Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, is a vibrant city where adventure and nature intertwine, offering thrilling outdoor experiences for families, friends, and adrenaline enthusiasts. Nestled in the picturesque James and Ethel Gray Park, Acrobranch Melrose stands out as South Africa’s first treetop adventure park, delivering a unique blend of ziplines, obstacle courses, and natural beauty. Perfect for kids as young as three, teens, adults, and even seniors, this park caters to all fitness levels with safe, harnessed activities. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a birthday party, a team-building event, or a school trip, Acrobranch Melrose promises two hours of fun, fitness, and unforgettable memories.
Acrobranch Melrose Johannesburg
1. Acrobranch Melrose Adventure Park
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Address: James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose Street Extension, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2196
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Contact: +27 (86) 999-0369 | [email protected]
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Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; last booking at 3:00 PM
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Price Range: R160–R350 per person (course-dependent); compulsory gloves R25 (or bring your own)
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Highlights:
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Overview: Established as South Africa’s first Acrobranch, this park in Melrose’s James and Ethel Gray Park is a top-rated outdoor activity, ranked #20 out of 61 activities in Johannesburg on Tripadvisor. It offers four treetop obstacle courses and a 250m Big Zip, catering to ages 3 to 70+ and all fitness levels. The park is set in a lush forest, ideal for picnics and braais, with a 4.5-star rating from 170 reviews praising its friendly staff and thrilling experience.
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Courses:
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Acro-twigs (3–6 years): Designed for young children, this course operates 2–3m above ground with obstacles like mini ziplines and bridges to build confidence and motor skills. Price: R160 per person.
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Cubs (3–7 years): Slightly more challenging, this course includes safe, low-level obstacles for young adventurers. Price: R180 per person.
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Cheetahs (7+ years, min. 1.3m tall): A step up with ziplines and crossings up to 5m high, perfect for tweens and adventurous kids. Price: R220 per person.
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Lions (10+ years, min. 1.4m tall): The “Swinging Tarzan” course features 53 obstacles, including cargo nets, balance beams, and Tarzan jumps, reaching 10m high. Price: R280 per person.
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High Flyer (13+ years): The most challenging course with 47 obstacles, including skateboards and high ropes, for thrill-seekers. Price: R350 per person.
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Big Zip (7+ years, min. 1.3m): A 250m standalone zipline offering breathtaking views. Often paired with other courses. Price: R200 per person (or add-on for R100).
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Safety: CE-rated harnesses and imported safety gear ensure participant security. Trained instructors provide a 15-minute safety briefing and on-course support. Each course is monitored to enforce safety rules, ensuring a secure experience.
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Events: Ideal for birthdays, school outings, team-building, and year-end functions. Packages include reserved tables (R100 for 3 hours, seats 6) and catering via “Food For All” (contact: +27 (72) 737-1692, [email protected]). Book platters 5 days in advance.
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Amenities: Picnic and braai facilities (bring your own stand and charcoal), shaded areas, and ample parking. The park is cash-free; payments are online or via card. Self-catering is allowed, or pre-order meals from the on-site caterer.
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Promotions: “10% off group bookings of 10+” (valid until June 30, 2025) and “Free Big Zip with High Flyer course” (valid until April 30, 2025). Book via acrobranch.co.za for deals.
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Why Visit: Acrobranch Melrose offers a safe, fun, and physically engaging outdoor adventure in a beautiful park, perfect for all ages and occasions, with glowing reviews for its energetic staff and memorable courses.
Why Visit Acrobranch Melrose in Johannesburg?
Acrobranch Melrose is a standout attraction for several reasons:
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Diverse Courses: With options for toddlers (Acro-twigs) to adrenaline junkies (High Flyer), it suits all ages and skill levels, making it a top family-friendly activity.
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Physical and Mental Benefits: The courses enhance balance, strength, focus, and confidence, especially for kids, as noted by parents on Tripadvisor.
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Safe Environment: CE-rated harnesses, trained instructors, and constant supervision ensure safety, addressing parental concerns about high-altitude activities.
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Event Hosting: Popular for birthdays, team-building, and school trips, with tailored packages and catering options, earning praise for staff attentiveness.
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Natural Setting: Located in the scenic James and Ethel Gray Park, it’s ideal for post-adventure picnics or braais, enhancing the outdoor experience.
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Accessibility: Near Melrose Arch and Sandton, it’s easily reachable via Uber, recommended over taxis for safety.
The park attracts families (60% of visitors), corporate groups (20%), and school groups (15%), offering a unique blend of adventure and relaxation in Jozi’s urban landscape.
How to Find and Book Acrobranch Melrose
To plan your visit:
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Visit the Website: acrobranch.co.za provides course details, pricing, and online booking. Check for group discounts and seasonal promotions.
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Call or Email: Contact +27 (86) 999-0369 or [email protected] for inquiries about events or availability.
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Use Navigation Apps: Enter “James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose, Johannesburg” on Google Maps or Waze. The park is near Melrose Arch, accessible via Melrose Street Extension.
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Public Transport: Uber is recommended for safety and convenience, with cash payment options if cards fail. Avoid metered taxis due to reliability concerns.
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Check Social Media: Follow @acrobranch on Facebook (40,000+ likes) or Instagram for updates on events, closures, and deals.
Book at least 30 minutes in advance to secure your slot, as courses can sell out, especially on weekends. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and safety briefing.
Latest Promotions and Events
Acrobranch Melrose keeps visitors engaged with exciting offers and events:
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Group Discount: 10% off for groups of 10 or more (valid until June 30, 2025).
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Big Zip Deal: Free 250m Big Zip with High Flyer course booking (valid until April 30, 2025).
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Birthday Packages: Include course access, reserved tables, and catering; book 5 days in advance via acrobranch.co.za (ongoing).
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Team-Building Special: 15% off corporate bookings of 15+ (valid until August 31, 2025).
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School Holiday Programs: Special rates for school groups during holidays (check acrobranch.co.za for 2025 dates).
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Rosebank Market Tie-In: Combine your visit with the nearby Rosebank Sunday Market for crafts and food (rosebankmarket.co.za).
Subscribe to the Acrobranch newsletter or follow @acrobranch on Instagram for real-time promotions and event announcements.
Tips for Visiting Acrobranch Melrose
Maximize your adventure with these practical tips:
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Book Early: Reserve slots via acrobranch.co.za to avoid sell-outs, especially for weekends or holidays. Viator data suggests high demand.
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Dress Appropriately: Wear closed shoes with good tread (no sandals or heels) and comfortable clothing. Tie long hair in a bun to avoid snags.
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Arrive Early: Check in 30 minutes before your booking for harness fitting and a 15-minute safety briefing.
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Bring a Picnic: Pack a picnic or braai supplies (stand and charcoal required) to enjoy the park’s lush setting post-adventure.
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Choose the Right Course: Beginners should start with Cheetahs or Lions; avoid High Flyer if new to treetop activities, as some found it too advanced.
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Bring a Card: The park is cash-free; pay online or with a card. Bring gloves or purchase for R25.
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Plan Transport: Use Uber for safe travel to James and Ethel Gray Park, as metered taxis may be unreliable.
For groups, contact the bookings office to reserve tables or catering in advance.
Safety and Customer Service
Acrobranch Melrose prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction:
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Safety Measures: All participants wear CE-rated harnesses, and instructors provide thorough briefings and on-course support. Courses are age- and height-restricted to ensure safety.
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Staff Training: Guides like Bongani Tshabalala and Thabo are praised for patience and expertise, earning 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
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Customer Support: Reach staff at +27 (86) 999-0369 or [email protected]. Social media (@acrobranch) responds quickly, with 40,000+ Facebook followers.
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Accessibility: The park offers ample parking and is near Melrose Arch, accessible via Uber or Gautrain (Sandton station). Confirm accessibility needs (e.g., ramps) via email.
Some reviews note understaffing or delays during peak times, so visit early to avoid crowds.
Maintaining Your Acrobranch Experience
To make the most of your visit:
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Follow Safety Rules: Adhere to instructor guidelines to ensure a secure experience, especially on high courses like Lions or High Flyer.
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Stay Hydrated: Bring water, as the 2-hour courses are physically demanding, especially in Johannesburg’s heat.
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Capture Memories: Take photos from the ground (cameras are restricted on courses) to share on social media, tagging @acrobranch for visibility.
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Provide Feedback: Share your experience on Tripadvisor or acrobranch.co.za to help improve services. Staff respond promptly to reviews.
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Plan a Full Day: Combine your visit with a picnic or braai to extend your time in the park’s serene forest setting.
Proper preparation enhances safety and enjoyment, ensuring a memorable adventure.
The Future of Acrobranch Melrose
Acrobranch Melrose is poised for growth, aligning with outdoor adventure trends:
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Expanded Offerings: Plans to introduce new obstacles or night sessions by 2026, enhancing the experience (check acrobranch.co.za for updates).
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Sustainability: The park emphasizes eco-friendly practices, preserving the James and Ethel Gray Park’s natural beauty.
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Digital Booking: Enhanced online systems for seamless reservations and group packages, with mobile ticketing planned for 2025.
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Community Engagement: Increased school and corporate events, with tailored programs for youth development and team-building.
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Regional Growth: Acrobranch’s success in Melrose supports expansion, with 11 parks across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN.
Stay updated via acrobranch.co.za, yomzansi.com, or @acrobranch for news on upgrades and events.
Conclusion
Acrobranch Melrose, located in the scenic James and Ethel Gray Park, is Johannesburg’s premier treetop adventure park, offering exhilarating courses for ages 3 to 70+. With ziplines, Tarzan swings, and monkey bridges, it’s a safe, fun, and fitness-focused experience for families, schools, and corporate groups. Book early, dress appropriately, and enjoy post-adventure picnics in this lush setting. Leveraging promotions and Uber for safe travel, visitors can create lasting memories. This guide equips you to explore Acrobranch Melrose, ensuring an action-packed, unforgettable day in Jozi’s adventure capital.