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Karkloof Canopy Tour: Slide away the stress in Zip-line Style…

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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!

 

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Attractions

Drakensberg Hikes with PathFinders_SA

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Explore the Drakensberg mountains with PathFinders_SA!

The purpose of PathFinders_SA is to provide more people with the opportunity to experience the majesty of the mountains and all they have to teach us. They achieve this through offering guided adventures in the Drakensberg, South Africa: their guides are qualified and registered with CATHSETTA. PathFinders_SA offer both calendar hikes (pre-planned adventures that any individual or small group may join) as well as customised group trips. We are able to guide anywhere in the Drakensberg, and are not limited to a few commercial routes. However, here are some of their community favourites:

Mnweni Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 30km, 1500m elevation gain
Level: intermediate
Cost: R2000pp including permits, guide and tents


Mnweni Circuit

Mafadi
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 52km, 1800m elevation gain
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Highest peak in South Africa
Cost: R2500pp including permits, guide and tents

Pillar Cave
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 5km
Level: beginner. Suitable for children
Cost: R1200pp including permits, guide and dinner and breakfast on the mountain


Pillar Cave

Rhino Peak
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 21km
Level: intermediate (2days), advanced (1day)
Cost: R1000pp including permits and guide


Rhino Peak

Didima Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 35km
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Tseketseke Hut and Roland’s Cave
Cost: R2200pp including permits, guide and tents


Roland’s Cave

Amphitheatre Adventure
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 12km
Level: beginner to intermediate
Cost: R2500pp including permits, shuttle to the start and guide


Amphitheatre

For more information or to book your next adventure, connect with us:

Website: www.pathfinderssa.com
Instagram: @pathfinders_sa
Call: 071 411 0768
Email: pathfinderssa@gmail.com

 

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Attractions

Eight Larger-Than-Life Monster Jam® Trucks are Heading to SA

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Less than a month to go until Monster Jam® races back to South Africa.

American-based Feld Motor Sports, Inc, a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, and leading local promoter, Showtime Management, together with partners McDonald’s South Africa (SA) and SuperSport together with regional radio media partners KFM 94.5, 947 and East Coast Radio are pleased to announce the full Monster Jam truck and driver line-up.

Monster Jam starts in Cape Town at the DHL Stadium on Saturday, 22 April followed by FNB Stadium Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 April and ending at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 06 May for one exciting event only at 6pm in each city. In addition, Monster Jam also features breath-taking Freestyle Motocross (FMX) exhibitions. This is unbeatable full-throttle fun for the entire family. The popularity of Monster Jam in South Africa has resulted in Pit Party tickets being sold out across all three cities in record time! Event tickets are still on sale exclusively from www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za the official Monster Jam SA ticketing agent. But hurry, get into gear, seats are selling fast!

The line-up of eight Monster Jam trucks features multiple fan favourites such as the legendary Grave Digger®; Max-DTM, the futuristic SUV celebrating 20 years of Monster Jam action; mighty Megalodon®; the raging bull, El Toro Loco®; Monster Mutt® Dalmatian remembered for its massive floppy ears; the ever-popular Zombie™; regular Monster Jam World Finals competitor®, Blue Thunder®; and making its South Africa debut, Earth Shaker®. The design of the Earth Shaker truck pays homage to the trucks, machines, and construction crews that build Monster Jam tracks all over the world. Even the driver’s fire suit was created with a construction crew theme.

The all-star international drivers competing in SA are 2019 Monster Jam World Finals Speedster Champion Matt Cody (Grave Digger); Blake Granger(Max-D), the 2019 Monster Jam World Finals ATV Racing Champion; off-road short course champion and rising star Monster Jam star, Brandon Arthur (El Toro Loco); Myranda Cozad (Monster Mutt Dalmatian), Chelsea VanCleave (Zombie), successfully transitioning from racing dragsters to racing Monster Jam trucks; Tony Ochs (Earth Shaker) winner of the 2019 Arena Freestyle of the Year trophy; and Camden Murphy (Blue Thunder) winner of the 2022 Monster Jam Fan Favorite Driver of the Year. Charlie Pauken, who previously drove Grave Digger at the 2019 Monster Jam SA tour, returns to South Africa behind the wheel of Megalodon. Charlie won the 2010 Monster Jam World Finals Freestyle trophy driving Monster Mutt and has also won Monster Jam Stadium Series Championships in 2018 and 2020.

Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 4,500 kg machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour to produce jaw-dropping, live motor sports action seen around the world. Now across all Monster Jam events, fans in every city will have the chance to vote for the winner in the two-wheel and freestyle competitions by real-time, in-stadium fan voting on their smartphones.

One of two female Monster Jam drivers competing in SA, Myranda Cozad loves being behind the steering wheel, be it an ATV, drag racing car or her Monster Mutt Dalmatian truck! Myranda started her career in 2016 and says her driving style “has become more and more aggressive. I love to get big air and keep the fans on the edge of their seats!” Fellow female Monster Jam driver is Chelsea VanCleave, currently competing in and seeing success during her rookie season with Monster Jam. Chelsea entered Monster Jam with plenty of motor racing experience and knowledge, both behind the wheel and under the hood. Chelsea graduated Monster Jam University where she honed her two-wheel skills and mastered hitting sky wheelies.

Tony Ochs, a 7-year veteran with Monster Jam, will make his South African debut later this month. He has been able to use knowledge from his time as a certified Apache helicopter technician and as the stunt motorcycle crew chief for Feld Entertainment’s Marvel Universe LIVE! to master driving these mechanical Monster Jam beasts. Ochs is looking forward to visiting South Africa and to showing his competition skills.

Standing four metres tall and four metres wide, the custom designed Monster Jam trucks are powered by super-charged engines delivering more than 1,500 horsepower. With tyres 1.7 metres tall, a Monster Jam truck can jump as far as 43 metres in length.

South African fans will witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts and fierce head-to-head battles for the Event Championship. Engineered to perfection, Monster Jam trucks push all limits in Freestyle, Skills and Racing competitions.

It is not long now until Monster Jam is back in SA! Limited seats available. Avoid disappointment, book now only at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za. Ticketmaster is the only official Monster Jam SA ticketing agent. There are significant risks in buying from other sources and entry to a Monster Jam event is not guaranteed.

Please note the following important information. Children under 3 years are not permitted. Strictly no unaccompanied minors. Fans are encouraged to wear earplugs or earmuffs in order to let your family enjoy the fun while reducing the exposure to high levels of noise. Professional cameras are not permitted. See entry guidelines on the relevant stadium’s website.

For more information on Monster Jam log onto MonsterJam.com, follow Monster Jam on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. #MonsterJamSA. Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/MonsterJam

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Attractions

TYRELIFE SOLUTIONS PARTNERS WITH THE GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO 2023

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B-Active Events SA is proud to announce that TYRELIFE Solutions is the headline partner of the 2023 Great Outdoors Expo being staged from the 24th to the 26th of March at Suncoast in Durban.

The exciting and much anticipated TYRELIFE Solutions GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO is back after a 3-year Covid hiatus. The 2023 EXPO ventures to a new venue, SUNCOAST, right on Durban’s beautiful beachfront.

The 2023 TyreLife Solutions Great Outdoors Expo is a blend of truly African outdoor products and experiences combined with unique African brands that will prepare you to experience Africa the way it was mean to be seen. The 2023 Expo will run for 3 days during Durban's best weather season of March, giving our outdoor exhibitors and attendees a warm and unique experience.

The new Expo venue at Suncoast gives the TYRELIFE Solutions GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO easier accessibility and greater exposure to the province of KZN. The centrally located venue is safe with easy access to the M4, N3 and greater Durban.

“The decision to be this year’s Title Sponsor at the Great Outdoors Expo was a no-brainer for TyreLife Solutions. With an entrenched heritage in off-road travel solutions, TyreLife sees the Great Outdoor Expo as a like-minded partner in promoting family togetherness and our outdoor way of life. And, let’s face it, there’s no better way to rope a family together than on the open road.

We’re confident the show will be another great success and look forward to showcasing our leading automotive brands. By dealing directly with manufacturers such as Cooper Tires, Mickey Thompson, MOMO and Dirty Life Wheels, who exclusively supply TyreLife Solutions, we’re able to provide competitive prices through our online, mobile-friendly wheel and tyre store: www.tyrelife.co.za

So, come join us at Suncoast in March 2023, visit our stand and meet our wheel & tyre experts, who can accurately advise you on what’s best for your vehicle and your family’s safety. See you there” says Georg Schramm, CEO of Tyre Life Solutions.

“The exciting Partnership with TyreLife Solutions gives the Expo the backing it needs to be the biggest and most inclusive Outdoor Expo in KZN. It’s the perfect fit for us and our exhibitors and we are proud to have them onboard with us. The Expo has already sold over 60% of its stands in the last few months and the Expo is excited to welcome all the visitors from around KZN to Suncoast in March 2023”, says Damian Bradley, CEO of B-Active Events.

The 2023 Tyrelife Solutions Great Outdoors Expo is a blend of amazing outdoor products and experiences combined with unique brands that will awaken your adventurous side!

Stands and activations expected in 2023:
Offroad Vehicle Accessories
Offroad and road Vehicles
Caravans and Camping trailers
Outdoor Accessories
Camping Equipment
Sports Cars
Super modified vehicles
Kids Entertainment
Stage activites / Live Music
4×4 Demostrations
Chilli Eating Competition
Beer and Gin Bars
Local unique food stands
Crafters and wood work
Flea Market
Boats and water craft displays
Motorbike dislays
Vintage Cars
Mountain Bikes / Road bikes and Accessories
Sports Equipment
Paintball and Xtreme Archery
PLUS LOTS MORE…

The new Expo venue at Suncoast gives the GREAT OUTDOORS EXPO easier accessibility and greater exposure to the province of KZN. The centrally located venue is safe with easy access to the M4, N3 and greater Durban. We look forward to staging over 200 unique and entertaining stands from across Africa in Durban in 2023.

To book your stand, or to buy your gate tickets, go to the Expo website www.goexpo.co.za or contact the organisers on 067 198 6737 / jose@bactive.com

Online Public Entry fees are: R80.00 per Adult, FREE for Kids 12yrs and under, R50 for Students and Pensioners.
Ticket Sales at the EXPO GATE will be R100.00 per adult and R50.00 per Student and Pensioner. Online Ticket sales are open. Book on the link below.

See you there!
Website: www.goexpo.co.za
B-Active Events website: www.bactive.com

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