My heart was hammering against my ribs so loudly I was certain the jump master could hear it. I was standing on the edge of the Bloukrans Bridge, 216 meters above the roaring Bloukrans River. This is the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump, and I was about to dive off it.
The Garden Route is famous for its natural beauty, but I wanted to experience it with a heavy dose of adrenaline. The buildup is half the journey. Walking out along the suspended catwalk beneath the massive concrete bridge gives you a dizzying view of the gorge below. The crew at Face Adrenalin kept the energy electric, blasting music and dancing to distract us from the sheer drop.
Then, it was my turn. “Three, two, one, BUNGEE!”
I dived forward. The world inverted. For a few seconds, it was pure, unadulterated freefall. The wind screamed in my ears as the green canyon rushed up to meet me. Then, the smooth rebound of the elastic cord kicked in, and I was suspended in mid-air, swinging gently between the cliffs.
The terror instantly dissolved into euphoria. Looking at the pristine wilderness upside down, filled with an incredible rush of endorphins, I felt more alive than ever. If you are seeking the ultimate South African thrill, face your fears at Bloukrans. It is an unmatched rite of passage.
