Bucketlist: Bungeejump from the Orlando Towers in Soweto
Imagine driving through the biggest township of South Africa, Soweto. From a big distance you already spot two enormous cooling towers decorated with the most beautiful paintings. When you get closer you can see a wonky walkway between the two towers, with in the middle a little platform. When you get closer you see people walking the walkway towards the little platform. And then, suddenly, someone takes a jump from the little platform. But luckily, he is attached to an elastic rope.
Of course, I am talking about the Orlando Towers in Soweto, South Africa. During my road trip through South Africa, we decided on our very last day, while on our way to the airport, to tick off one more experience from our bucket list. We drove to the Orlando Towers in the middle of Soweto for an amazing, 100-meter, bungee jump. Even though this bungee jump is not the highest in South Africa (this is from the Bloukrans bridge), the location of this jump is extremely cool! Soweto is the biggest township of South Africa and has more than a million inhabitants. When arriving at the towers we expected a long queue, but luckily this was not the case. We could immediately jump.
The experience
When still downstairs, you will have to weigh yourself to make sure you will get the right elastic rope when jumping. Furthermore, you will be put on a harness which makes sure you will be safe. Then, accompanied by some of the employees you will take the elevator to the top of the towers. The elevator alone is already scary, because it does not go straight up. Also, the walkway is pretty scary. From the moment you arrive at the top of the tower until the moment your feet touch the ground again, you are always locked onto something. Whether it is the bridge or elastic rope. This definitely made me feel very safe, it cannot go wrong. Then comes the moment you have to jump. They are very patient, so if you don’t dare to jump immediately they give you all the time you need. Luckily, I was so excited that I never had a single doubt and jumped immediately. The jump will give you a rush of adrenaline and feels absolutely amazing. Such an incredible and unforgettable experience. A must do!! |  |
Important to know
Besides bungee jumping, there are also many other activities with can be done at the Orlando Towers. For example, a freefall within one of the towers, and you are able to climb the towers. It is not hard find the towers, because you will be able to see them from a big distance. Also, parking is no problem, since there are enough safe parking spots. Important! The towers are only open from Thursday till Sunday.
The price of the bungee jumping is R550 (around €34,60). If you are not sure about the jump yet, or if you just want to enjoy the view from the top of the towers, this is also possible. The price for this is R80 (around €5, -). My sister and little brother went to the top of the towers with me to watch me jump and to see if they also dared to do it. When they finally decided on also doing it, they did not have to pay the R80 admission for getting to the top, but only the R550 for the jump.
Furthermore, it is not allowed to bring a camera to the top or during the jump. Pictures are taken and put on a cd after the jump and you will be able to buy them. The pictures look very good and are definitely worth the money. You will also receive a certificate after the jump.
For more information, please take a look at the website of the company: http://sowetotowers.co.za/
0 reacties