So many of the zipline and canopy tour operators are situated in attractive areas, but the Drakensberg Canopy Tour must certainly be one of the most beautiful. Situated in an indigenous yellow wood forest of the Central Drakensberg, in the shadow of the towering Cathkin Peak, a world heritage site, this canopy tour is spectacular.
Shonta Hatting, one of the operators, says, “We boast Africa’s first elevated rock face walkway and our canopy Tour offers a good mix of both cliff face and treetop platforms.”
Essentially, think of a zipline or canopy tour as a twenty-first century foefie slide. However, it is faster, safer, longer and a lot scarier than the old wire-across-the-river-and-jump-before-you-hit-the-pole type of fun!
What, you may ask, is the difference between a canopy tour and a zipline? Well, on the basics they are very similar. There is a long steel cable that slopes from one end to the other and the adventurer, using a well-oiled pulley, rides the length of the wire while attached to the pulley by a harness. Yip, upper body strength is no longer required.
What to expect at the Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Number of Slides: 12 | Number of Platforms: 14 | Longest Slide: 180m
Highest Slide: 65m | Max Speed: 65km/h
Duration: 2½ – 3 hours depending on the size of your group
The scenery is spectacular with dense forest, noisy waterfalls and rocky cliffs and over 150 species of birds including the rare Bush Blackcap.
Shonta adds; “Led by trained guides as you glide between platforms perched in trees and on cliff faces, allow your senses to flood with the timeless atmosphere of the forest. The inspiring nature of the majestic Drakensberg, the ancient indigenous forest, waterfalls and the cascading stream make this an opportunity not to be missed.”
As with all Canopy Tours, the adventure starts with a safety briefing and demonstration where guests are kitted up with a full body harness, pulley, gloves and safety helmet.
From reception an open vehicle transports you to the start of the tour. The guides are fantastic and are not only helpful but extremely entertaining. They instil confidence and inform you of the local history and fauna and flora.
Each tour is accompanied by two professional guides, who will see you through the 12 routes as you launch from the tree tops and cliff faces.
As with all adrenaline experiences, you are left famished and thirsty after your canopy experience. Never fear, as there is a light meal waiting for you at reception.
For more information, visit www.canopytour.co.za/locations/drakensberg or call 083 661 5691.
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