South Africa's top 5 adrenaline-fuelled activities

Great white shark swims around the divers' cage. Photo: Shutterstock

1. Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump

Known as the world's highest bungee jump from a bridge, this experience is not for the faint-hearted. Bloukrans Bridge is suspended 215 metres (710ft) above the beautiful Bloukrans River. Located on the unglamorously-sounding N2 Highway, between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape in the Tsitsikamma area of South Africa's Garden Route, jumpers are surrounded by a lush valley with a rushing river below. 

Operating since the 1990s, this bridge is home to a number of bungee-jump records, including the oldest person to have completed a bungee jump (at the grand old age of 96!) and the world record for the most jumps in one hour (19, if you wanted to know).

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Bloukrans Bridge is the world's highest bridge bungee jump. Photo: Shutterstock

2. Cage shark dive at Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay, located on the Southern Cape of South Africa, is the place to experience the beauty of the impressive great white shark in its natural habitat. One of the area's many tour operators will take you out onto the ocean and lower you into the water, behind the protection of metal bars. For those brave enough to enter the deep blue sea, you won't need previous diving experience as the cage floats on the surface of the water. You will need plenty of courage, though.

Take on more adventure: Top 7 attractions in South Africa

A diver snaps a photograph of the grand great white shark. Photo: Shutterstock 

3. White-water rafting on the Great Usutu River

Another highlight for thrill-seekers is the white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River southeast of Manzini. The series of Grade I-IV rapids on this river stretch is probably the most challenging stretch of southern African white-water that can be safely tackled in unguided two-berth crocodile rafts. 

Navigable all year through, the turbulent river runs through a starkly beautiful valley of black volcanic outcrops hemmed in by wooded hills, which also makes for an excellent location for abseiling. If your knees aren't knocking too much already... 

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White water rafting in South Africa. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Wilderness trails in Hluhluwe-iMfolozzi Game Reserve

One of the most celebrated wilderness trails in South Africa, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozzi lets you experience exotic African wilderness first hand, and is the country's best place to spot rhinos. Take on a three-five day trek through the reserve, where you'll be accompanied by armed rangers who act as guides as you encounter over 360 bird species, elephants and even lions. 

Established in 1957, the trail was the first of its kind in South Africa. To minimise the ecological impact of visitors to this unspoilt area, numbers are strictly controlled; booking ahead through KZN Wildlife is essential. 

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Zebras are a common sight in South Africa's Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Researve. Photo: Shutterstock

5. Otter Trail

If coming face-to-face with Africa's biggest predators or swimming with sharks don't sound appealing, fear not. A trek through South Africa's scenic (fairly predator-free) nature may be more to your liking. The Otter Trail stretches along the coast of South Africa, and is widely popular with tourists for its views of the coast and local wildlife. The trek takes five days, with allocated resting huts along the way. Book in advance as only 12 people are allowed to start each day.

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Looking for a little more inspiration?

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