Ziplining In South Africa: The Big 6

The most beautiful zipline shot by Canopy Tours Tsitsikamma!

We cannot claim to know everything about ziplining in South Africa, because not only have we not experienced all the ziplines in the country, but our zipline is a lot smaller and more ‘chill’ than some of the ziplines on this list. Regardless, where else can you zipline for less than R400 per person along a course that spans 800 meters through Magalies forests and over rivers? We’ll come back to the famous Hollybrooke Orango Tango Zipline in a little while, but first, let us take a look at where we can do the best ziplining in South Africa. We have selected six ziplines (other than our own) as the best ziplines in South Africa, and we think you’ll agree. Take a look!

Mossel Bay Zipline: Number 1

Woah! This zipline looks crazy. It runs for over 1km point-to-point, and adventurers can reach 80km/h, over what is the longest over-ocean zipline in the world. This zipline runs from the cliffs near Mossel Bay’s community sports fields, all the way across the ocean, stopping at the local waterfront. Imagine zooming over the crashing Cape waves, simply suspended by a zipline. This is adrenaline-junkie juice from the get-go! Visit the Mossel Bay Zipline website here for more information.

The Mossel Bay Zipline in all it’s glory.

The Zip 2000: Number 2

Now you’ve seen the longest over-ocean zipline in the world, what about one of the world’s fastest? Unfortunately the Zip 2000 is no longer the longest nor the fastest zipline in the world… but for a long while it was. Situated in Sun City, the Zip 2000 allows a passenger to reach speeds of 120kmh over a 2km stretch. One of the cool aspects of the Zip 2000 is that you can do it tandem with a mate. The only downside to this experience is that it no doubt only lasts for very few moments, thanks to the speed of the zipline. Take a look at their site here.

Height and speed make the Zip 2000 such a thrill.

The Canopy Tours Company: Number 3

Thanks to the Canopy Tours company! They really did bring commercial ziplining to the adventuresome masses here in South Africa. Their business model has allowed them to look toward some of the most beautiful geographic locations in the country, and then suspend ziplines across the wonderful landscapes. Canopy Tours’ ziplines aren’t daunting or impossibly fast. Each course has multiple platforms and is usually done over the space of a few hours. Canopy Tours are the standard for ziplining in South Africa and their courses can be found in Blue Grotto Forest (Drakensberg), Hottentots Holland (Cape Town), Magoebaskloof, Tsitsikamma and Karkloof. Take a look at their incredible website for more information.

Zipping in Magoebaskloof courtesy of Canopy Tours

Lake Eland: Number 4

Oribi Gorge is definitely one of the places every South African should visit at least once in their lives. The best way to take in the gorge and the surroundings is from Africa’s longest zipline course (multiple ziplines). The Lake Eland zipline course is over 4km in length, and has similar drops to those found on the Canopy Tours. One particular zipline on this course almost dunks you into the lake itself. Lake Eland also hosts other adventures within the nature reserve within Oribi Gorge. They should definitely be on your list for ziplining in South Africa! Take a look at their website here.

Having fun over Lake Eland

Ama Zwing Zwing: Number 5

We count Ama Zwing Zwing as our friendly competition. Operating within the same area as Hollybrooke Adventure Farm (Hartbeespoort), with a number of low-level platforms over a slightly more technical, but nonetheless beautiful course, Ama Zwing Zwing is a great day out for the family looking to zipline within an hours trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Very professional, economical, and a lot of fun, don’t miss Ama Zwing Zwing as a ziplining in South Africa course. Take a look at the Ama Zwing Zwing website here.

Image courtesy of www.kidsconnection.co.za.

Skyway Trails: Number 6

Skyway Trails has two very different zipline experiences from their scenic space in Hazyview. They have both a long-distance zipline course of over 1km, much like Canopy Tours and such, as well as a treetop obstacle course, very similar to Hollybrooke Adventure Farm’s zipline course (although maybe less demanding). It looks like a lot of fun, and should not be missed if you’re travelling within Mpumalanga. Take a look at the Skyways Trails website here.

Skyways Trails in Hazyview

Don’t Forget Hollybrooke

Yes, yes, we can’t forget our own zipline adventure. We might not have the fastest nor the longest individual ziplines in South Africa, but our Orango Tango Zipline course is incredibly fun. Just shy of 1km with 16 platforms, our zipline course starts on our 14m tall tower, and zooms into the trees growing around our farm furrow. 300m later you’re zipping above the Magalies river in all its quaint glory. Our zipline course is part obstacle course too (fit for kids and adults), and can be quite demanding. Why don’t you contact us and give it a try. Visit our Orango Tango Zipline page by clicking the link. Or book a day with us on the farm by clicking the link to our bookings page.

A view from our zipline. The Orango Tango over the Magalies River.