An exhilarating adventure under the magical Cape moonlight
Forget about the usual snores you might hear late at night in the Western Cape. When the sun sets and the moon rises, a different sound takes over the air.
Imagine being whisked away on a thrilling journey through the Hottentots Holland mountains in the Elgin Valley. Suspended in mid-air, held by sturdy steel cables, you gracefully glide from one platform to another.
This is a unique and special experience that only happens when the moon is full. I saw a photo on Instagram from Cape Canopy Tour and it caught my attention. The picture showed people ziplining at night under the bright light of the full moon.
I never really thought about ziplining before and it wasn’t something I had considered doing. But there was something about the idea of soaring through the air, feeling the rush of wind against my face, that sparked my curiosity.
The Cape Canopy Tour is one of several ziplining adventures in Southern Africa, but it’s the newest one. It’s located in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is known for its diverse and beautiful plant life. This made the tour even more appealing to me, as I love nature and being in the outdoors.
Last Saturday, my brother Khwezi and I went on an exciting adventure up the mountain range. We joined a group of eight strangers and had four guides to lead us. We hopped into a 4X4 and started our journey. As we drove higher and higher, the scenery around us became more and more beautiful. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything. I couldn’t help but marvel at the lush greenery covering the mountainside. I knew I had to take it all in before nightfall.
The hike to the first platform was a nice warm-up for our bodies. The gentle ascent got our hearts pumping and prepared us for the adventure ahead. Little did I know, my excitement was beginning to transform into doubt.
In the Cape Floral Kingdom, there are 1300 species for every 10,000 square kilometers. Wow, that’s a lot of different plants and animals! One day, I decided to go on a zip-lining adventure. I was third in line, and I felt brave and excited. The person in front of me, Khwezi, made it look so easy. I sat down on the zip line and off I went, soaring through the air. I couldn’t help but let out a nervous but exhilarating scream. It echoed through the valley and made me realize how amazing this experience was.
As we went around the first turn, I knew I was hooked. I didn’t even think about turning back when we reached the third platform, which they called “The Last Chance Dance”. From up there, we could see beautiful waterfalls and all kinds of plants and trees. I even hoped we might spot fireflies or a Cape Leopard. As night fell and the landscape became dark, the real adventure began.
Guess what? The guides on our canopy tour didn’t just know how to crack hilarious jokes and zip through the forest like acrobats – they also had a nifty party trick up their sleeve: Christmas lights. Yes, that’s right! We actually wore Christmas lights as we soared through the treetops. But it wasn’t just for show. The lights helped the guides spot us on the other side and keep us safe.
Before we knew it, the wild ride was over. The grand finale was a thrilling 30-second zipline that left me grinning from ear to ear. After 4.5 hours of exploring the canopy, it was time for a leisurely evening hike back. And when we reached the end, we were treated to steaming cups of hot chocolate and hearty conversations with our fellow adventurers, who felt more like long-lost friends.
Psst! Here’s a secret perk just for you: If you book your Cape Canopy Tour online, you can get R100 off! Just use the promo code ‘GETAWAY’. This amazing deal is available until November 30, 2018, so grab it while you can!
Here’s what you need to know:
Hey there! So you’re interested in the Cape Canopy Tour, right? Well, let me give you all the details you need to know! First of all, the cost of the tour is R895 per person. If you want to book, you can easily do it online at canopytour.co.za/book-now/cape/.
Now, let’s talk about the sunset-full moon zipline. It’s a super cool experience, but there’s something you should keep in mind. It’s a limited edition, so it’s not always available. The next one will be at the end of October or the beginning of November this year. If you want to keep updated on when it’s happening, make sure to follow Cape Canopy Tour on Instagram or check out their website at canopytour.co.za.
The daytime tours run from 08:00 to 15:00, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the adventure. During the tour, you’ll visit 13 platforms, slide through 11 thrilling slides, and even cross a swing bridge. It’s going to be an adrenaline rush!
For safety, Cape Canopy provides you with a full body harness and helmet. So you’re in good hands. They recommend wearing comfortable clothes and sensible walking shoes. Sorry, no dresses or skirts allowed, as they might get in the way.
Be aware that at the end of the zipline tour, there’s a one-kilometre hike out, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the fun!
Lastly, let’s talk about the amazing guides. They are well-trained and truly care about your safety. In fact, safety is their number one priority. If you feel like showing your appreciation, you can give them a tip, which will be shared evenly among the guides.
So there you have it! Now you’re all set and ready for an unforgettable experience at Cape Canopy Tour. Have a blast!
Don’t worry if you’ve never ziplined before. I’ll explain the technique to you before we start. You can even bring your camera or smartphone, just make sure you have pockets with zips or a small backpack. It’s important to bring your own headlamp, but only for the nighttime ziplines. You’ll be told when to turn it on and off. For the day trips, you won’t need a headlamp. After the tour, you’ll get a light meal consisting of a farm-style pie and a light salad. If you’re coming from Cape Town on the N2, turn left into Elgin/Grabouw (across from Peregrine farmstall). Then, take the R321 towards Villiersdorp/Franschhoek. Keep going along the R321 for about 11 kilometers until you see the Cape Canopy Tour on your left.
