The Bloukrans Bungee Jump: An Adrenaline Rush like No Other

If you’re someone who loves thrilling activities that get your heart racing, you’re going to be blown away by what I’m about to tell you. Picture this: the highest bungee jump in the entire world. And where can you find this mind-blowing experience? None other than South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route. That’s right – the Bloukrans Bungee Jump is waiting for you, ready to take you on the ride of a lifetime.

Now, when I say “highest,” I mean it. We’re talking about a sheer drop of a staggering 216 meters – the equivalent of around 70 stories high. Just imagine standing 70 stories up in the air, feeling the wind on your face and the simultaneous rush of anticipation and fear coursing through your veins. It’s a moment like no other – a true test of bravery.

When I first stood at the edge of the cliff, looking out at the bridge, I couldn’t quite grasp the enormity of the jump that lay before me. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Now, I’ve done my fair share of daring activities – rock climbing, scuba diving, even exploring Antarctica – but this was on a whole new level. The bridge stretched out before me, massive and imposing, while the gorge below seemed to go on forever. As I watched other jumpers hurl themselves into the void, they appeared minuscule against the backdrop of the vastness surrounding them. In that moment, I couldn’t help but question my own sanity. Was this madness simply too much for me?

So there we were, my wife, our friends Christa and Kobus, and I. We stood there, watching in awe as a few brave souls took the leap. Little did we know that we were about to join their ranks. We couldn’t resist the call of adventure, so we mustered up the courage and made our way to the booking office.

We were hopeful and excited, ready to embrace the unknown. But our spirits sank when we learned that all the time slots were booked up, except for the one at 16:00. We were faced with a dilemma – wait or miss out. We didn’t want to let this opportunity slip through our fingers, so without hesitation, we secured our spots and left to grab some lunch, our hearts pounding with anticipation.

Returning at 15:00, our minds were consumed with a mix of nerves and excitement. We completed the necessary paperwork, got weighed, and put on our harnesses. As we settled in at the Cliffhanger Pub, a large screen broadcasted live streams of jumpers taking the plunge. Their effortless grace as they soared through the air was both mesmerizing and intimidating. My stomach churned, unsure of how I would fare in the face of such a daring feat.

At 15:45, we gathered at the harness area, where our jump coordinator welcomed us and offered some final tips. We then embarked on a walk under the bridge, enclosed in a cage, until we reached the jump zone. It was there that the full weight of what lay ahead truly sank in. Seventeen other jumpers surrounded us, their nervous laughter and anxious expressions mirroring our own feelings.

The staff members on the bridge were incredible. They lightened the tense atmosphere with jokes, laughter, and upbeat music. They had a way of making us forget, if only momentarily, the imminent leap that awaited us. But all too soon, it was time for the first jumper to take flight.

He stood up and approached the jump coordinator, who meticulously secured him with ropes and harnesses. After a final briefing, he moved into the jump zone. The team attentively attached the bungee cord, ensuring its safety, and guided the jumper towards the edge of the bridge. As the countdown began, our hearts raced in harmony. And within seconds, he vanished from sight, engulfed by the vastness of the gorge below.

When it was finally my turn, I was told to go ahead and jump. I went through all the necessary preparations, making sure everything was secured and double-checked. The person in charge of the jump looked at me and casually said, “Have a nice flight,” before walking me to the edge of the bridge.

Words cannot describe the overwhelming fear that gripped me at that moment. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to run away from that edge. Looking down, I saw nothing but a thin strip of river below. Feeling the wind on my face reminded me of the vast emptiness in front of me – just the breathtaking gorge.

In the background, I heard the countdown begin. I gathered all my courage and forced myself to take that leap. At first, there was only silence, but then an indescribable scream erupted from within me. I was overcome with pure exhilaration as I experienced the intensity of freefall bungee jumping.

Within 2 seconds, I was hurtling towards the river below at an astonishing speed of 100 kilometers per hour. The rush of wind in my ears was nothing short of incredible, and a sense of surreal peace enveloped me. When the cord reached its limit and sprung me back up, I felt an intense surge of energy. Then, I gracefully descended towards the river for the second time, with a recoil of 140 meters. It was a heart-pounding rush of pure adrenaline.

Before I knew it, it was all over. I looked up and saw the guide descending on a rope to retrieve me and bring me back up to the top of the bridge. The feeling of peace and tranquility was incredible. For a brief moment, it’s as if you come alive, everything around you becomes so vibrant, colors seem brighter, silence feels deeper, and life appears calmer. When I returned to the bridge, I was greeted by the other jumpers with handshakes and hugs. It dawned on me that we all shared this incredible experience, conquering our fears, leaping into the unknown, and living to tell the tale. Just before me, Kobus, who took the plunge, summed it up perfectly:

“Some may see it as falling – I see it as carving into life!”

Truly, it is an experience that only comes once in a lifetime. And here are some interesting facts to pique your interest:

1. Guess what? The commercial bungee jump from this spot holds the world record for being the highest. Yup, Guiness World Records confirmed it!

2. Brace yourself, because this jump is a whopping 216 meters high! That’s like the height of a 70-story building. But wait, there’s more! When you spring back up, you’ll go another 140 meters high, giving you not one, but two jumps that are over 100 meters high. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

3. Get ready to zoom down at top speed! During the descent, you’ll go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 2 seconds. That’s faster than most sports cars out there! Hold onto your hat!

4. Safety first! This bungee jump has a perfect safety record. It’s been going strong since 1997, without a single incident. You can trust that you’ll be in good hands during this heart-pounding adventure.

5. Let me blow your mind one more time. The oldest person to take this leap of faith was Mr. Mohr Keets. Can you believe he was 96 years old when he made the jump back in April 2010? It’s never too late to feel the thrill!

So, when you find yourself in the incredible Garden Route and craving an adrenaline fix, this is the only place to be. I’m telling you, it was an experience that will stay with me forever. I’d jump again in a heartbeat!

When you’re planning to book a jump with Face Adrenalin, it’s important to remember that peak season is a popular time for bookings. However, no matter what time of year you’re looking to jump, it’s always a good idea to give them a call ahead of time to make sure they have space available for you.

If you need to get in touch with Face Adrenalin, here are their contact details:

Contact

Face Adrenalin
Email Face Adrenalin
Tel: +27 42 281 1458
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 daily, open 7 days a week.
Cost per jump: R 690.00
Photos of your jump: R 70.00
DVD video of your jump: R130.00

And if you’re looking to pick up some cool merchandise, like T-shirts, caps, or other clothing, they have those available too.

When it comes to finding their location, you can use these GPS coordinates to navigate:

Latitude: S 33° 57 93’
Longitude: E 23° 38 88’

So, whether you’re planning your jump during peak season or at any other time, make sure to give Face Adrenalin a call to secure your spot. And don’t forget to check out their awesome merchandise while you’re there!