This surreal walkway recently installed in Cape Town, South Africa, creates a meandering, aerial path that allows visitors to stroll through the treetops. The steel-and-pinewood Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway begins on the forest floor, gradually sloping upward and eventually elevating guests to a spectacular vantage point above the canopy. From the heights, guests can witness the South African forest in all its glory – and in all kinds of weather. Sometimes, visitors must bring umbrellas to walk through the clouds and fog engulfing the lofty canopy. Benches placed periodically along the walkway offer ideal spots to take in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset while suspended in the atmosphere.

The snaking bridge, inspired by the shape of a snake skeleton, measures 130 meters long – the equivalent of about 1.5 football fields. It was built over a period of two years with about $400,000 of private donations. By carefully hoisting the prefabricated steel beams over the canopy, the builders were able to give people an amazing new way to appreciate the forest while causing minimal disturbance to the natural environment.

Kirstenbosch Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway website

via [Twisted Sifter]