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Adventure
Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Whizzing from platform to platform sometimes as high as 65m above the forest floor, on the Drakensberg Canopy Tour, is an exhilarating experience. Kitted up in harness, helmet and welding gloves after a safety briefing the adventure begins with a hike through untouched forest to the first slide.
The brochure claims that the Canopy Tour is suitable for anyone, aged 7-70. This may be true of the actual sliding, but the hike into and out of the forest on the Drakensberg Canopy Tour was very steep. If you wheeze for half an hour after climbing twenty steps, the hike may be a bit much for you.
(Apparently the Karkloof Canopy Tour involves a less strenuous hike. Don't be put off at the thought of this exertion as it is manageable for anyone who is relatively fit and sliding through the trees along fourteen slides is not to be missed.)
The guides are very professional and were patient even with those of us who chickened out half way, used the welding gloves to stop and then had to pull themselves backwards along the cable, using just arm strength, to reach the platform - something else which may prove too much for the less than athletic. I did learn quickly, though, and soon felt like Tarzan flying through the treetops whilst absorbing the spectacular view.
The price is quite steep: R450 per person, which includes a chicken mayo roll and some juice afterwards. If you want the professional dvd made of your adventure, you're going to have to hand over another R150. For people in search of a unique, thrilling experience, though, a Canopy Tour is one of the best around.
The Drakensberg Canopy Tour is situated at the Drakensberg Sun in the Champagne Valley and can be contacted on 036 - 468 1981. The Karkloof Canopy Tour is near Howick. Call them on 033 - 330 3415. Booking is essential.
What Others Said
Marlene said
on 20 May 2010This place is awesome :)
i loved it and would do it again any day!!!