The Bloukrans Bridge is the highest bridge in Africa, and provides a remarkably stunning view of the river and dense green foliage. Some would describe the visit as tranquil, at least until you hear the screams from the bungee jumpers from under the bridge. There’s nothing peaceful about throwing yourself off a 709 foot  (216m) bridge attached to nothing but a cord.

We knew immediately once we heard about the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge that we were going to check this experience off our bucket list. Our tour, Hotspots2c, provided this opportunity for a stop, as do many other tours. Face Adrenaline is the bungee company running the show here, and they provide an unforgettable experience from the moment you step onto the bridge.  They also have a 25-year fatality free record, so we were in safe hands!

Being adrenaline junkies, we were both thrilled at the idea of jumping off a bridge. Lauren has been skydiving many times, so she had a better idea of what to expect from a free fall. Meanwhile, Lexi was terrified, but doing her best to not pee herself. The nerves build, as we paid ($$$), got fitted with our harness, and waited for our group to be called. Only about 20 people are allowed on the bridge at a time, so while we waited, we ate some French fries from the Cliffhanger Restaurant and Bar. Inside the bar there’s a television you can watch live close-ups of people jumping off the bridge, or a balcony overlooking the bridge, so you can see specks leaping off and bouncing around. This is the moment where your nerves spike, we wouldn’t recommend eating any food before jumping if you have a weak stomach!

The walkway to the middle of the bridge is terrifying. It’s attached to the side of the bridge, and the bottom of the walkway is steel mesh. It’s very safe, but seeing the 700-foot drop right beneath your feet can make your legs become pretty wobbly. However the energy on the bridge is vibrant, with music blasting, and workers dancing. It feels very much like a fun party, and helped us tremendously with settling any nerves we had. Dancing your worries away is very accurate!

Luckily (or not so luckily) Lexi was selected to bungee second, so within moments of stepping foot on the bridge, she was strapped in and walked to the edge. There is nothing quite like the experience of jumping off a bridge, it literally goes against every fiber of your being.  Technically, you’re supposed to JUMP off the bridge on the count of three. Lexi couldn’t muster up the willpower to do that, so she just leaned forward and fell off the bridge screaming. Meanwhile, Lauren leaped off like a graceful swan. Once the leap of courage is taken, there is a six second face-first free fall towards the ground. Let us tell you, there’s nothing quite as terrifying, yet exhilarating about seeing the ground rushing towards you faster than you ever thought possible. The first recoil, is very smooth, (even though it doesn’t look like it in Lexi’s video) and a tremendous sense of relief washed over us, while adrenaline coursed throughout our bodies. Within a minute of your jumping, a worker will descend, flip you upright, and get you back on the bridge. The process is very easy and painless, it just takes a lot of courage (or stupidity as some might say)!

Check out the video for proof that we jumped off a bridge and survived!! As you can see, the two videos look very different. Lexi is a fabulous example of what it looks like to bungee jump without tensing her body, she ended up flopping around like a limp rag doll. Lauren is a great example of what you should look like. Ultimately, it was a memorable experience, and we would both do it again in a heartbeat. Next time, we’re jumping backwards.