Knysna: Gorge Zipline Adventure & Kranshoek Views

Summary

Zip across knysna’s gorge with local guides and wild views

You’ll step into your harness at Kranshoek and soar over Knysna’s deep gorge on some of South Africa’s longest ziplines. With a local guide checking every clip and sharing laughs along the way, you’ll fly between cables high above forest and cliffs—raincoat ready if weather turns wild. Even after landing back at the picnic site for water and stories, that feeling stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the height — it was the sound. The cables hummed in the wind above Kranshoek, and somewhere below us, someone let out a whoop that echoed off the cliffs. Our guide, Sipho, grinned when he handed me the helmet (“Don’t worry, everyone looks funny in these,” he said). I could smell pine needles crushed underfoot and something sharp in the air — maybe sea spray drifting up from somewhere far below.

I didn’t expect my hands to sweat so much as we clipped onto the first zipline. It really is one of the longest ziplines in South Africa — you can see almost all of Knysna’s green folds from up there, which is wild if you’re not great with heights (like me). The harness felt snug but safe, and Sipho double-checked everything before giving me a little nudge. That first launch — honestly, my stomach dropped right through my shoes. But after a few seconds flying over that gorge, wind smacking my face and trees blurring underneath, I started laughing. Couldn’t help it.

We crisscrossed back and forth across the gorge on different cables, each one somehow higher or longer than the last. There was this moment on cable three where I just stopped thinking about anything except how small I felt above all that space. At one point, rain started — just a light mist — so they handed out raincoats. The plastic stuck to my arms but I barely noticed; too busy watching clouds snag on the cliffs and trying to wave at people waiting their turn down below. Someone tried to shout something in Afrikaans (I think?) but it got lost in the wind.

Afterwards we sat at the picnic site with bottled water, legs still shaky and grinning like idiots. Sipho told us about growing up nearby and how he still gets nervous sometimes before his first run of the day. That made me feel better about my own nerves. I keep thinking about that view from midair — it sort of sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Knysna Ziplines adventure experience

• Arrive at Kranshoek Sanparks picnic site
• Prepare for zipline safety briefing
• Experience multiple long zipline cables
• Zipline across gorge at over 200 meters
• Complete zipline tour and conclude activity

Top questions

How high are the Knysna ziplines?

The ziplines reach heights of over 200 meters above the gorge at Kranshoek.

Is this zipline tour suitable for people afraid of heights?

No, it's not recommended for those with a fear of heights due to its extreme height and length.

What equipment is provided on the Knysna zipline tour?

Your tour includes harnesses, helmets, gloves, raincoats if needed, and bottled water.

Where does the Knysna zipline take place?

The ziplines are installed at Kranshoek picnic site near Knysna in South Africa.

Are there weight or health restrictions for this activity?

The maximum weight limit is 120kg; it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

Is public transportation available to reach the Knysna zipline?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety gear—harnesses, helmets, gloves—and bottled water to keep you refreshed between runs. Raincoats are provided if weather turns wet during your adventure across Kranshoek’s gorge.