Bungee jumping in South Africa is a popular activity. People come from far and wide to experience the thrill of the jump. It is certainly an experience you are unlikely to forget!
Best places for bungee jumping South Africa
South Africa has several places you can go bungee jumping. Where you go will depend on the cities you are visiting.
Bloukrans Bridge - Cape Town
The Bloukrans Bridge Bungee is one of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jumps, at 709ft / 216 m. For a while, it held the record for the highest bungee jump. It has now lost that title, but it remains the highest in Africa.
The Bloukrans Bridge is on the N2 Highway at the border between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. You will find it in the Tsitsikamma area of South Africa’s Garden Route.
The Bloukrans Bridge is the most popular location in South Africa for bungee jumping.
Graskop - Mpumalanga
The Graskop bungee is a 223ft / 68m cable gorge swing.
Admittedly, Graskop is a little far out in the Mpumalanga province, but you may want to explore it if you are already in the area. Graskop is only a half-hour’s drive from the Sabie Game Reserve (safari), a 2-hour drive from the Blyde River Canyon, and a 3-hour drive from Kruger National Park (South Africa’s premium safari destination). There are also tons of things to do in Graskop like hiking, abseiling, exploring the caves, and the reptile park. It’s also an amazing place to visit because of its natural beauty.
Oribi Gorge Swing - Kwazulu Natal
You’ll be standing at the top of the Lehr’s waterfall before you dive into the 541ft / 165-meter gorge. This is equivalent to launching from a 55-story building.
Bungee Mogale - Krugersdorp
The Mogale bungee is 164ft / 50m. This is a great option for you if you are visiting the Gauteng province.
They do have a minimum weight requirement of 88lbs /40 kg, and a maximum weight of 220lbs /100kg.
Orlando Towers - Soweto
The Orlando Towers Bungee offers a 328ft / 100m bungee jump between two colorful towers.
If you are in Johannesburg, this is a convenient jump because it’s right off the highway.
Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium - Durban
In May 2011, the Big Rush Big Swing was officially named the world’s tallest swing by the Guinness Book of Records. So far, this is the only stadium swing of its kind in the world. You will be walking up several flights of stairs before you jump into a 347ft / 106m void.
Play at Height - Sandton
Who said you have to drive out to the country to go bungee jumping? No longer the case—the bungee jump is coming to you (if you’re in Johannesburg). It kind of looks like a crane, but it’s so much more than that. You can bungee jump, abseil or do some wall climbing. There’s a bar too!
Find the facility on William Nicol Dr in Sandton, Johannesburg—Gauteng province.
How to prepare for bungee jumping South Africa
Thousands of adventure seekers go bungee jumping in South Africa every season, with fond stories to tell afterward. Hopefully, that will be you as well. Here are a few helpful tips to follow when you go bungee jumping:
Don’t go if you have any injuries or health concerns
You should not go bungee jumping if you are pregnant, you have high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart problems, bone fractures or dislocation, ankle or leg injuries, neck, back, or spinal injuries.
Wear comfortable clothes
Depending on the weather, wear comfortable pants or shorts. Do not wear flip-flops or loose shoes—you’re likely to lose them on your way down or be asked to remove them.
Eat something light, but do not overeat before your jump
If you eat a full breakfast up to an hour before your jump, chances are good it will come out during your jump. What’s worse is, you may throw up going down, then go back through your vomit on your first bounce.
On the other end of the extreme, you don’t eat anything, and you may feel dizzy during your jump. Therefore it’s best to eat something light two hours before your jump.
Pay attention to the instructions
The bungee jump operators are likely to explain things to you. They may even show you a video. This is for your benefit and it helps you to get the most from your bungee experience, so it’s best you pay attention.
Remove loose items
If you have anything in your pockets, make sure to remove it. If you are wearing a watch, glasses, or jewelry, you will need to take it off. Depending on where you go, you may possibly be asked to remove contact lenses as well.
Tie your hair back
At best, your hair could get in your face, thereby ruining your view. At worse, long hair can get caught in the cord. Avoid the hassle and make sure your hair is securely tied.
Book in advance
If you’ve already paid, you are unlikely to chicken out and drive right by the place.
Don’t overthink it
If this is your first-time bungee jumping, you will naturally feel anxious. You may back out altogether. You may decide to jump despite the anxiety, and not enjoy the jump at all.
The best thing to do is to not overthink it. Thousands of people bungee jump every day without incident, so it’s best to trust the operators, the equipment, the cord, the moment.
Don’t look down
You’re going to be nervous, so the last thing you should be doing is looking down, thereby intensifying your anxiety. Instead, focus on the horizon.
Calm yourself with breathing exercises
Breathing exercises will not completely take away the anxiety and panic, but they may reduce it.
Clear your mind
For some people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t waste it with negative thoughts or anxiety-filled thoughts in your head. Clear it and enjoy the experience.
Look into the camera and smile
Lots of bungee jump operators have photos or videos of your jump, which will be available for sale after your jump. If you want a petrified look on your face, go for it. Otherwise, smile.
Keen on adventurous activities in South Africa? There are plenty to choose from!