For those seeking adrenaline sports, they cannot go wrong when it comes to South Africa. On its coasts, inland and more, a variety of adventure sports are on offer. One of the most exciting of these is bungee jumping and the country has a number of destinations perfect for the wildest jump. Here we list the highest bridge bungee jump in the world from the Bloukrans Bridge, a thrilling jump from the Soweto Towers and the adventures of the Graskop Gorge.
Tsitsikamma National Park and the Bloukrans Bridge
The highest bridge bungee jump is from the Bloukrans Bridge in Nature's Valley in the Tsitsikamma National Park. When touring the famed Garden Route, this is one perfect place to stop over for an adrenaline experience. This particular experience has a 100 percent safety record and has hosted famous people like Prince Harry and Jack Osbourne, as well as record-breaking bungee jumpers. Not only is this the highest bridge bungee jump, but also one of the best in the world.
The best way to reach the jump point is via zipline from the bank of the river to the arch of the bridge. Here, you will be kitted out with a full body harness, while your feet are secured in specially designed equipment. Once ready, you will jump out into the valley and experience the thrill of falling and rebounding, which security attached to the bungee cord.
To get back up, enjoy a winch ride, while experiencing breathtaking views over the surrounding national park. Finally, walk along the 216-meter SkyWalk back to solid ground.
Soweto Towers Bungee Jump, Soweto
This bungee jump may not be the highest in the world, but it is certainly among the most unique. Soweto Towers is part of what used to be the Orlando Power Station, a decommissioned coal-fired power station in Soweto, near Johannesburg in South Africa
Image by South African Tourism/Flickr
When you arrive at the cooling towers, you will find a great vibe, with lively music backing the adventure. The cooling towers have been painted with images of Soweto, including everything from Nelson Mandela to the Black Madonna of Regina Mundi.This is worth the visit just to see the art alone!
These days, the towers offer not only bungee jumping, but also power and internal swings, base jumping, abseiling, paintballing and rock climbing. In fact, the decommissioned power station offers something for almost any adrenaline junkie.
Graskop Bungee Jumping, Mpumalanga
This next adventure is set in the small town of Graskop in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Graskop Gorge offers a range of adrenaline experiences, including ziplining, the lift and an adrenaline pumping bungee jump dubbed The Big Swing. Here, you throw yourself backwards from the top of a 70-metre cliff, then descend at 140 km/h in just three seconds.
For those who prefer slightly less raw adventure, the zipline across the Graskop Gorge takes you 130 metres above a gorgeous landscape. Other adventures include abseiling, archery, quad biking, river rafting and fly-fishing. Seek your riches by gold-panning in the river, or play a round of golf.
The Graskop Gorge Lift is an unforgettable journey into the heart of the forest and is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you start off at the top of a grassy cliff top by entering a custom-designed, 26 passenger viewing elevator. The lift travels 51 meters down the cliff face into the forest below. Here a network of suspension bridges, elevated walkways and interactive exhibits are awaiting you in the mountain forest.
Get the adrenaline flowing on your next trip to South Africa, bungee jumping to your heart's delight, along with many other exciting adventure sports.
