opportunities for every skill level. Local operators have specially constructed stands that allow jumpers to get the best views while staying attached to secure structures.
8. Plettenberg Bay
Make a beach landing or just freefall over Plettenberg Bay before completing a skydiving jump. Clear days will also provide beautiful views of Robberg Nature Reserve as well as the sea life that calls the area home.
Oribi Gorge Suspension Bridge (Chris Eason/Wikimedia Commons)
9. Oribi Gorge
Try a bridge swing on Lehr’s Waterfall for the ultimate thrill. The swing is classified as one of the highest ever and reaches speeds of over 100 miles per hour in just seconds.
Graskop ((WT-en) Nic at English Wikivoyage/Wikimedia Commons)
10. Graskop Gorge
The area is home to many natural wonders like Sabie Falls and Natural Bridge, but the gorge offers the best bungee jump location. Gorge swings also provide an exciting option that take advantage of the whole attraction.
(NJR ZA/Wikimedia Commons)
11. Carletonville Airport
Join the Johannesburg Skydiving Club for tandem dives that highlight landscapes including the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve. The location makes it a great stop between days that bungee jumps are planned. New jumpers can expect a short training session, but it’s worth the wait to experience the almost minute long freefall.
Shutterstock
12. Mossel Bay
Travel over 10,00 feet in the air for a great free-fall over this destination. Its position near the coast means beautiful views of the Indian Ocean as well as Little Brak River. Tandem jumps are available for beginners, and experienced jumpers can take on solo excursions.
Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa (Shutterstock)
13. Bloukrans Bridge
Bloukrans Bridge presents one of the tallest structures of its kind. Bungee jumps make the most out of a close to 700-foot drop over the valley below. Special packages are offered throughout the year that include accommodations and meals.
14. Cape Town
Overlook the stunning views of Table Bay Harbour as you glide though tandem as well as individual freefalls. Skydivers can also plan day long excursions that include other sports or a relaxing break after the jump is completed.
15. Kings Kloof Bridge
Kings Kloof Bridge is one of the most thrilling places to bungee jump in South Africa. A special structure is on site to make access to the jump easier and safer for all skill levels.
