The bus ride to Storms River, a small village within the Tsitsikamma National Park, lead us over the Bloukrans Bridge that is home to the world's highest bungee jump (from a bridge, 216 meters).
We zipped over it, so I was only able to get a quick glimpse of the gorge, not enough to fully appreciate the height.
Still crediting myself with two Canyon Swings (from 107 meters) in Queenstown last December, I had already decided to pass on the bungee jump.
Within Storms River, the views are dominated by Tsitsikamma Mountain, which I'd guess to be around 1,000 meters high.
I settled into the fairly empty Tube ‘n Axe backpackers and booked a horseback riding trip in the forest for the following day.
The bungy jump was the dominant activity of the area, so I heard several fresh accounts, reinforcing my decision not to face a ridiculously scary experience again just for the fun of it.
My horses name was Gracie. She took good care of me, following the lead horse (Bullet) ridden by the guide, Morpheus.
The owner of all the horses was riding Rambo right behind us. It took an hour for me to feel some sense of comfort as I hadn't ridden in 20 years.
We did some trotting which is a real ball-buster of an experience as you bounce up and down. When I was younger, I remember the one time I got up to canter, and how it felt smoother (and certainly faster) than trotting.
Horseback riding is a popular activity all along the South African coast, so I made a mental note to try it on the beach where even beginners can get up to a gallop.
After the ride, I hired a mountain bike for the short trip to an 800-year old Yellowwood Tree (the national tree of South Africa).
Sure enough, it was a big tree. Not too exciting.
Before I returned the bike, I stopped at a B&B for a selection of local cheeses and a hot stone massage.
I had to make up for the nightmarish experience the last time I tried one in Luang Prabang, Laos.
The day was wrapped up with a one and a half hour sunset Baz bus ride to a world-renowned surfing mecca, Jeffrey's Bay.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Natalie
Wednesday 19th of November 2008
Awesome adventures! Looks like you are having an absolute blast and really experiencing the culture.
My husband and I are currently in New Zealand during our new backpacking lifestyle. We have been working at a Pub on Great Barrier Island for the last 2 weeks. We are heading to the South Island soon. Feel free to offer us any adventure or backpacking advice, at www.nomadbackpackers.com
In addition, I recently posted about what we have learned. A woman named Gillian had emailed me some questions. Feel free to add comments on what you have learned in order to assist other aspiring backpackers.
Yvette
Tuesday 18th of November 2008
Hey Matt-
So just wondering- I'm assuming if you go on Baz Bus it's pretty easy to arrange the Bloukrans Bridge jump? I'm planning to see South Africa on my RTW next year, seems Baz Bus is a good way to do it, and loved bungy jumping in NZ so much I just have to try it in South Africa! :grin:
Dave
Wednesday 19th of November 2008
I love the Baz bus.....makes life so easy here in South Africa. Just as easy as getting around in New Zealand. The door to door service is a much safer alternative to being dropped off at some bus station in Johannesburg or Durban! Or the gas stations used as bus stops inbetween.
The bungy jump is very easy to arrange, as are most of the activities.
Yvette
Wednesday 19th of November 2008
Hey Matt-
So just wondering- I'm assuming if you go on Baz Bus it's pretty easy to arrange the Bloukrans Bridge jump? I'm planning to see South Africa on my RTW next year, seems Baz Bus is a good way to do it, and loved bungy jumping in NZ so much I just have to try it in South Africa! :grin:
Dave
Wednesday 19th of November 2008
I love the Baz bus.....makes life so easy here in South Africa. Just as easy as getting around in New Zealand. The door to door service is a much safer alternative to being dropped off at some bus station in Johannesburg or Durban! Or the gas stations used as bus stops inbetween.
The bungy jump is very easy to arrange, as are most of the activities.
Natalie
Tuesday 18th of November 2008
Awesome adventures! Looks like you are having an absolute blast and really experiencing the culture.
My husband and I are currently in New Zealand during our new backpacking lifestyle. We have been working at a Pub on Great Barrier Island for the last 2 weeks. We are heading to the South Island soon. Feel free to offer us any adventure or backpacking advice, at www.nomadbackpackers.com
In addition, I recently posted about what we have learned. A woman named Gillian had emailed me some questions. Feel free to add comments on what you have learned in order to assist other aspiring backpackers.
Alisha
Tuesday 18th of November 2008
Sounds like a really fun time. I've always wanted to go to Africa and I hear great things about South Africa. One of my colleagues went to visit Africa and your photos reminded me of his trip. You can check out his album here:
Enjoy!