When Cape Town opened their first theme park nearly 17 years ago, it instantly jumped to the number one spot for the most visited places in Cape Town.
Ratanga Junction opened in December 1998, forming part of Century City’s development at the time and quickly became a favourite destination for people of all ages.
With its tropical island theme, exciting rides, and festive atmosphere, it was a place where families and friends came to have fun.
The park’s most famous attraction was the roller-coaster, the Cobra, which towered over the park and became a landmark sight when driving up and down the N1 highway.
Other rides include the exhilarating Monkey Falls and Crocodile Gorge rides, often leaving riders soaked but laughing with excitement.
The theme park had something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to younger children enjoying gentler rides.
Despite its growing popularity during peak times, the park struggled financially from the start.
Operating costs were high, especially in winter when visitor numbers dropped. Over time, parts of the park were shut down, and rides like the Diamond Devil Run and Crocodile Gorge were closed.
By 2014, news started surfacing that Ratanga Junction was losing its battle to stay open.
Four years later, on May 1, 2018, Ratanga Junction closed for good, with many of the rides sold or dismantled.
It is believed that the famous Cobra, the iconic sight on the N1, has now moved abroad, operating in Iowa, America at the Lost Island Theme Park, while the Diamond Devil Run was relocated to a park in Chile.
Since the closure, the park stood empty for weeks, while Cape Town watched the famous Cobra slowly being dismantled.
The site was since transformed into residential apartments, offices, and Ratanga Park, a public area with water features and green spaces.
