Cape Town - There are things you learn about yourself when you are on top of a mountain. For example, I am more freaked out about great heights than I thought.
It happens when you are standing on a narrow wooden ledge hundreds of metres above the ground. The “don’t look down” rule applies, but once you are triple-clipped on to the strong metal cable and step off the edge, that fear miraculously evaporates, and is replaced with elation.
This is zip-lining in one of the most spectacular locations in the Western Cape, courtesy of the newly launched Cape Canopy Tour, one of several around the country. It takes place in the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve, a short drive from Elgin. The tour comprises 13 platforms, 11 lines, and a suspension bridge. This simple description doesn’t even begin to cover the reality of this amazing adventure.
Before you get to the first line, there is a bumpy 11km, 20 minute drive in a 4x4 up to almost the very peak of the mountain range – about 1 000m high – followed by a short walk. Before that, you will have been extensively briefed at base camp as to what to expect, what to do, and how all the harnesses and safety equipment works. The two guides accompanying you will explain it all again before your first trip, and answer any questions or concerns during the trip. They are also trained to educate you about the flora and fauna you will see along the way.
Not everyone looks sexy in a full body harness draped with ropes and carabiners, but the gorgeous Asiphe Ngewu pulls it off. Along with Jerry Lindani, she hooked us up and sent us on our way. With a guide at each end of the line, to which you are attached in three places, emergency brakes for when you’re coming in too fast (yes, that was me), and safety lines on each platform, you are never in a moment’s danger. It’s just your stupid brain that says “what the heck do you think you are doing with your toes over this deep ravine?”, which is a perfectly natural primal reaction.
So I looked up at the sky until I was ready to go, and then enjoyed the ride. Whooping with joy is encouraged, and you should definitely not close your eyes. This form of zip-lining requires the use of one leather-gloved hand on the cable to control your speed so if you want to take it slowly and enjoy the view, that’s your choice. It really is incredibly beautiful. The other option is to let it rip and whizz along at top speed. Either way, it is exhilarating.
Although the tour takes four to five hours – depending on the size of your group and how long you spend on the midway ice tea and biscuit break – somehow it’s all over far too soon. The lines are satisfyingly long, the suspension bridge is way cool (unless you have a joker in your pack who thinks it’s funny to make it sway while you’re crossing), and there are so many varying weather conditions that each time will be different. Apparently sometimes you get to zip through a rainbow.
There’s another hike back to the pick-up vehicle, which is fairly strenuous for the less fit among us. Depending on the time of day you do your trip, a light lunch of a baguette with chips is offered at the Sunbird Café headquarters before or afterwards, and you’re welcome to linger over a nice cold beverage. Oh, and by the way, you get a free birthday tour, and maybe even a cupcake with a candle.
Couple of personal tips from me: wear layers of clothing. Conditions can and do change drastically during the time you’re up there. Rain gear is supplied by Cape Canopy Tour. Also wear a small backpack. In it put sun block, extra bits of clothing, cellphone or camera. A cap under your helmet is also a good idea. Sunglasses… well, if they fall off your face you’re never going to get them back.
Verdict: Fun found.
Contact Cape Canopy Tour on 021 300 0501, or see www.capecanopytour.co.za.
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