The top 5 wild and extreme sports are not just out there for the dare devils and professionals – with the increasing number of companies offering extreme adventures to the public, everyone can have the chance to get the adrenalin pumping.
Bungee Jumping
South Africa is home to the highest bungee jump in the world at the Bloukrans Bridge in the Eastern Cape. If you are brave enough to plunge over 200m with only a cord tied to your feet, the Bloukrans is definitely high on the bucket list. But don’t worry; there are plenty of tamer options out there at a number of bungee jumping locations around South Africa.
Bungee jumping involves jumping off a high point (such as bridge) with your feet secured with a bouncy bungee cord. Another option is to do a bridge or gorge swing, which is similar to a bungee jump but allows you to be harnessed at the waist. This means that when you jump off your body will turn into a position with your head facing upwards (as opposed to downwards during a traditional bungee jump) and you will then swing into the abyss below before being hoisted up.
Sky Diving
For jumping from even higher heights, you can throw yourself out of a plane as you plunge into a skydive. If you are an adrenalin junkie (or just mildly insane), jumping out of an aeroplane with a parachute is the ultimate thrill. When choosing to go skydiving you can go the tandem route or go it alone with a solo jump. For first time jumpers, a tandem skydive is the best option as you will be attached to an instructor who will, aside from making sure you actually go through with the jump, deploy the parachute for you.
There are many skydiving location in South Africa, so conduct a simple online search to find the skydiving centre closest to you. Be sure to do your research to ensure that the skydiving centre is legitimate and takes the appropriate safety measures to keep you flying through the air with relative peace of mind.
Mountain Climbing
Another sport making the top 5 wild and extreme sports list is mountain climbing, another sport that South Africa has to offer in abundance with the beautiful mountain ranges throughout the country. Mountain climbing involves scouring mountains, scaling cliff faces and navigating your way to new heights! There are so many places with beautiful and rugged terrain for you to explore in South Africa that will also provide you with quite to work out!
Depending on your experience and fitness level, you can choose different climbs to suit your abilities. Wherever you go, be sure to have the right equipment. You need a good pair of shoes (preferably hiking boots) that will prevent you from slipping. You also need comfortable socks and should always wear a hat and sunscreen and bring some water along with you.
White water rafting
White water rafting is an exciting way of floating and boating yourself down a river, but don’t expect a smooth ride! You and your rafting team and a guide will find yourselves bumping down rapids as the rubber duck is left at the mercy of the swirling water below it. Wearing life vests is compulsory, but it is still advisable to stay away from the white water if you are unable to swim. If you can swim, be prepared, as you may just have to!
Hang gliding
Bungee jumping and sky diving involve hurtling through the air at break-neck speeds, but if you prefer to take the scenic route, you can consider soaring through the air on a hang glider. This is pretty much as close as you will ever get to flying as you run down a slope getting lighter and lighter until you suddenly take off into the sky. If you are a first-timer, you can go tandem and let someone else do the work for you while you sit back and enjoy the view.