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