One minute you’re nonchalantly looking up at that platform, telling everyone how much you’re looking forward to the leap. The next minute you’re right up there on the edge, fingers being prised from the instructor’s jacket as you weep uncontrollably like it’s your first day at school. Not so cool now, huh?

If you do steel yourself enough to jump, though, there’s nothing like it. You’re actually flying for Pete’s sake and, if you choose right, doing it over one of the planet’s most scenic sights.

1. Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa

In the heart of South Africa in the Western Cape’s Nature’s Valley, the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee is the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge at a shriek-worthy 216m high.

There’s no wimping out here though, everyone from Prince Harry to Jack Osbourne has had a go. So has a chap called Mohr Keet, who set the Guinness World Record in 2010 for the oldest person to bungee jump when he leapt from the bridge at the grand age of 96.

Think that’s impressive? Bloukrans is also the site of the record for most bungee jumps done in a day: Scott Huntley threw himself into the sky 107 times in nine hours in 2011. 

So with all that to contend with, there’s not much of an option to bottle it once you’re up there, if you’re just doing one easy-peasy little jump.

Instead you can try and soothe yourself with the tremendous views and the dramatic scenery of the Bloukrans River below, the Garden Route’s gorge, mountains and sea in the distance. 

If you’re not quite brave enough for a bungee jump there are plenty of equally fun, but less boast-worthy, jumps and swings to try out, including the 200m Flying Fox cable slide. It’s also possible to do a bridge walk, either to support your mates who are jumping, or enjoy the view from the secure walkway, which is suspended below the main road. 

A jump costs £53pp and a bridge walking tour costs £7pp. 
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2. Verzasca Dam, Switzerland

If you fancy trying your hand at being 007 for a day, then take a trip to the Verzasca Dam in Ticino, Switzerland. Remember the opening scene of GoldenEye? That was filmed right here and when it came out in 1995 was the largest bungee jump ever performed. It wasn’t Pierce Brosnan who actually took the leap, though, it was stuntman Wayne Michaels who took on the 220m drop.

Prices start at £181pp and nighttime jumps are available. 
trekking.ch