The World’s Highest Swing

posted in: Africa | posted by: Dave Emery on July 28, 2008 | 13 Comments

There was nothing better than swinging high during childhood. Oribi Gorge is the place in South Africa where you can find this favourite childhood pastime but with a rush of adrenaline added to it. Located along the ravine of the Mzimkulwana River, Oribi George has the base formed out of rocks over 1000 million years old, while the cliffs are a result of sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. The Mzimkulwana River flowed over the surface and gradually eroded the rocks away, cutting into the earth’s crust.

The world’s largest and highest swing, the Wild Gorge, is a ride that will leave you breathless but thrilled and exhilarated. Placed at the top of Lehrs falls, the swing plunges you into a gorge 100m deep (33 stories). The entire ride lasts no more than a minute, but it’s one of the most terrifying yet addictive things you can experience in a lifetime. A full body harness is used to allow for a comfortable ride and trained personnel are present to assist you with the dive.

The scenic Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve where the swing is located is one of the most spectacular sights a tourist can find on the continent. The reserve has numerous mammal species and over 250 bird species that make bird watching a fascinating experience. The nature reserve inside the gorge is approximately 27 kilometers long and up to 4 kilometers wide.

Being virtually inaccessible, the gorge has remained virtually untouched and is currently home to more than 500 plant species, including rare mammals such as the vervet and the samango monkeys. Adrenaline junkies have a wide range of activities to choose from, including Wild Gorge, abseiling or white water rafting. For those not so bold, the wild slide involves sliding 120m along a steel cable 160m above the ground. The rainy season, lasting from November to April, is a perfect time for whitewater rafters. Oddly enough, the road through Oribi Gorge was built by Italian prisoners during the Second World War.

photo sources: johngore, mister-e, fihliwe, ianturk

Share and Enjoy:

13 Responses to “The World’s Highest Swing”

Percy Summerville says on July 28th, 2008 at 3:57 am:

OMG

Know what ill be doing when im over there for the world cup.. This is unreal!
Rocque says on July 29th, 2008 at 8:26 pm:

Who brought the bug spray? What beautiful country! The video did not play right but I am glad I can still get an idea of it. Neat stuff.
Jan de Slager says on July 30th, 2008 at 2:48 pm:

Quanto costerá all’incirca?
Cuánto me va a costar aproximadamente?
Ça va me coûter combien environ?
How much will that cost?
Wah gaat me dah kosten dan?
Sytze Vliegen says on July 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm:

See them fly!
sir jorge says on August 1st, 2008 at 11:50 pm:

i’m glad my cubicle is safer
Casper says on August 4th, 2008 at 3:34 am:

@Jan de Slager, July 30th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Gaat je R350.00 kosten (iets meer dan 30 euro).
Michael Colson says on August 15th, 2008 at 4:18 pm:

This is by far not the highest. One in Colorado is 0ver 1000 feet high. I will hand it to you though I would die of shock if I did your ride. That looks freaking awesome!!!
Pujan says on September 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 am:

This is not the highest swing in the world. The highest swing is in Nepal. It’s 160m deep and you jump off the bridge. You guys shouldn’t be self proclaiming.
Thai Hotel Expert says on October 2nd, 2008 at 9:15 am:

OMG OMG OMG .. look at the video on youtube…all the girls are so brave. There is no way I will go near it.
Janie says on March 9th, 2009 at 10:35 am:

Hi Guys!!!

It looks great. I’ll be visiting you guys next month (April 2009) Is it still R350p/p? Can’t wait!!
Speedy says on June 10th, 2009 at 9:13 am:

hey there ppl. i just did the jump on monday 8/06/2009 at it was great. if u ever end up here, make sure u hike down (make sure u fit enough to get back up). its lovely.