Are you ready to push your limits and chase the ultimate adrenaline rush in 2025? Flight Centre’s Travel Experts have curated the ultimate travel bucket list packed with life-changing adventures – many of which are right here in South Africa!
Whether it’s free-falling into breathtaking depths or shooting through the skies at record speeds, these iconic experiences are guaranteed to leave your heart racing:
Bungee jumping: Bloukrans Bridge, The Garden Route, South Africa
- Adrenalin rating: 9/10
- Description: The highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216 m, Bloukrans offers jaw-dropping views and a spine-tingling rush as you cut through the air.
“The pendulum bungee technology ensures a smooth jump, with a swing-out rather than abrupt recoil, promising a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the jump site’s renowned safety record and incredible staff make this a top-tier bungee experience,” comments Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
- Who can do it? Participants must be at least 14 years old and weigh between 35 and 150 kg. The SkyWalk Adventure is available to children from 8 years old.
Ziplining: K3 Zipline, Caledon, South Africa
- Adrenalin rating: 8/10
- Description: The K3 Zipline holds the title of the longest zipline in the world, stretching a staggering 3.2 km. Riders soar up to 500 m above the Overberg region, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h.
- Who can do it? Participants must weigh between 60 and 120 kg and be over 8 years old.
White water rafting: Zambezi River, Batoka Gorge, Zambia/Zimbabwe
- Adrenalin rating: 9.5/10
- Description: The Zambezi River, particularly near Victoria Falls, delivers some of the most intense and dangerous rapids in the world. The Grade V (and a few Grade VI) rapids have earned names like ‘Commercial Suicide’ and ‘Ghostrider,’ making them legendary for white-water lovers. With the thunderous backdrop of Victoria Falls and dramatic drops like Stairway to Heaven, it’s a full-on thrill fest.
- Who can do it? Varying by provider, participants generally need to be over 15 years old and be able to fit into a life vest.
Paragliding: Interlaken, Switzerland
- Adrenalin rating: 7.5/10
- Description: Paragliding in Interlaken comes with magical views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Launched from elevations of 1,300 to 1,500 m, the flights last up to 40 minutes, sweeping riders through sprawling alpine terrain. If you’re after extra thrills, opt for an acrobatic tandem flight, which mixes spins and flips into the experience.
- Who can do it? Tandem paragliding is open to travellers from 7 years old. However, weight restrictions typically range between 30 and 100 kg.
Canyoning: Extreme Dominica Canyon Experience, Dominica, Caribbean
- Adrenalin rating: 8.5/10
- Description: Canyoning in Dominica means trekking through challenging terrain, rappelling down waterfalls, and jumping into natural pools, all while surrounded by the Caribbean rainforest. The experience includes descending places like the Trafalgar Falls, with the option to take things to the next level with night canyoning tours – a chance to explore the canyons under the stars.
- Who can do it? A relatively fit person above 6 years old (some tours may have different restrictions based on age, weight, and physical condition).
Kloofing: Suicide Gorge, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, South Africa
- Adrenalin rating: 8.5/10
- Description: The Suicide Gorge kloofing experience involves hiking, bouldering, swimming, and cliff jumping through an intense 16.2 km journey filled with mandatory 7 metre jumps into deep rock pools.
“The element of compulsory jumps, including optional ones up to 21m, makes this gorge a true test for even experienced adventurers,” says Turner.
- Who can do it? Swimmers in good physical condition and with hiking experience. Age requirements vary, generally from 18 years old.
Rollercoaster riding: Aqua Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line
- Adrenalin rating: 6.5/10
- Description: Debuting in April 2025, this hybrid rollercoaster-and-water slide at sea (the first of its kind) is quite literally unlike anything else. With dual slides winding around the ship, magnetic lifts that propel you, and a beautiful view of the ocean from three stories above, it’s an electrifying way to cruise and defy gravity at the same time.
- Who can do it? Age, weight, and height restrictions will be released closer to the ship’s launch.
Volcano boarding: Cerro Negro, Nicaragua, Central America
- Adrenalin rating: 8/10
- Description: Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua is one of the most unique and daring adventure sports in the world. Participants hike up the active volcano, Cerro Negro, before racing back down its steep, ashy slopes – on nothing but a board. Reaching speeds of 80 km/h, you’ll zoom down 45-degree inclines, getting covered in volcanic ash. The heat from the active volcano below you adds to the thrill for an ethereal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Who can do it? Participants must be in moderate physical shape to make the trek up the volcano and must be over 18 years old due to the extreme nature of the sport.
Ice climbing: Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland
- Adrenalin rating: 8/10
- Description: Ice climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier is the ultimate cold-weather adrenaline rush. Equipped with ice picks and crampons, climbers ascend towering vertical ice walls formed by the frozen movement of ancient glaciers. The terrain is constantly shifting, and climbing up sheer ice makes every moment a challenge. What makes this experience stand out is the spectacular glacier landscape of deep crevasses, glittering ridges, and ice formations – picture-perfect in every way!
- Who can do it? Participants must be over 14 years old and in good physical condition. No prior experience is required, but professional guiding is mandatory.
Safety first
“While these adventures will be memories you’ll never forget, it’s important to remember safety! Always ensure everything is done under certified, professional supervision. Be sure to check local requirements and restrictions, and trust only licensed operators to guide you through these adrenalin-pumping experiences,” Turner concludes.
Inspired? 2025 is the perfect time to swing, swim, jump, or dive into an adventure worth travelling for!