Known as the Garden of the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma is wedged between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the sea. Extending all the way from the Bloukrans River in the west to Clarkson in the east, it features high mountains, deep gorges, cascades and stately forests, which makes it the ultimate adventure sports destination.
The following activities are a must for those with adventure in their soul.
Bungee Bloukrans
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It’s the highest commercial bungee jump in the world; making it a must for daredevils and those who love extreme adventure. At 216 metres, jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge into the rugged ravine below offers the ultimate bungee thrill for enthusiasts. Safety is stringent and the operation is highly professional.
Twist Through the Treetops
Swinging between trees on a system of steel cables was the only way biologists in Costa Rica could study animal behaviour in the upper forest canopy – a previously unexplored ecosystem. You can now enjoy a similar Tarzan-like experience with Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours through the lush indigenous forest near Storms River.
A system of securely attached steel cables links ancient trees in the forest. Each has a landing platform too, so you can take a breather between swings. Not only is it a thrilling sensation, but the experience also creates awareness of the beauty and importance of the indigenous forests and its inhabitants.
While there may not be much time to identify trees as you swing 30 metres above the ground, there are over 100 different trees in the forest and about 250 types of birds. Highly trained guides accompany you all the way and give interesting information en route.
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Slide Over a Waterfall
If you want to experience the exuberance of childhood with a good dash of adrenalin, then a ‘foefie’ slide or zip slide ride will do it. You swing 50 metres above the ground over the Kruis River, then down a ravine and over 3 waterfalls.
There are 8 cables in all; the longest is 211 meters, which is a fair stretch of pumping action. If you remember, you can hear the flowing river throughout the hour or two you are surveying the scenery from a bird’s eye view.
Abseil to a Raft
Once you negotiate the 30 meter abseil down into a fern carpet below, you can leave behind the craggy cliffs, hop in a raft and finish the experience at the base of a waterfall.
From terror to perfect peace within the hour.
Dive a Scuba Trail
In the iconic and beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park is a most unusual trail, with no boots required. Rather, don a mask and fins and follow the unique scuba trail that starts just in front of the main reception area.
A basic scuba qualification is needed to embark on this trail that showcases the rich reef life of the park. Other dive sites that offer both abundance and diversity are Grootbank Island, Jacob’s Reef and Athena Wreck.
Tubing Black Water
Dressed in a wetsuit for warmth and a helmet for protection, enthusiasts claw their way down a steep, rocky gorge to where their robust rubber tubes await them on ‘black water’ stained by tannins from surrounding vegetation.
Then you’re off down the river, floating on your back between sheer rock walls, sometimes negotiating rocky sections as you go. There’s a highly trained Storms River Adventures guide accompanying you all the way and the scenery is magnificent.
Quad and Get Dirty
It doesn’t matter if you have your own quad bike or not. Kouga Quad Adventures has all you need to enjoy an unforgettable, exhilarating ride through the surrounding mountains. From just 2 or 3 hours to 2 or 3 days, there are plenty of quad trail options to suit everyone from beginners to hardened riders.
There are also numerous other quad bike and 4x4 trails to try out.
Mountain magic
Less extreme, but no less enjoyable, are a variety of mountain bike tracks and trails in the Tsitsikamma area. Very popular is the 22km Storms River Adventure Route that traverses scenic and tranquil state forest, allowing riders to stay cool in the process.
Whatever your choice of adventure, the strictest safety standards and the latest technology are the order of the day along the Tsitsikamma adventure route. So come and get that adrenalin flowing.
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