Bungee Jumping, Sky Diving, and Cruising and then there was Elvis

South Africa is ideal for travellers who enjoy self-drive experiences. The roads are easy to follow and of course driving on the right side (Australian side) always helps. There are plenty of petrol stations, shopping centres and unique towns to stop and experience the local environment. It is safe and comfortable scenic drive and the infrastructure is there. Speeds range between 80km – 120km on the freeways and should you overtake, make sure you use the hazard lights for 3 seconds which is the South African way in saying thank you for allowing me pass.

The Garden Route (Port Elizabeth to Cape Town) is famous for many reasons including the spectacular scenery, the boutique hotels, adventure sports and the wineries. Starting from Port Elizabeth this four hour drive presented South Africa in another light. The colours of the land with these quaint little towns and the abundance of wildlife allowed the journey to pass quickly while giving you the reality of how plentiful this place is.

We arrived in the heart of Tsitsikamma for lunch which is found in Storms River Village and to our surprise we stepped back in time to the 50’s and 60’s. Known as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, this place is one to be seen is to believe. A classic true American style restaurant with checked floors, juke box, Cadillac collections and a real life Elvis who has mastered the King’s walk and talk. To all those Elvis fanatics, the town celebrates every year ‘The Elvis Festival Africa’ where impersonators come from all areas to sing, dance and celebrate the era. Upon your visit during the festival 21-23 September, you just might spot a few Marilyn’s as well.

After a full stomach it was only a short drive to Bloukrans Bridge which is the world’s highest bungy bridge at 216 metres. Open 7 days a week for those adrenaline types, the walk under the bridge is equally as exciting as watching your friend bungy. For only R690 you can bungy and experience this eye popping drop first hand. The team at Face Adrenalin even capture the moments on video so you can be reminded of this moment and of the back drop.

For those that are keen for something less structured, then a 30 minute drive from Knysna will lead you to Plettenberg Bay Airport for the thrill of a lifetime. That’s right. Skydiving.

For R1600 or R2000 with a DVD, it was time to take the plunge and try the sport so many brave souls have uttered is the biggest adrenalin jolt of all time.

Thankfully we were running late for our scheduled appointment as this meant we had no time to learn anything or think about what was about to happen. I was introduced to my tandem instructor and the next thing I am harnessed up and a video camera is playing recoding every look I made and even my quivering voice. None of the questions made sense as my stomach began turning and clarity went to the wind, literally.

I was quickly told how the event takes place and the next thing I know, I am seated in the smallest plane I have ever seen, the Cessna. Wondering if this is really happening, I squeeze in and we suddenly take off. Climbing slowly the view of the bay is absolutely stunning. Even if you don’t end up skydiving, it is worth paying the money and seeing this spectacular view of the mountains, the valley and the ocean.

As my tandem instructor was obviously giving some sort of instructions, my brain could not comprehend that we were climbing up to 10,000 ft. 18 minutes had now passed and we were almost ready to jump. The instructor triple checks every hook and latch to ensure we were going together. As you can imagine I was very happy to hear that. There was a shuffle and a re-positioning and all I hear is “One foot out”. By this time the door was already open and the wind was powerful with a sense of encouragement. Thinking if I am really going to do this, the tension was now building as the time was here. One foot out and the air pushes you forward and out we jumped.

Free-falling for what seemed to pass like the blink of an eye was thankfully 26 seconds. I have had several dreams of falling and then suddenly waking up trying to catch my breath, but this is different all together. This is real so I looked straight ahead and took a breath and I honestly felt this overwhelming feeling of freedom. Pure and simple freedom. The silence and peace for those 26 seconds was true bliss. My tandem instructor showed me that we had now fallen almost 6,000 Ft. and it was time for the parachute. I get the hand signal which I remembered when the harness was put on and the parachute opens with a slight jolt. Slowly we glided down and the instructor hands over the reins and here I am controlling the parachute. We picked up a bit of speed and it was time for terra firma. Legs up and in front, we glided in and the landing was perfect. At this point I felt elated. Buzzing from my toes to the top of my head, this is and will definitely be one of the most outstanding sports I have ever experienced and one highly recommended when visiting South Africa.

It was certainly time for some food so we headed to Knysna Waterfront which offers plenty of eateries, boutique shops and restaurants to enjoy while watching the world sail past. If you have some time, I would suggest booking space on the luxury yacht ‘Springtide’ and cruise around the bay for the opportunity to see the seals, whales and a few naughty sharks while sipping a tasty local wine before dinner.

This entire itinerary can be organised by Hannatjie from Orbit Day Trips and Tours.