The Best Ziplines in South Africa – Adventure from Above

There’s something timeless about the thrill of flying through the air, a feeling that takes us back to childhood slides and playground ladders. Ziplining captures that same exhilaration, combining freedom, speed, and stunning scenery into one unforgettable adventure. In South Africa, this activity has grown into one of the country’s most popular outdoor experiences, with ziplines scattered across the nation’s most scenic landscapes.

From coastal cliffs to lush forests and wild bushveld, South Africa’s natural beauty has inspired engineers to design some of the most spectacular and unusual ziplines in the world. Our Dirty Boots Best List highlights rides that are truly extraordinary, offering unique features that set them apart. Imagine soaring continuously for two kilometres across a private canyon, feeling the wind rush past as the landscape unfolds beneath you. Picture a zipline that stretches over the open ocean, giving riders a rare perspective on the waves crashing below. Or consider a safari zipline, where you glide above the bushveld with the chance to spot wildlife from a thrilling vantage point.

Every zipline adventure combines adrenaline with awe-inspiring views, making it perfect for solo travellers, families, and groups seeking unforgettable experiences. Many operators also integrate safety, professional guidance, and eco-conscious practices to ensure every ride is both exhilarating and responsible.

Whether you’re seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, a unique way to explore South Africa’s wilderness, or simply want to relive the joy of sliding from above, South Africa’s ziplines deliver. Each ride offers a combination of speed, scenery, and sheer fun that will leave you wanting to climb back to the top again and again.

 

1. The Elgin Valley
These operators know their adventure stuff! More of an expedition than a quick thrill, this experience takes you into the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains of the Cape.

The airy zipline course has been impeccably designed and built by civil engineers with a vision. A must-do experience when in Cape Town.

 

2. Mossel Bay, Garden Route
The longest over-the ocean zipline in the world, Mossel Bay Zip Line is an exciting new addition to the zipline circuit.

Experience the world of the albatross as you take off from the ragged sea cliffs and float at speeds up to 90-kilometers an hour above the rolling ocean.

 

3. Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route
The first zip line operation in South Africa and still one of the best. Designed to show off the unique features and ecology of the forest canopy, Stormsriver Adventures zipline takes you on a journey through the history of trees in the Tsitsikamma National Park.

As you fly through the forest at around 30-meters high, you’ll get to meet 700-year old Giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods and spot the dazzling reds and greens of birds who thrive in this habitat.
 

4. Addo, Eastern Cape
Come and play with your buddy on this heart-stopping twin zipline adventure over the Sundays River.

Adrenalin Addo’s zip line has an automated braking system so you can fly hands-free and come to an exhilarating stop without a thought. For those who want to up the ante, they also offer a unique zipline experience where you can whizz along in a prone position, headfirst. Don’t forget to bring your superman suit!


5. The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Forest, ferns, and maybe fairies! Karkloof Canopy Tours is a zipline that immerses you into the green oxygen exhaling wonderland of a mist belt Podocarpus forest.

It is a privilege to spend time flying through this threatened ecosystem with knowledgeable adventure guides sharing their insights and pointing out seldom seen forest creatures like Samango monkeys and Emerald cuckoos.


6. Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Conveniently located near Kruger National Park Skyways zipline moves you through the landscape like a bird, over sparkling streams and forested hills, on cables of varying length located to provide maximum enjoyment of the stunning views.

This is the perfect bundle of adventure and discovery. While you’ll be flying at top speed down the zipline, on your platform interludes, you won’t be rushed and will have time to admire the last remaining forested areas along the Sabie River.

 

7. Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
Another previously inaccessible beauty spot opened for our guests to enjoy in an ecologically sensitive way.

The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours zipline trail in Limpopo takes you on an adventure down the stunning Letaba River Gorge. You’ll be moving faster than the water in the river, soaring over three 20-meter waterfalls and a series of deep crystal-clear mountain pools.

 

8. Hartbeespoort, Gauteng
Ama Zwing Zwing will be the highlight of a fun family weekend away at Hartbeespoort which is conveniently located around an hour’s drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

With one swoop (well actually 7!) you can get to experience the beauty and ambiance of this special area, a UNESCO biosphere reserve that includes the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the alluring Magaliesberg Mountain Range

 

9. Champagne Valley, Drakensberg
Drakensberg Canopy zipline tour is so much more than an adrenalin thrill-ride through trees, it’s an adventure that includes walking along suspended rock-face trails and over swinging bridges.

Under the towering peaks of the central Drakensberg you’ll soar like an eagle over the dense emerald green forest canopy, then you’ll be walking through it listening to the sounds of plunging waterfalls and a cacophony of bird song.

 

10. Oribi Gorge, South Coast
Only a short drive from Durban you will find a place of beauty, tranquillity and adventure.

Lake Eland boasts an astounding 4.5-kilometer zipline adventure starting at the top of the magnificent Oribi Gorge and swooping you down the valley in a series of 14 heart racing ziplines. You’ll even get a chance to dip your toes in water as you skim over a lake!