Welcome to the thrill of aerial adventure - canopy tours, gorge swinging and the Flying Fox, where the rush of wind through your hair comes standard, and your ‘dear life’ is only attached to a harness, as you go whizzing by an indigenous Knysna Loerie in mid-air…
What exactly is a canopy tour?
‘Canopy tours involve cable slides that are attached to platforms in the tree canopy of the forest,’ says tour instructor Andre Kruger from Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours. These cable slides are located anything from 19 to 35 m above the forest floor. The company’s canopy tour in the Tsitsikamma sports 10 slides and 10 platforms (all constructed in accordance with civil engineering standards), with slide lengths varying from 35 to 91 m.
Worth Two in the Bush
On a canopy tour, Kruger explains ‘There are 2 guides on site to escort you through the forest. For safety reasons we don’t allow solo sliding. They will handle your equipment and make sure you are safe and connected correctly the whole time.’ These trained tour guides will also tell you more about the forest and point out interesting stuff about your environment amongst the treetops.
Too old? Never!
Kruger says that anybody between the ages of 7 and 70 years (max 120kg) can enjoy the tree-top tour; even people with special needs can do it. The tour costs around R395, including a light lunch. Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours also offers explorers the Woodcutters Journey - a carefree ride in a vehicle suited especially for a trip through the Stormsriver Pass, where the magic of the lush forest is within arm’s reach. Upmarket backpacker accommodation is available in order for you to make a whole adventure-filled weekend out of your trip to the Tsitsikamma.
Best Swinging in SA
The Garden Route in the Eastern Cape is the most rewarding area in South Africa to embark on a canopy tour, according to Kruger. This area is known for its indigenous forests where ancient trees such as the yellowwood, stinkwood and hard pear settled their roots hundreds of years ago. Canopy tours take place throughout the year, with summer being the favourite season to swing in.
One Giant Leap for Mankind
If you find yourself 30 minutes east of Plettenberg Bay on the N2, why not take a giant leap from Africa’s tallest bridge? This must-do bungee jump on the Garden Route is the world’s highest bungee, clocking in at 216m. Face Adrenalin – an appropriately named group of people who will awaken the adrenalin-junkie inside you – operates the Bloukrans bungee, where you can experience 7-seconds of pure free-fall! Using pendulum bungee technology, the ride of your life is guaranteed!
Flying Fox
Believe it or not, jumping from our continent’s tallest bridge is regarded as one of the safest adventure activities in the world - Face Adrenalin prides itself on a 100% safety record. Its website proudly displays a Guinness Book of World Records certificate for the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. This adrenalin rush should definitely not go un-experienced and at only R590 per jump, it’s definitely worthwhile. The company also offers a 200 m cable slide (named the Flying Fox) for R150 per person.
Gorge Swing
Gorge swinging is another popular pastime for those who (literally) want to live on the edge. Oribi Gorge sports the highest swing in the world, which is located at the top of KwaZulu-Natal’s Lehrs Waterfall. The location also lends itself to picturesque walks and picnics next to the Umzimkulwana River - perfect if your friends are into more laid-back activities.
More Adventure Options
The list of adventure sports in South Africa is endless – paragliding, bridge-jumps, bridge-swinging, abseiling and skydiving are only some of the adventure activities at which South Africa excels. Embark on an airborne eco-affair and get closer to nature than ever before!
© Photographs are courtesy and copyright of Tree Top Canopy Tours.
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