September 15, 2026, 2:12 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
At 16, TRAVELBOOK author Lena Braun thought it was a fantastic idea to plunge 100 meters into the depths in Johannesburg, secured only by a bungee cord. Today, she sees it a bit differently. It wasn’t the “Soweto Towers,” which are among the city’s most exciting attractions, that were the issue. The real problem began at the jump-off point. And she brought home a very special “souvenir” from that day…
I was in Johannesburg for a three-month student exchange and lived in Soweto. At that age, you tend to think you’re relatively immortal and consider some things a good idea that you might want to rethink later. So did I. My host family showed me around, and sooner or later, the distinctive Soweto Towers caught my eye. When my exchange student then talked about a very special attraction, my curiosity was immediately piqued. Or perhaps it was my youthful risk-taking.
The Orlando Towers: Landmark of Soweto
In the middle of Soweto, the brightly painted cooling towers of a former coal power plant rise into the sky. The so-called Orlando Towers are landmarks of the township and are hard to miss from afar. Over the years, a recreational area with bars, food stands, and various outdoor activities has developed around the towers.
You can zipline over the area or play paintball here. However, the Orlando Towers are famous for another attraction. One that I thought was a great idea back then. Until I stood on the platform myself.
My knees were shaking on the way up
For my upcoming birthday, the three of us went to the site. I was immediately thrilled: cool young people everywhere, a relaxed atmosphere, and really good vibes. Full of anticipation, I even sent a photo of the towers with the message: “You’d have to be crazy to jump down from there.” Knowing I would later send my certificate as proof, it seemed pretty funny at the time. I couldn’t have known what awaited me.
Equipped with a helmet and harness, we headed toward the towers. I was suddenly very glad to have my friend with me. She didn’t want to jump but wanted to admire my daring or at least the view from above.
We took a so-called “open-air elevator” up the outside of one of the towers. The small, open box rattled and creaked as it climbed higher. By then, my legs started to shake. I can hardly remember the view. But I do remember clearly that once I reached the top, I didn’t want to take another step. After all, we were now at about the height of a 33-story building.
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100 meters down and no turning back
Somehow, I managed to take the few steps to the platform. My friend had to stay behind. I stepped with trembling knees onto the suspension bridge between the two towers. The jump-off point was right in the middle.
When the bungee cord was attached to my legs, I realized what it meant: I wouldn’t just jump, but fall headfirst into nothingness. Horror! But I was already there. The whole effort, the expectations of my companions–and it was already paid for (as the frugal side of me noted). So I had to and wanted to jump–at least theoretically. Three times the countdown began, and three times I couldn’t do it.
I’m really not a coward. But looking down 100 meters and then voluntarily taking the first step just feels wrong. It’s against every human instinct.
That’s why we decided the two staff members had to push me. I couldn’t have overcome the threshold alone. Then everything happened very quickly. In videos, a bungee jump always looks like freedom. People scream with joy and enjoy the fall. For me, it was different: I couldn’t scream or breathe. My heart stopped for the five seconds of free fall, and my mind was blank. But one feeling was clear: mortal fear.
Eventually, the long-awaited jerk of the cord came. I was pulled back up and began to swing through the air. That was even a bit fun–perhaps because the tension was finally gone. When I finally reached the ground and had solid ground under my feet again, it was actually the best feeling of the whole day.
It was definitely worth the experience. Unfortunately, besides the certificate, I brought home another souvenir: a fear of heights. Today, when I look down more than ten meters, the same feelings come back as on the jump-off point: nausea, dizziness, and a racing heart.
Some are probably even crazier…
While I probably will never stand at heights without vertigo again and definitely will never jump off anything again, there are, of course, people who handle it really well. Or, even more extreme: those who become addicted to such adrenaline rushes.
My colleague Mo, for example, who has also REMOVED LINKjumped like James Bond from the Verzasca Dam, is constantly looking for daredevils to swing with him on the High Swing over Berlin or run down a building at Potsdamer Platz. I gratefully decline every time. My bungee jump in Soweto has probably satisfied my need for controlled falls for life. Still, I understand the appeal. Some people seem made for such adrenaline kicks. I’ve learned that I’m not one of them.
At the Soweto Towers, adrenaline junkies can even jump without a cord. In one of the towers, there’s a large net relatively far down that you can free-jump onto. If you’re up for it, I wish you lots of fun. You won’t get me up there a second time.