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Dec 2003
Article: Last Chance! Publication: Wildside Magazine Canopy Tour: Karkloof For an exhilarating experience and a new perspective on nature, it's hard to beat a canopy tour. |
"Last Chance" is an appropriate name for the second platform at the Karkloof Canopy Tour in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands because it really is your last chance to decide if you want to glide along steel cables between canopy level platforms built high, very high, in South Africa's second largest indigenous forest. There is no turning back, it's quite impossible.
By the time you have reached the "Last Chance" platform you look somewhere between a construction worker and professional climber with full body harness, a kaleidoscope of cords with carabineer clips, a helmet and leather gloves. You have had your safety lesson, the professional guides know what they are doing, and there are so many safety backups that there is no rational reason to turn back. Besides, this would require pulling yourself back, monkey-style along the first slide and this seems like far too much effort.
You gently slip off the Last Chance platform, dangling, suspended, then released and foefie-slide 50 metres above the ground. When you slip off the platform one hand is on the cable behind your neck - as this is your breaking system - apply pressure to the cable and you slow down. Guides take care of the rest. At no stage are you free of being clipped onto something - it looks like a maypole when groups gather on the platforms. The guides work methodically and professionally throughout.
There are seven platforms joined by heavy-duty steel cable that zigzag down the pristine valley of indigenous forest. While sliding, at some stages for 175 metres, it is difficult to appreciate the views. There is a lot of concentration going on because each slide brings a new experience. When you are facing the "bums up" platform, you wonder how you are really going to lift your bottom up out of the way of the rock. For those who are not reed thin, it's comforting to know that the load-bearing capacity of the clips and cable is more than 2 tons.
It is on the platforms that you really have an opportunity to stand amongst the giants, the Yellowwoods, Stinkwoods and Ironwoods. There is abundant bird life with the opportunity of spotting Knysna Loeries, Emerald Cuckoos, a variety of raptors and the illusive Narina Trogon or endangered Cape Parrot. For some of us though all we heard was the shriek of delight from sliders, especially on one of the slides that seemed to swoop across the valley.
The ride takes approximately three hours. Children, and those who feel they need assistance, can be accompanied on the slide. This is important because riders are responsible for controlling their speed with the hand breaking system. Imagine suggesting to a faster-is-better 10 year old boy that he should slow himself down on a slide. Adults may also need the help of a guide, highly recommended for one particularly steep-starting slide where a strong upper arm pressing down on the cable prevents you from too fast a start that could see you crashing into the tree on this slide. Aside from this slide and the "bums up" slide, rides are obstacle free.
The walk out of the forest is brief, and it is surreal to emerge from the indigenous forest into Anton Barnes' garden. Anton bought the property in 1999, because he says, it was paradise. He enjoyed showing people the indigenous forest, and he thought what better way to do it than by gliding above the canopy, not damaging this pristine indigenous environment.
After extensive planning, involvement of numerous organizations, completion of an environmental impact study, Karkloof Canopy Tours was opened in July 2003. If you ever wished you could just drive up to a country house nestling amongst farmlands, step inside to a welcome host, a roaring fire, relax around a beautiful dining room table and be served the most memorable meal over a bottle of good red wine then wish no longer, and visit Norma Maguire at Thistledown.
Shopping malls, busy restaurants, its become far removed from how it used to be. An evening meal out in town is not always relaxing. Impatient servers force you to make speedy decisions after a complicated menu is presented, and if that is not enough, they garble on about specials. And none of it is special, really. None of this at Thistledown. No menu, no pressure, and from the time you arrive, it is special, really special. Relax around the fireplace before sitting down to a memorable meal. We enjoyed salmon soufflé, beef goulash, strawberry mousse. There is no need to go on about the meal, it is above any food critique.
Norma prepares different meals each day, but we heard that her sushi is to "drive for"- out into the country. At only R105 for a three-course meal, R 115 for a four-course meal, and Japanese at R125 it is well worth it. Breakfasts and lunches are also served, and we could only imagine how superb this would be on the verandah looking out into the countryside. Booking is absolutely essential. Telephone Norma on 033 330 2629 or 082 491 0533.
Karkloof is situated in a mistbelt, bringing intermittent inclement weather, so check with Karkloof Canopy Tours before you head off because rides are sometimes cancelled due to weather conditions. Booking is essential. The cost is R395 including all equipment, guides, and a light lunch.
Telephone Karkloof Canopy Tours on (033) 330 3415 or visit the website www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za.
Wildside Viewpoint
Compared to other big outdoor adventure activities, it's well priced and a lifetime experience. Pay close attention to the guides instructions, and particular attention to the breaking system. If you have any doubt, go with a guide.
