by Beverley Wilcock
Feel like jumping off a ledge on occasion? The good news is that you can actually do it safely. Joburg's full of high-energy, adrenaline-packed experiences that'll raise your pulse for all the right reasons. We all want to feel like we're living life to the fullest, and big thrills, wide eyes, and good stories are the name of the game here. Without further ado, here's where you can go in Joburg to get your heart pumping and make your Apple Watch a little nervous.
Soweto Towers Vertical Adventure Centre
Strap in and take the plunge at Soweto Towers, where you'll find a 100m bungee off the bridge and a 700m zipline. (If life has you tightly wound, the straitjacket bungee might be for you.) Soweto Towers also has the world’s highest SCAD freefall, and experienced jumpers can base-jump here too. The bravest jump first, since no bookings are required.
If this is a little too much adrenaline for you, take the lift and check out Soweto from the viewing platform. You can also play paintball at the bottom of the Western Cooling Tower.
Details: Cnr Sheffield Rd & Chris Hani, Orlando East, Soweto | 071 674 4343 | [email protected]
The DROP
Scared of heights, but still curious about skydiving? This is your moment. The DROP's vertical wind tunnel lets you experience the thrill of flying without jumping out of anything. You can fly alone, as a family or in a large group. Just bring courage and gees to celebrate those milestones, and you too can get your wings.
Keep your eyes peeled, too, because surf’s up, dude! The DROP’s flowboarding wave pool opens in September. Bookings are essential as they operate by appointment only.
Details: 23 Ridge Rd, Vorna Valley, Midrand | 066 028 1328 | [email protected]
Jozi X
Are the kids climbing the walls while Ouma and Oupa watch anxiously from the stoep? A day trip to Jozi X has the cure for everyone. There are activities to get everybody’s heart racing, whether you’re four or 74! So, round up the troops, including granny and grandpa, and head down to Jozi X.
Spend the day splatter painting, doing parkour, having a Nerf war, or throwing the old battle axe (no, not your mother-in-law!) at the axe-throwing activity. Kids can also live out their ninja warrior fantasies in Mini Ninjas, and don’t worry, dads, there’s a Ninja Warrior course for you too. Check out their website here for more information on all their activities.
Details: Cnr Main & Sloane St, Bryanston | 082 456 2358 | [email protected]
Acrobranch
Tarzan swing, Tarzan fall, right? Not at Acrobranch, he won’t, and neither will you. Here you’ll get hooked in more ways than one. Climb, swing, or zipline through the trees in the heart of Joburg at Acrobranch Melrose Arch.
Before you get hangry, visit the on-site restaurant, have a picnic, braai or order from their catering partner, Food For All. Acrobranch also has other Gauteng locations: Modderfontein, Centurion, and Pretoria North.
Details: James & Ethel Gray Park, Melrose St Extension | 021 201 1121 or 086 999 0369 | https://acrobranch.co.za/ | [email protected]
Rush
Need to release some anger, stress, or worries? Try six-a-side Extreme Dodgeball or bash it out on the Battle Beam at Rush. Kids and adults alike can jump to their heart's content on the Main Court’s trampolines or try their hand at Slam Dunk. If you dare, ramp things up on the Super Tramp and let the little ones loose during Toddler Time. It’s a guaranteed Rush!
Take advantage of Rush’s Ultimate Wednesday special or gear up for a new week with the Social Sundays special!
Details: Cnr van Riebeeck & Modderfontein Rd, Greenstone Hill | 021 683 3841 – Extension 3 | [email protected]o.za | https://www.rushsa.co.za/
Epic Karting Syringa Park
Feel the power at Epic Karting! This impressive 450m outdoor track has a 90m straight and nine corners. At up to 55km/h, you can safely get rid of any road rage and leave it all on the track. For the little ones too young to race, there’s a farm and a play zone, and everyone can fuel up with soft drinks, coffee, and snacks.
Details: Syringa Park, Avianto Estate, Muldersdrift | 010 500 8640 | [email protected] | https://epickarting.co.za/syringa-park/
You don’t have to be fearless to have a go at these activities. Sure, you might go in with nervous laughter, sweaty palms, and a “why am I doing this?”, but you'll come out with a smile, great stories, and a sense of achievement after having done something a little wild. Instead of doom-scrolling your weekend away, grab your friends, your family, or that one brave person who always says yes first. Joburg’s adrenaline scene is calling, and your couch will still be there when you get back. We promise.
