Taschica Pillay tries out the latest canopy tour
I was paralysed with fear as I began my adventure into the Drakensberg's Blue Grotto forest for a series of glides between platforms perched in trees and bolted on cliff faces.
But our first stop - after a short ride up the mountain in an open bakkie - was at Barry's Grave. Our guide, Rasta, explained that Barry, a pioneering climber, had died at the age of 22 on Monks Cowl in 1938 - not the most promising start to the glides for our group made up mainly of novices.
Then began our descent into the forest, which was a rather slippery affair after days of rain. As we walked, Rasta pointed out the trees that surround his "office". The forest is also home to 150 bird species, including the rare Bush Blackcap.
The newly opened Drakensberg Canopy Tour is one of five in South Africa, the others being Tsitsikamma, Karkloof, Magaliesberg and Magoebaskloof. It is situated in the Blue Grotto valley on the property of the Drakensberg Sun Hotel.
The tour is ideal for nature and bird enthusiasts, with elevated rock-face walkways, a suspension bridge, tree-bound platforms, mountain views and magnificent slides over the river far below.
At base camp, everyone was kitted with a full body harness, pulley, gloves and helmet.
Upon reaching the first slide, Rabbit Hole, I felt like Alice going into Wonderland. And the glide was a piece of cake, short and only a teaser for what to expect. A step off the ledge and you find yourself sliding to the other end of the cable. I was assured that the engineer-designed slides were safe and no one is ever not hooked to a safety cable.
I found myself wondering why was I being such a baby - until I reached my fourth slide. The highest , it is 60m above the forest floor.
I opted to do a tandem and slid across hooked to Rasta, but all I could think about was reaching the platform. I didn't even enjoy the views of the waterfall. On getting there, I realised I should've done it on my own because it felt no different. From then till the 12th and final glide, I went solo.
The next was the fastest and longest - 170m. And wow, was that lovely.
The worst thing that can happen is that you brake too soon and stop before you've reached the next platform - as happened to me many a time at the beginning. I then had to drag myself to safety. And if you brake too late, you could also end up crash-landing onto the platform, something I also did.
As for my partner, he did each glide perfectly while taking in the views - proving that one can just enjoy the moment, without fear.
The tour is not physically demanding, except for the 20-minute hike out of the forest to a waiting bakkie. The drive back allowed me to catch my breath and take in the majestic views.
For those still in search of adventure, there's Four Rivers Rafting and Adventures down the road (about 15km) from the Drakensberg Canopy Tour, offering white-water rafting, mountain biking, archery, paintball, quad-bike guided trail rides and a 300m-long foefie slide - which is child's play in comparison to the canopy tour.
FAST FACTS
WHERE IT IS: Over 400km from Jo’burg; about 240km from Durban to the central Drakensberg.
WHO SHOULD GO: Anyone aged seven to 70 is welcome.
DURATION: The experience lasts about three to three-and-a-half hours.
GROUP SIZES: Maximum of eight at a time. Larger groups are split.
COST: R450 per person, which includes equipment and a light meal.
TO BOOK: Call 083-661-5691 or e-mail info@drakensbergcanopytour.co.za.
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