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White-knuckle thrills
Ratanga Junction
The Cape's Ratanga Junction
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Ratanga Junction's Slingshot plunges riders into a 30 metre freefall at speeds in excess of 90 km/h.
Ratanga Junction is a thrill-a-minute theme park in Cape Town's Century City development, catering to the young and the old, the daring and the cautious.
With over 30 attractions, including 24 rides, it comes as no surprise that this Cape Town theme park is a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Though white-knuckle thrills are only one element of Ratanga Junction, they are the premier element and the 3 most popular rides - the Cobra, the Slingshot and the Tarantula - are the most popular.
The Cobra is arguably the most challenging ride of all: a suspended looping coaster which catapults riders along a track at up to 4 times the force of gravity and at speeds of close to 100 km/h.
Running it a close second is Ratanga Junction's latest addition, the Slingshot. Rated as one of the most thrilling extreme rides in the world, it combines elements from skydiving and bungee jumping, allowing ‘flyers' to experience the thrill of freefall. Perhaps best to try this one on an empty stomach.
Adults with heart problems (real or imagined) can take slightly more sedate rides along with younger children on the Bar-One Bushwacker or the ‘medium-thrill' Diamond Devil Run rollercoaster.
With South Africa's enviable climate water-based rides are always popular and Ratanga Junction boasts two in Monkey Falls, one of the highest log flume rides in the world, and Crocodile Gorge, a rapid river ride through gorges and jungle during which you are guaranteed to get soaked.
There are several cinemas in the park as well as various snake and exotic bird exhibitions and shows, while during school holiday periods live entertainment - such as the Cape Minstrels and a rock festival - are on offer. Restaurants and pubs abound for those seeking refreshment.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
Situated in Century City, Cape Town, Ratanga Junction is a mere 10 minutes from the Mother City along the N1 highway, on the Sable Road turn off. It is on bus and taxi routes.
Around the area
Plenty of excellent shopping at Century City shopping mall right next door.
Get around
You can walk or use one of the many shuttle carts ferrying folk to and fro.
What will it cost
R120 for adults; R60 for children. The slingshot ride is ticketed separately at R45 per person. Season tickets, which allows for unlimited visits to the theme park over a particular period are also available at R550 per adult and R275 per child.
What to pack
A hat and sunscreen in summer; a raincoat or umbrella in winter.
Where to stay
Cape Town has a plethora of accommodation options to suit all pockets and there are a number of hotels and B&Bs in the area.
What to eat
Ratanga Junction has many dining-out options, from fast-food outlets and coffee shops to snazzy restaurants and bars.
What's happening
There's always plenty on at Ratanga Junction, especially over weekends and during school holidays. Visit its website for regular updates.
Best buys
Murphy's Gift Shop stocks all sorts of Ratanga Junction merchandise, from T-shirts and baseball caps to coffee mugs and fridge magnets.