Orlando Towers
If you’re in Soweto and looking for the ultimate high, give the extreme sports offered at Orlando Towers a try.
Orlando's two towers in Soweto, Johannesburg. Photo courtesy Gauteng Tourism Authority
Once the cooling towers of the Orlando Power Station, the 33-storey towers are beautifully decorated with murals of South Africa, and now give visitors the chance to bungee jump, abseil down the towers and power swing between the two structures. Take the open-air lift to the top of one tower, from where floating stairs lead to the viewing platform. From there you can absorb the spectacular scenes of Soweto and Johannesburg. Go down the way you came or don a harness and drop down the tower, swing inside the tower or swing between the two. On special days, rap jumping is offered, and experienced base jumpers are welcome.
The Orlando Towers site of extreme sport was opened in 2007 by local company Skyriders to develop the drab, neglected cooling towers into a “vertical adventure facility” and exciting tourist attraction.
Activities at the towers are dependent on weather, particularly wind. Under-18s require the consent of their parents or guardians to take part in this adventure. Only those with a weight between 35kg and 115kg may jump. Booking is essential for parties of six or more.
Admission
Bungee jump: R480
Power swing: R360
Internal swing: R360
Abseil: R260 (Saturday only)
Viewing platform: R60
Opening hours
Friday to Sunday from 10h00 to sunset; booking office is open on Monday from 11h00 to 17h00 and Tuesday to Friday from 10h00 to 17h00
Directions
From Johannesburg, take the N1 towards Bloemfontein. Take the M68 Soweto/Southgate/Old Potch Road off-ramp and turn right on Old Potch Road. After about 3km turn right into Dynamo Road and enter the facility at the security boom.