By Nosihle Shilembe
As South Africa heads into its warmer months, the great outdoors beckons – from quick day trips and weekend escapes to longer journeys that reveal the depth and variety of its tourism offering.
Whether it is spotting the Big Five in national parks, winding along the Garden Route, relaxing on pristine beaches, or chasing adventure through shark-cage diving, surfing, bungee jumping and mountain hiking, South Africa offers experiences for every kind of traveller.
Now, visitors have another reason to explore the country’s natural beauty.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has added ziplining to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s adventure offering, giving thrill-seekers the chance to glide across seven cables between elevated platforms while taking in fresh views of the park’s dramatic mountain landscape. The park is located in the Free State.
The experience combines adrenaline and scenery, offering panoramic views, an exhilarating ride that may have you questioning your life choices, and a unique way to explore the Highlands, supported by professional-grade harnesses, equipment and trained guides.
At R650 per person, the adventure lasts approximately one hour, with the longest zipline stretching 650 metres.
The zipline complements existing visitor experiences such as the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre (which Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille launched in June 2025), scenic drives, hiking trails and accommodation facilities, giving travellers more reasons to choose Golden Gate Highlands National Park as a destination.
Golden Gate Zipline Director Mika Lutchman said this is the first zipline located in a national park.
“Well, I mean, it’s the Golden Gate National Park, right? The Maluti Mountains are majestic. The valleys, peaks, and troughs here are majestic.
“That’s what makes it stand out above the rest. It’s not just a normal foofy slide or an adventure that you just do on a farm or in someone’s backyard or smallholding. This is one of the nicest national parks in the country,” Lutchman said in an interview with SAnews at an event to launch the zipline.
Tourism Month and job creation
The attraction was launched in August, ahead of Tourism Month, which is observed throughout September under the theme: “Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era.”
Tourism Month is celebrated annually to promote domestic travel, showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings and highlight the sector’s significant contribution to the South African economy.
The zipline is expected to boost tourism in Clarens and has created 20 jobs for residents.
“We have made sure that we hire staff locally. All our staff are local, from Clarens and the Free State. We want to promote local employment, training and skills development because all our guides receive specific skills training, certification and first-aid training.
“We foresee that this activity is going to be busy, so we have 10 people in training, which takes between six and 12 months,” Lutchman explained.
The business is expected to create a new income stream for SANParks and increase occupancy at Golden Gate’s accommodation facilities.
Heritage
Lutchman stressed that the introduction of the zipline was guided by efforts to protect the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
Environmental considerations and impact assessments formed part of the planning and development of the attraction, which took about two years to establish.
“It was very important for us to develop a sustainable product, one that is in symbiosis with the environment in which it finds itself. It was important for us not to disturb vegetation or protected species, and not to damage rock.
“Together with our architects and engineers, we tried to implement our design with minimal disturbance. That was the goal,” Lutchman said.
She explained that the cables had been designed to blend into the surroundings without detracting from the park’s scenery.
“The cable is not imposing on the vista and has been designed not to ruin the aesthetics of the mountain, the vistas, the waterfalls, the dams or the rivers. The platforms are made from sustainable materials such as wood, rather than invasive materials like steel, which can corrode and harm the surrounding environment.”
Safety measures
She assured visitors that stringent safety measures are in place, with regular inspections and certification of the equipment and infrastructure.
“We have strict engineers’ reports, riggers who sign off on the cable, and people who certify the equipment that we use. All of this is done regularly, at set intervals. We conduct safety checks on the cable every day and weekly safety checks as well. Safety is the number one priority,” Lutchman emphasised.
According to the Golden Gate Zipline website (www. goldengatezipline.co.za) the minimum age to use the zipline is eight years, the maximum weight is 120 kg, while the maximum height is 1.9 m. Participants must be in good general health, and the experience is not suitable for pregnant guests. Guests should also note that no alcohol or substance use prior to the activity is allowed.
Worth the trip
SANParks Managing Executive for Tourism Development and Marketing, Kaula Nyilenda-Mphaphuli, said the new attraction forms part of efforts to position Golden Gate Highlands National Park as an adventure tourism destination.
“We are known largely for cultural heritage conservation, but we want visitors to know that there is much more that we offer here. We have the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, exciting hiking trails, horse-riding activities and much more.
“It is an amalgamation of various experiences that makes it a one-of-a-kind destination. The Highlands are not a one-trick pony. It is a place where you can experience cultural heritage and adventure,” Nyilenda-Mphaphuli said.
SANParks lists hiking trails, horse-riding and the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre among the park’s visitor activities, alongside its broader natural and cultural heritage offering.
Nyilenda-Mphaphuli encouraged both international and local tourists to explore some of South Africa’s lesser-known national parks.
“There is more to South Africa, and that is the beauty of South Africa. We have partnered with Golden Gate Zipline to manage the activity. This has created economic opportunities and become a catalyst for job creation in the area,” Nyilenda-Mphaphuli said.
Still not convinced to make the trip to the park?
Lukholo Mazibuko had this to say: “I got to experience four ziplines, I believe, starting from 650 metres. There is just something about getting to the top; they are strapping you in, the nerves are kicking in, and your stomach is turning. But once I was pushed down the zipline, it was such a lovely experience,” the 22-year-old said.
Tebello Mothapo of Quad Ventures said the Golden Gate ziplining experience offers something different for adventure-seekers, particularly young people.
“As tour operators, we tend to offer the same thing, but the ziplining experience is something authentic that young people will enjoy. Our main target market is the youth. We are trying to get more young people to travel in South Africa.
“The Free State has this experience that is out of this world. I am an adrenaline junkie; I could feel the rush, the energy and the wind blowing on my face. I had a blast,” Mothapo said.
You only live once. Go ahead and add a visit to the zipline to your bucket list! –SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
