Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies are you looking for your next adventure? You should definitely stop by South Africa where you will find some of the best zip lines on the planet!
The zip lines were first used as a way to move bulky objects across mountainous terrain.
During the 1970s, students in Costa Rica used zip lines as a means to get closer to the plants and animals along with the rainforest canopy.
The zip lines are quite popular among thrill-seekers who are constantly looking for the highest, the fastest, and the longest zip lines on the planet.
The zip lines have many names depending on where you are from. For instance, in the USA, the term zip wires or aerial runways are used to refer to zip lines. In Australia and New Zealand, they are known as flying foxes. Whereas, in South Africa, they are called foefie slides by the locals.
The zip lines offer an absolute adrenaline rush and the feeling of flying through the air while being surrounded by picturesque scenery.
I have outlined here the best zip lines in South Africa for all the thrill-seekers out there. So, what are you waiting for to try them out?
Adrenalin Addo – Double Zip Line
Adrenalin Addo is in the Sundays River Valley in South Africa. It is nearby the Addo Elephant National Park and Port Elizabeth.
This is the only double zip line in Africa. So, you can share this experience with your spouse or a friend, on two separate lines at the same time.
When you first arrive at the Adrenalin Addo, you get a detailed safety briefing. Then, your journey continues with the crossing of the Sundays River on a raft, followed by a short hike to reach the platform overlooking the valley of citrus.
This zip slide is the longest double zip line in Africa with a length of 500 m (1,640 feet). The starting point is at 60 m (200 feet) above the Sundays River.
Once on the platform and fitted with a harness, there is no turning back! So, take a deep breath, and off you go! Don’t forget to enjoy the ride! You will slide down at a speed reaching up to 60 km/h (35 mph) and the ride lasts about 30 seconds.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture your descent, as proof of your adventurous soul!
Tsitsikamma Zip Slides – Falls Adventure Park
The Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure Park is in the center of the Tsitsikamma forest. The nearest town is Storms River.
The Tsitsikamma National Park follows along the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape province.
The Tsitsikamma Adventure Falls has eight breathtaking zip slides, crossing over the Kruis River.
You will wear a full-body harness fitted with a patented braking system, for a soft landing at the end of every slide.
The average length between the slides is 100 m (328 feet), and the longest slide is 211 m (690 feet). The height above the water reaches a maximum of 50 m (160 feet) in some places.
You can control the speed and stop at any point. Thus, you can gaze at the scenic landscapes, that include indigenous plants and the three waterfalls along your way down.
Bring your camera and take pictures of the panoramic views!
Sun City Extreme Zip Slide
The Sun City zip line is in the vicinity of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
This is one of the world’s longest zip lines with a length of 2 km (1.25 miles). Also, the fastest with an average speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and reaching the top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).
Finally, the highest with a height of 280 m (920 feet). Now, you know why it is called the extreme zip line!
The Sun City zip line meets all the necessary safety standards and is certified by the Department of Labor. The minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
You will put on one body harness with a body bag over it for more comfort, and over your feet, you will put fins to streamline your descent! You can go zip-lining solo or in tandem.
This is an exciting zip line for anyone seeking some thrills and adrenaline overload! Experience the ultimate adventure of a lifetime!
Lake Eland Zip Slide
The Zipline is in the KwaZulu-Natal Province in the Lake Eland Game Reserve. It is a 40 minutes drive from Port Shepstone. There are 14 slides stretching over 4.5 km (2.8 miles)! This zip line is the longest zip line in Africa!
The starting point is at the top of the spectacular Oribi Gorge. The highlight of your zip-lining journey will take place at platform six! As you will fly across the Gorge at a height of 300 m (980 feet)!
You will end your adventure on a high note by sliding through a tunnel and over a river to get to the bottom of the gorge!
The Mother City Zip Line
This is the longest zip slide in Cape Town with a total length of 2.3 km (1.4 miles).
The starting point of the zip line is on the Silvermist Wine Estate in the Constantia Valley.
There are seven slides. The length of the slides stretches from 190 m to 500 m (620 to 1,640 feet). The maximum height is 155 m (508 feet) above the canyon floor in some areas.
This exciting zip line is for adventure enthusiasts! It will get your heart pumping for sure! The minimum age is eight years old, and the maximum weight is 120 Kg (260 pounds).
Before the descent, you will receive a safety briefing. The only way to reach the starting point is with off-road 4X4 vehicles! Therefore, this is where the adventure begins!
The zip line goes through the southern side of Table Mountain into the Constantia Valley. Take the time to gaze at the vineyards and the ocean while sliding down. Your descent will last approximately 2 hours.
Afterward, extend your adventure by going sightseeing in Cape Town.
Conclusion
As you can see, some of the best zip lines on the planet are in South Africa!
Sun City is the place for the adrenaline junkies, with the longest, the fastest, and the highest zip line in South Africa!
If you are looking for a ride through breathtaking landscapes, then you have two alternatives. Either pick the Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure with its beautiful waterfalls or the Lake Eland Zip Line with the Oribi Gorge!
For an unforgettable zip slide adventure, don’t forget to book your accommodations! If you want a better alternative than the expensive hotel rooms, you should opt for a Bed & Breakfast! Click here if you are interested in learning more about Bed & Breakfast in South Africa.
If you have any questions or would like to share your zip sliding experience, please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
Hi Sonia,
I lived in South Africa for 17 years and never realised that the zip lines you mentioned in your post existed. We are going back to South Africa this Christmas as we still have some family there and want to do a safari with the kids and to visit Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Cape Town. So I’d love to try at least two of the zip lines you mentioned. The kids will love it, so I’ve now added the Sun City Extreme Zip line and Mother City Zip slide to the itinerary. Thanks for your post.
Both ziplines that you added to your itinerary for your vacation are extreme! The Sun City zip line is the fastest zip slide in South Africa whereas the Mother City zip line is amongst the longest of the Dark Continent.
Moreover, if you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping, you will not be disappointed by the Sun City Extreme Zipline!
Hope that you get to enjoy the view as you are sliding down!
Thanks for the great info and videos!
I’ve been interested in ziplining since I was a kid and saw my action heroes do it in the movies.
It seems like there are more places than ever that are offering the experience.
But my question is, what about safety? Is there anything we should look for before choosing a place to zipline?
Thanks again!
As far as safety goes, zip lines are very safe. One suggestion that I would make is while you’re researching the different zip lines companies, don’t be afraid to ask them about their safety records!
Also, you should check with the Department of Labor of South Africa to see if the company you have selected meets all the safety standards and is also certified to operate zip lines in South Africa.
And finally, all the zip lines that I mentioned have a 30-45 minutes safety briefing to make sure that your zip line adventure goes smoothly!
I tried a zip line for the first time last year at the lake with my kids.. I was petrified but after a few times I was hooked.. I would love to do the Mother City zip line, the views look like they would be spectacular…
Thanks
Linda
It could be scary at first to go zip lining, but if you’re able to overcome your fears, this is absolutely an amazing experience!
If you go to South Africa, another zip line beside the Mother city zip line that I would suggest you try is the Lake Eland zip slide. It’s the longest zip line in South Africa. And as a bonus, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views since this zip line goes over the Oribi Gorge!
Wonderful article very insightful and your facts are perfect regarding our operations in cape Town – Thank you for the mention – regards Clinton
Thank you for stopping by my website, much appreciated.
WOW…! You certainly have courage…I am too chicken to try a Zip Line. I have a mega-fear of heights. Sometimes I forget this fear, but my body always knows. My legs turn into rubber. Once, in Paris, I climbed via interior stairs in Notre Dame cathedral to the balcony over the entrance. When I emerged, I took one look down, became instantly dizzy, and had to crawl back to the street level on my rubbery legs.
I used to love to go up to the top of one of the World Trade Center towers (before Bin Laden destroyed them) around sunset time. I liked to see the city (NYC)in the sunlight, then watch the sun go down and all the lights come on.
They had glass bubbles on the side of the building with benches where you could sit and look down. It would be as if you were hanging in space and the street, and all the tiny cars and people were just under your feet. Well, you guessed it…I had to crawl back out of the bubble, but fortunately, it wasn’t so far to go as Notre Dame…
You are so fortunate that you don’t allow any fears to hold you back…You are enjoying your life. As the beer commercial says, you are grabbing for all the gusto…! Rock on…
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Even though you fear heights, that doesn’t stop you! Good for you! I never went to the World Trade Center. I hope that I will get the chance one day to go to the freedom tower I think it is called! Life is short, so we should enjoy every minute of it, with no regrets! :