Bloukrans Bridge

The Bloukrans Bridge carries the N2 over a deep river gorge on the border between the Western and Eastern Cape, a concrete arch completed in 1984 with a main span of 272 metres, the largest single-span arch bridge in Africa. Since 1997 it has carried something else: a bungee operation from a platform under the roadway at the centre of the arch, 216 metres above the river, which has been recognised as the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. Getting to the platform is part of it - you walk out along a catwalk slung beneath the road deck with the gorge open below, which some people find harder than the jump. There is a bridge walk for people who want the catwalk without jumping, and a viewing deck on the western side where you can watch. The gorge itself is forested and steep.

What you actually see

• The 216-metre jump - the highest commercial bungee in the world, from under the road deck.
• The catwalk - a walkway slung beneath the bridge to reach the platform.
• The 272-metre arch - the largest single-span arch bridge in Africa, built 1984.
• The viewing deck - a place to watch jumpers without paying to jump.

When to go

All year. Two to three hours if jumping, less to watch. Book ahead in peak season.

Honest expectations

The catwalk out is more frightening than the jump for many people, and there is no way back except walking it. Weight and health restrictions apply. Weather can suspend operations. Watching is free but the viewing deck is a distance from the platform.

Nearby

Storms River Mouth is east; Nature's Valley and Plettenberg Bay are west.