The ‘New Year’ buzz with all its big smiles and invigorating spirits’ dissolves a little after getting back into the day to day things of life. The stressful knots that reside in my shoulders who I’ve reluctantly named ‘cranky’ and ‘more cranky’ somehow announce their presence more often than I prefer. With all that being said, I was delighted to hear that the team and I (The D Team) would be visiting the very popular Karkloof Canopy Tour situated in Karkloof near Howick, in the Midlands.
The drive from Durban was just right with the jovial conversation of our fellow Durbanites and the scenery that makes you feel like a tourist in your own province. As we took the turn onto the gravel road, the excitement spilled over and we were surprised to meet many families arriving from their tours. We were welcomed by the team and introduced to our tour leader “Shade” (we thought his name was quite befitting as the sun started peaking through). Shade informed us that we would be watching a safety/information video and thereafter we could gear up for the action. The video revealed that zip-lining originated in Costa Rica where bird academics wanted to find a convenient way to watch and study their flight-worthy and friendly subjects. This later became a tourist activity and in 2003 the canopy tour came to reside in Karkloof forest with its pristine environment and home to several mammals and abundant bird life.
“Karkloof Canopy Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the fauna and flora of this paradise from a different perspective.” This got us holding onto our seats (literally) as we headed off on the back of the tour van (bumps and all) seeking out our first of the nine zip-lines. As we trekked off with our hard hats and harnesses we looked like professional climbers all togged up for the adventurous lines of freedom that awaited our screams and thrills of joy. It was at this point that we arrived at our first platform and I felt abnormally calm (in case I wasn’t clear I am a tad bit dramatic when it comes to adrenaline pumping, height related activities). This was the shortest of the zip-lines with a total length of 40m and was regarded as a warm up (aka The Rabbit Hole) to the lengthier zip-lines that would definitely test our courage – it’s good to mention that this sporting activity is best suited for the adventurous types (check) with an overflowing love of nature (check). After accomplishing the first 3 zip-lines (the second of which was named: “Last Chance” – yes, this daunted me too but was so worth it), I was completely at awe with the view and the technique involved in zip-lining (I really felt like a pro). Of course this was all because of Shade and Siyabonga and our third guide (who remained unnamed) and was sort of like our guardian angel, with his secret snacks and juice boxes in his backpack and his explanations at all the platforms, he certainly made us feel comfortable throughout our tour. The fourth zip-line named: Waterfall was indeed majestic; to be able to stand on a platform with some of the coolest Durbanites I know just left me all gooey-ed up inside (in case you didn’t you know that’s a good thing).
After about 2 hours, as that saying goes, all good things come to an end and so I had to say farewell to my beloved new favorite thing to do in KZN. As we rounded up and walked through the woods, we passed through two rocky streams and the magnificent scenery truly governed me with a sense of calm. It was at this point that I really felt at ease, the experience was one that had gotten rid of ‘cranky’ and ‘more cranky’ and superbly left me completely relaxed. So I would like to formally say thank you to the Karkloof forest and all the wonderful people who made our slide away the stress in zip-line style absolutely remarkable!
