uShaka Marine World has launched a new Rope Adventure, which officially opened on August 1.

The course consists of a series of rope bridges, obstacle courses, climbing nets, zip lines and crossings that are suitable for all ages. The trail starts from the Village Walk and travels over the scenic Sea World and uShaka’s signature phantom ship.

There are two courses: a less adventurous course suitable for children and a second for thrill seekers. Both courses take 45 minutes to complete.

The course for children consists of 18 elements, including two short zip lines over the rocky reef and turtle enclosure tanks. The second course includes 17 elements that are more challenging, including a double zip line off the top deck of the ship and over the snorkel lagoon to the end point at Village Walk.

Each participant wears a full-body climbing harness and is attached to a safety cable. Trained guides are on hand to instruct on the correct use of the equipment and to monitor and assist participants.

Stella Khumalo, CEO of uShaka Marine World, said: “Since uShaka Marine World opened in April 2004, we have constantly introduced new elements into our offering – from new water slides to the Dangerous Creatures exhibition and more. New attractions need to complement the existing uShaka offering whilst still bringing something new to the customer.”

Khumalo added that the attraction could operate during the day and under lights at night. “This provides a valuable night-time attraction to uShaka’s Village Walk and to Durban as a whole.”

The Rope Adventure is a joint venture between uShaka Marine World and Chimp & Zee, a company set up by members of the SA adventure tourism industry, to design, build and operate rope courses, zip lines, aerial adventure parks, climbing structures and free-fall devices across South Africa.