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Move aside, Dubai. South Africa has snatched the record for the world’s longest zipline with the K3, a 3.2 km long thrill ride near Caledon in the Western Cape. Adrenaline junkies soar 500 m above stunning Overberg mountains as they make the three minute journey from start to finish, reaching ridiculous speeds of up to 120 km/h.
It’s the 7th zipline developed by SA Forest Adventures, a company that specialises in adventure activities in the Western Cape. Western Cape Tourism Minister, Ivan Meyer, was on site for the official launch on Heritage Day, calling the K3 a “global asset for South Africa” that will help the government achieve tourism targets.
For travellers, it’s a thrilling new addition to the Western Cape’s adventure offerings. But, before you strap in for the ride, let’s take a look at the K3 Zipline and other impressive ziplines across South Africa. Check out the video below to get a taste of the action.
Well, aside from being the longest single stretch of zipline in the world, the K3 stands out for its location. Caledon is a gateway to the Overberg region, with the surrounding mountains home to incredible fynbos ecosystems and yellow canola fields that pop up on Instagram feeds each winter.
The zipline adventure starts with a 7 km drive along a 4×4 trail in Big Red, a custom 20-seater trailer hauled by a tractor, or in smaller 4×4 vehicles. The route takes you past fynbos, antelope, and birds until you reach The Nest, the zipline departure platform that looks over the farmlands below.
“Once you’re clipped in on the cable, there is no going back,” says SA Forest Adventures. “Now it’s 3.2 km of sheer speed and fun – depending on your weight, the speed descending from the mountain peak could be as much as 120 km/h.”
After about 200 m, the ground disappears from underneath you, with a 500 m drop adding to the fear factor. At this point, you’ll get to take in the sheer vastness of the view for a couple of minutes, before arriving at the landing platform and base camp. Sound like something you’d love to experience for yourself? Here’s all the fine print and red tape:
As of September 2024, the K3 Zipline costs R1,800.00 per person, and you’re encouraged to book well in advance. And, if you need to wait your turn, you can enjoy the coffee shop at base camp.
Photo: SA Forest Adventures
K3 might be the longest zipline in the world, but it’s far from the only spectacular zipline in South Africa. Here are a few other examples of zipline adventures that take you through forests, mountains, and more:
Where? Silvermist Estate, Constantia, Cape Town
What? Ziplines up to 155 m high and 500 m long joined by 12 treetop platforms.
Where? Harkerville, Garden Route, Western Cape
What? Ziplines over the Kranshoek picnic site in Garden Route National Park with heights of over 200 m.
Where? Hermanus, Overberg, Western Cape
What? A two-hour long adventure spanning mountain slopes, treetops, and a seasonal waterfall as you zip from platform to platform.
Where? Elgin, Western Cape; Tsitsikamma National Park, Eastern Cape; Cathkin Peak, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal; Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal, Magaliesberg, North West; Magoebaskloof, Limpopo; Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini
What? Canopy Tours operates seven different zipline adventures around South Africa, including the lush forests of Tsitsikamma National Park and previously inaccessible mountain slopes in the Elgin Valley.
Where? Sun City, North West
What? Billed as “the original extreme zip slide”, Zip 2000 spans 2 km and was once the world’s fastest and longest zipline. Speeds reach up to 160 km/h!
Where? Mossel Bay, Western Cape
What? The Mossel Bay Zipline is the longest over-the-ocean zipline in the world, running for over a kilometre above the Indian Ocean. Be warned: you might get splashed by crashing waves!
Photo: Getty
So, now that you’ve discovered South Africa’s record-breaking ziplines, are you ready to let go and enjoy the ride of your life? Speaking of rides, if you need a set of wheels to get you to these incredible places, check out our comprehensive selection of rental vehicles, ranging from fuel-efficient hatchbacks to classy luxury cars and gravel-munching 4x4s. You might as well turn your zipline day trip into a self-drive road trip adventure…