South Africa is now home to the world’s longest zipline

There is great news for Mzansi thrill-seekers, as the world’s longest zipline has officially been launched near Caledon in the Overberg region of the Western Cape.

On 23 September, K3 SA Forest Adventures officially launched the 3.2 kilometre (km) zipline which descends to the ground from 500 metres high up in the Caledon Mountains and can reach speeds of 120 kms an hour.

With the launch of this zipline, it takes over the title from Jebel Jais Flight in Dubai, which stands at 2.8km long.

“I am happy that we are now the home of the worlds longest zipline [which is] definitely a national and continental asset,” and is expected to boost tourism in the province, said Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer.

Situated an hour from Cape Town just outside the town of Caledon on the N2 National High Way, this is the seventh zipline SA Forest Adventures has developed, constructed, and opened.

Visitors and those involved in its development have hailed the feature as an adventure not to be missed.

“It was totally awesome, the view is spectacular. I want to tell [people] not to miss out,” Clinton Lerm from SA Forest Adventures told eNCA.

On arrival at the “Base Camp,” guides assist with the check-in process and also familiarise you with the ‘do’s and don’ts’.

There are two modes of trekking up the ~ 7km mountain trail, either through the Big Red (custom built 20 seater luxury trailer) or in a smaller 4×4 vehicles.

“The trail is an amazing escape into one of the most unique fynbos kingdoms teaming with wildlife such as a variety of antelope, lizards, and an abundance of bird life,” said SA Forest Adventures.

“Our mountain is home to the only known population of the critically endangered rough moss frog, an amphibian species restricted to this mountain, but as we creep higher up on the single-track trail you will have an uninterrupted birds eye view of the Overberg,” they added.

Once at the peak, a short but steep hike will take you to “the Nest,” the small and intimate departure platform.

Once done with the formality the guide will take one person at a time to send them down the cable.

Once clipped in on the cable, it’s 3.2km of adrenalin. Depending on your weight the speed descending from the mountain peak could be as much as 120 km/h.

As the ground rushes past you in the first 100 meters you might still feel very comfortable. from +- 200 Meters from “the Nest” you start flying into the air where the ground drops away at ~ 500 metres below.

The product is an exclusive adventure – meaning that they have limited capacity.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who was at the launch described it as “beyond incredible.”

“In the Western Cape, we’re all about celebrating sports and outdoor adventures. This thrilling experience is a perfect addition to countless adventures our beautiful province has!” he added.

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