Durban - I’m no Adrenalin junkie. But when the opportunity arose to be among the first to try Karkloof Canopy’s moonlight tour, I jumped at it.
After all, friends had gushed about the exhilarating experience of the day tours and I was keen to try it out for myself, despite my mild fear of heights.
Karkloof Canopy tours, which is just outside Howick, is an easy 90-minute drive from Durban and is situated in a spectacular valley of the mistbelt podacarpus Karkloof Forest Reserve.
The tour involves gliding from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30m above the forest floor. It comprises nine platforms and eight ziplines that zigzag down a pristine forested valley. One of the stops is below a 15m waterfall.
On arrival, the media group was warmly welcomed by manager Kai Schulz, all of us keen to experience the inaugural full moon canopy tour.
We were also fortunate to meet engineer Mark Brown, who accompanied us on the tour. Brown built the slide system almost 10 years ago and has assisted in building a number of other canopy tours across the country.
The Karkloof Canopy Tour is the second canopy tour to be built in South Africa and features slides between 40 and 180m long. The 180m slide is known as the N3, and with good reason.
Before getting kitted up in a full body harness, pulley, climbing equipment and safety helmet, we were shown a brief introductory video about the tour and given basic safety instructions.
Staff members were friendly and proved a reassuring presence as they ensured our gear was correctly secured. We were also given headlamps to light our way.
Although I was nervous, Schulz and Brown assured me I would be fine. And I was… at first.
The feeling of sailing down the slide (on the steel cable) while taking in the breathtaking views of the forest is indescribable.
As it happened, we didn’t need our headlamps as the full moon provided more than enough illumination.
When our group of eight, which is the maximum group size, reached the second platform - aptly named “Point of No Return”, we were told there was no going back.
If your nerves get the better of you, you can either turn back (not advisable as you will miss out on an amazing adventure) or ride tandem with one of the guides. Each group is always escorted by a lead guide and safety guide.
With a maximum weight carried of 130kg, speed is determined by applying or releasing pressure to the cable.
We were able to stop at each platform and take in the astounding views. But I have to confess that my fear kicked in by the third platform and I couldn’t continue on my own. Schulz and Brown were very understanding and suggested I ride in tandem with Gift, one of the guides.
As I was beyond the point of no return, I had no choice but to soldier on, and I’m glad I did.
It was easier with Gift’s expert hands in control, as I could take in the spectacular views without worrying about how fast I was going – when my eyes weren’t screwed tightly shut, that is.
Although the smallest in the group, I clearly had the healthiest set of lungs as I screamed during every slide. It was part excitement and part terror.
I was pleased to reach the final platform and touch terra firma. I could have kissed it, but settled for a happy dance. Gift declared that I had the loudest scream he had ever heard.
After a brief walk back to the main house, we sat around a campfire, had drinks and a delicious meal.
Schulz later told me that he recommends that people who have done the tour in the day and know what to expect should try the night tour, which is a completely different experience.
I plan to return to take in the sights during the day and will probably scream throughout… but boy, what an experience!
More info: Rockwood Mountain Lodge www.rockwood.co.za - Sunday Tribune