South Africa is home to the highest Bungee Jumping bridge in Africa!
Tuesday, 18 August 2020
South Africa attracts many tourists from all over the world for different aspects. Some people feel attracted to South Africa because of its varied flora and fauna, others because of its multicultural and diverse lifestyle, and some because it has the tallest bridge for Bungee Jumping in South Africa and the second tallest in the world: the Bloukrans Bridge. Discover this incredible architectural construction and experience the feeling of dread.
The Bloukrans Bridge was established in 1990. You may think it is just any bridge, but the truth is that there is more to it than meets the eye.
This bridge's enormous size will catch your attention from a distance. If you have the opportunity to stand on top of it, you will see the splendorous beauty of the Garden Route.
It may seem just like another bridge, but, actually, the bridge hosts a large amount of adrenaline rush lovers interested in experiencing the dreaded jump and, also, is well-known for having been awarded with World Guinness Records many times.
With 216 meters above sea level, this is the highest bridge in Africa, once in the world, to bungee jump. Only surpassed by Royal George in the United States, which has 320 meters above sea level.
World Records Winner
Bloukrans Bridge has been awarded World Records numerous times:
- In 2003, Bloukrans bridge was acknowledged as the highest commercial bungee bridge in the world. Even though it was later on surpassed by a bridge in the United States, this is still an amazing accomplishment. However, there is more.
- In 2008, Veronica Dean performed 19 bungee jumps in the staggering short time of 1 hour.
- The same year, Bill Boshoff performed 101 bungee jumps in a lapse of 24 hours.
- Even though Bill Boshoff’s record was subsequently surpassed, in 2011 the record was regained after Scott Huntley jumped 107 bungee jumps in 24 hours.
- In 2010, another mind-blowing record was accomplished in this very bridge: the oldest person to bungee jump. A 96 year old man, Mohr Keet, bungee jumped at Bloukrans Bridge on 10 April 2010. He was unaware that he had broken a record until after he jumped.
The bridge has been host of many famous guests: Prince Harry, Jack Osbourne, Thabo Mbeki, the Zuma family, Bobby Skinstad, Hansie Cronje, Fanie De Villiers, Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, The Amazing Race, and many more famous.
Not an adrenaline lover? The Bridge has some activities for you too
Bungee Jumping isn’t the only activity you can do if you visit Bloukrans Bridge. For those not interested in jumping, or for jumpers who want the fun to continue, under the bridge there is a walkway
For those not interested in jumping, or who want to experience more, there is a walkway under the bridge. The walkway allows you to experience the height and the beauty of the view without the horror and danger of the jump. This is the right spot to support family and friends who are jumping, or to watch anyone take the dangerous jump.
This walkway allows you to feel the dreaded height without the horror of the fall. You can also watch jumpers from there, or to support friends or family that are jumping.
Needless to say, this bridge also allows you to enjoy absolutely exquisite views of the valleys and mountains of the Garden Route.
Perched on the lip of the mountain, overlooking the bridge, there is a pub and restaurant. So, you can also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful landscape or watch jumpers from this restaurant with an appropriate name, “The Cliffhanger”, while enjoying a good cup of coffee or a delicious lunch.
Architecture and Tourism
This bridge, host to many celebrities and owner of many world records, is a spectacular architectural construction. Its immense size, together with the beauty of its surroundings has turned it into a touristic destination as well as a hotspot for architects interested in seeing one of the greatest bridges in the world.
The Bloukrans Bridge is located in Nature’s Valley. You can experience the fall and, after an adrenaline rush dosis, you can enjoy the beauty of other tourist attractions. Nature’s Valley and the rest of the Tsitsikamma are full of other outdoor adventures (such as ziplining, tubing down the river, and horse riding) and also have beautiful views to enjoy. Less than 70 kilometres away is Knysna and Plettenberg Bay is only 38 kilometres from Bloukrans Bridge.
So, while Bloukrans is an attraction in its own right, you have plenty of interesting places to visit near the bridge and enjoy the ultimate touristic experience.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in architecture or in tourism? Take a look at the best programmes offered by top universities in South Africa. Maybe one weekend you can escape from the crowded city and enjoy the experience of a lifetime by visiting the Bloukrans Bridge, a perfect destination not just for bungee jumping lovers, but also for those interested in experiencing the beautiful landscape or the amazing construction.
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