Stormsriver Adventures
Abstract: ADVENTURES IN THE HEART OF THE TSITSIKAMMA FOREST
Description:
Stormsriver Adventures is a professional adventure
and activity company based in the heart of the Tsitsikamma
Forest. Adventure activities take place from the adventure
centre on the scenic little village of Stormsriver.
Our adventures cater for all tastes - mild or wild - and
experiences include the Woodcutters Journey and Guided Hiking.
Stormsriver Adventures remains the only accredited Fair
Trade adventure company in the world to date. The positive
impact of this to the Tsitsikamma once again is increased
international exposure for the region.
The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour©
The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour© 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 Tour© 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 Tour© 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 Tour© 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 Woodcutters Journey
Join us on a journey down the old Storms River pass, and
experience the indigenous forest from the comfort of a specially
designed vehicle.
Follow the elephant trail down to the water, passing tree
ferns, stinkwoods, yellow woods and many other tree species,
whilst hearing about the history of the area and the local
flora and fauna. Watch out for a glimpse of the elusive
Narina Trogan and the inquisitive Knysna Loeire who enjoys
the tranquil shade of the leafy canopy.
Stop and relax where wagons, since the last century, have
and enjoy a light lunch or tea next to the Storms River.
Departure times vary to meet your schedules, with a variety
of food menus available on request.
Contact Details:
Storms River Village
Tel: +27 (0)42 281 1836
adventure@gardenroute.co.za
www.stormsriver.com
www.treetoptour.com
Contact Stormsriver Adventures - Tsitsikamma
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