Thing to do
44 Stanley
44 Stanley is a precinct of independent design shops, cafés, restaurants and an art-house cinema set in converted 1930s industrial buildings on the edge of downtown…
Soweto Towers
Soweto Towers are the painted former cooling towers of Orlando Power Station, now an adventure centre offering bungee jumps, a SCAD freefall, a zipline and paintball.
At a glance
- Type
- Adventure activities at former cooling towers
- Area
- Orlando East, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Official site
- sowetotowers.co.za
Good to know
- Bungee jumping
- SCAD freefall
- Zipline
- Paintball
- Small entrance fee
Why we recommend it
The two cooling towers of the old Orlando Power Station are one of Soweto's best-known landmarks, covered in brightly coloured murals. The coal-fired station was begun in 1935, delayed by the Second World War, completed in 1955 and closed in 1998. In 2008 the towers were turned into an adventure and events site, and today they are run as Soweto Towers, also known as Orlando Towers.
The main draw is the bungee jump, made from a suspension bridge strung between the towers, which the operator describes as a 100-metre jump. There is also a SCAD freefall, in which you drop into a net without a cord, and a 700-metre zipline across Orlando Dam with a ride back to the towers afterwards. Paintball games are played inside the base of the western cooling tower, and the menu of activities also includes a lift ride to the top for the view. One tower carries murals of township life, the other the branding of a bank, and both are well worth photographing even if you do not jump.
Under-18s need consent from a parent or guardian to take part, and bungee jumpers must be within the operator's weight limits, so check the conditions when you book. Groups of six or more should book ahead. Activities depend on the weather, particularly the wind, and may be suspended at short notice.
The towers open from Thursday to Sunday, from midday on Thursdays and from 10:00 on Fridays and at weekends, closing at sunset. A small entrance fee is charged, and the activities are priced separately. Weekends are usually the busiest time, so Thursday and Friday can be better if you want shorter waits.
Even if you do not want to jump, the site is worth a short stop for photographs of the murals and to watch others take the plunge. Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light on the painted towers, and bring sunscreen.
The site is on the corner of Sheffield Road and Chris Hani Road in Orlando East, about 20 minutes by car from the city centre. It fits well with a Soweto tour that also takes in Vilakazi Street, Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial in Orlando West. Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothes if you plan to take part.
Soweto Towers FAQs
What activities are available?
Bungee jumping, a SCAD freefall, a 700-metre zipline across Orlando Dam and paintball, among others.
When are the towers open?
Thursday from midday and Friday to Sunday from 10:00, until sunset.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small entrance fee per person, with activities charged separately.
Can teenagers jump?
Under-18s need the consent of a parent or guardian.
Do activities depend on the weather?
Yes, especially on wind, and they can be suspended at short notice.
Do I need to book?
Groups of six or more should book in advance.
What were the towers originally?
The cooling towers of Orlando Power Station, which operated until 1998.
How do I contact them?
By phone on +27 71 674 4343 or by email at [email protected].