The
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tourİ is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place
in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest.
The first of its kind in Africa, the canopy tour involves traversing from one
platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the
forest floor...
Most platforms are located in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The scenery and
bird life is spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about
the forest ecology during the 2½ to 3 hours.
The concept of guiding people through the upper canopy of a rainforest
originated in Costa Rica, where adventurous biologists devised new methods for
accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research on the undiscovered
canopy ecosystem. The idea soon developed into a breathtaking form of
eco-tourism which allowed people to enter and experience a previously
inaccessible natural environment.
Construction of the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tourİ has been done in accordance with
strict civil engineering standards. The system was designed and created by an
adventurous civil engineer who constructed a similar canopy tour in Costa Rica.
The safety standards have been significantly enhanced and the Tsitsikamma Canopy
Tourİ uses state of the art equipment and has been rated as the most
sophisticated of it's kind in the world. Concept to completion took fourteen and
a half months.
The tour begins with a detailed safety briefing followed by a 'kitting up'
session where full body harness, pulleys and climbing equipment is issued and
checked. A short drive into the Tsitsikamma forest and it is time to monkey
around!
From the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently glides
on a steel cable to the first tree platform. All groups are escorted through the
forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow guide to ensure your safety as you
slide from tree to tree. The platforms, built high up in the giant Outeniqua
Yellowwoods, provide an unbelievable view of this enchanting new world - any
fear of heights is soon lost as you gather in your new surroundings...
Spend a couple of minutes relaxing while your guides enthusiastically explain
the ecology of the forest - pointing out different trees and the magnificent
giant ferns way below. The bird life is incredible. Knysna Loeries, sightings of
the elusive Narina Trogon and the Samago monkey are not uncommon.
The Tsistikamma Canopy Tourİ consists of 10 platforms and 10 'fufi' slides, the
longest of which is 100m! About three hours later you exit the forest, having
undertaken the journey of a lifetime. You have contributed to the creation of
new jobs and are helping the forest regeneration project.
The
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tourİ is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place
in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. 
