Africa’s Top 9 Adrenaline Rushes

1. The Table Mountain Abseil (South Africa)

At 3,558ft it goes without saying that the views from the top of Cape Towns Table Mountain are nothing short of spectacular. So why not go the extra mile for the adrenaline junkies out there and create the original highest commercial abseil in the world? It would be silly not to. With views to die for this is an experience widely regarded as one of the best scenic abseils in the world.

2. Immobilisation Safaris (South Africa)

If you ever wanted to get up close and personal with an animal of the bush or even one of the Big 5, then this is your chance to do so. Vet safaris allow clients with a passion for wildlife to attain hands on experience; assisting veterinarians in conservation practice. This may involve fitting a tracking collar, health checks or monitoring animal pregnancies and contraception. Theres even the chance to take to the skies with the Veterinarian while the darting takes place. All in all being so close to some of the earths mightiest creatures can really make for a thrilling experience and is guaranteed to get that heart racing.

3. Trekking up Mount Mulanje (Malawi)

Rising from the surrounding flat land, Mount Mulanje in Malawi is one of the tallest inselbergs in the world. Climbing to almost 10,000ft the mountain offers steep short climbs or easier longer ones. Whichever you embark upon the mountains plateaus offer fresh streams to drink from and crystal clear swimming holes to cool off in. Its looming presence has given it quite a reputation with the locals, who consider it sacred, so tread careful on the way up.

4. Durbans The Big Rush Big Swing (South Africa)

The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban plays host to The Big Rush Big Swing, the only stadium swing in the world and also the tallest, as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. This one is for hardcore adrenaline junkies only. Leaping 106m above South Africas 2010 World Cup pitch, there will be a 60m free fall, speeding through the air beyond the 120km per hour mark, before swinging in a massive arc out over the football pitch. Im exhausted writing about it.

5. African Bush Survival Courses

This is your chance to test your mettle against the African bush. With locations as diverse as the content of the courses on offer, these challenges are set to push you to the limit. Courses can be tailored to the individual wants of a client, lasting either, one, three or six whole days of untold action. These challenges of mind, body and spirit take place in some of Africas harshest and most remote locations, from mountains to the vast bush or islands removed from the world at large. Learn anything from survival skills to bush craft and pit yourself against the elements of the African wilderness to see who comes out on top.

6. Swakopmund Sandboarding (Namibia)

Swakopmunds massive sand dunes on the Namibian Coast are the perfect terrain for the extreme sport of sandboarding. There is plenty of variety too, with six different slopes to choose from and two different styles to have a crack at. Go with the lying down style to plunge headfirst down the dunes, or, if youve got some prior experience behind you, stand up on your board and surf down. Whatever you decide, youll be pushing the 80km per hour mark with ease.

7. Natal Drakensberg Ice Climbing (South Africa)

Get to grips with some ice climbing in the Natal Drakensberg mountain range, the highest and most beautiful Africa has to offer. Ice appears in this region from around mid-June to mid-August and does so every year without fail. There are three main areas to climb in. Best for beginners is the Sani Pass and Rhino Peak routes. But if you are after something more, the Giants Castle offers a tougher climb. Youll have to be pretty fit to manage this though; youll be taking on the longest but also the most spectacular routes available.

8. Soweto Power Plant Bungee Jumping (South Africa)

Youll need to take a trip to Soweto to reach this adrenaline rush. The disused towers of the Orlando power station provide the venue, as you are privileged to plummet 100m towards the ground. Make sure youre over 18 and more importantly weigh less than 110 kilograms, we wouldnt want that rope to snap now! If youre no longer keen on bungee jumping then theres still a lot more on offer. You can try your hand at abseiling and the power swing or, if you are of a slightly more nervous disposition, theres a viewing platform from which you can enjoy the stunning views the towers offer.

9. Sun City Zip Lining (South Africa)

For the fastest and longest zip slide, Sun City is the place to go. Conveniently, for those seeking early heart failure, the zip slide will have you whizzing along at a brisk 120km per hour, down a line stretching 2000 metres. Did I also mention the fact youll be starting your descent from 280 metres up, which, for those not fans of the metric system, is over 900ft. You can give it a go on your own or you can share the thrill with another via tandem slides. Make sure you dont show up on a Monday though, its closed. Information courtesy of Tourism Update