Article from the Experience Overberg Issue 4.
Brace yourself this summer and choose to adventure through the Overberg.
Venture forth… Give it horns. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to crawl, fly or glide, neither does it matter if you shriek scream or laugh. Varied terrain, fabulous weather and something for everyone…
1. Microlighting – Umshanti
It takes a brave soul indeed to take a microlight flight over the majesty of the Overberg. As far as aircraft go, the microlight doesn’t look much more than a lawnmower engine with wings! And speaking for myself, there is the real fear factor to consider!
Kosie van Zyl assures us that almost every single person lands with such an adrenaline rush they want to get straight back into the air again. Kosie has clocked up countless flights over 23 years so that’s a whole lot of experience behind the controls. The flight takes you over the Umshanti resort, their cottages on the Buffelsjag Dam and the neatly portioned farmlands of the Swellendam surrounds.
This bird’s-eye view of the Overberg tapestry is over so quickly you wish you could do it again. The really good news is that Kosie has a GoPrO attached to the wing and the entire flight of yourself and the view is recorded for posterity. Watching the DVD at home is a great way to relive the exciting adventure again and again.
Umshanti Resort certainly packs in loads of adventure and fun family time. The foefi slide is a great adrenaline rush and it’s a wet and wild ride. And if your arms get tired on the slide, rest up on a leisurely boat trip on the dam. Not enough excitement yet? There’s always canoeing on the dam or a great hike in glorious surroundings with a visit to the waterfall. Take the plunge in the cool mountain waters or have a picnic on the bank – Umshanti guarantees family fun and adventure for all.
Contact Kosie Van Zyl Micro Lighting: + 27 (0) 82 444 4551.
Contact Vicky: +27 (0) 72 6010 797.
2. Paddle – Overberg Rivers and Streams
Indulge in a spot of paddling in any number of the wonderful flat-or white-water sections we are blessed with in the Overberg. Stanford, Hermanus, Swellendam and Bot River are just a few that offer many an adventurous heart a breath of fresh air. Plan your trip through an organised operator or take along your own boat and gear for a wonderful day out on the water. Paddling in a two-man inflatable croc is the ultimate way to explore the river. Choose from the tranquil peaceful Breede River with a few small rapids and rich bird life to The Palmiet River which tumbles through the fynbos covered mountains of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
Win a 15 minute flip with Umshanti
Win a microlight flight for one person over the Umshanti Resort, Buffeljags Dam and Swellendam surrounds with pilot Kosie van Zyl from Umshanti Resort. Weather permitting.
SMS the word Umshanti, your name and surname to + 27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize.
Terms and conditions
Subject to availability | Weather permitting | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 30 January 2015
The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences. Eleanor Roosevelt
Xama Adventures
The Breede River in the Overberg region is one of the most beautiful waterways in South Africa. The most popular trip is the 2 night option based at our private Fish Eagle River Camp situated near Swellendam. Only 3 hours’ (280km) drive from Cape Town, the camp provides an escape to a magnificent world of river rafting, discovery and adventure in the Overberg region.
This section of river has become one of the most loved Breede River secrets! In places, the river meanders through valleys guarded by steep banks and cliffs covered in aloes. In others, the river is a placid expanse of water and yet in others, there are rapids and some white water to negotiate. No wonder then, that the Breede River Rafting trip is an exciting experience and adventure for family and friends.
There are different packages and options available; catered and self-catering packages, river rafting, team building, school camps, mountain biking tracks, nature walks, fishing, birding and bathing in the Breede River, and other games and activities. There is also a swimming pool, central boma with lounge, tables and benches, electricity, fridge, gas burners, fire pit, braai facilities, braai drums and grid, central ablutions, large camping area and chalets with bedding.
For group bookings, there are safari tents with mattresses for hire.
James Brown at Xama. Telephone: + 27 (0)21 685 7305 Mobile: +27(0)83 955 5790
Win accommodation and a reduced rate for a river experience with Xama Adventures
Prize includes a weekend away for two people on a B&B basis at the private Xama Fish Eagle River Camp. This includes 2 nights for two persons.
PLUS
A reduced rate for the couple to experience a day trip on the water for only R650 per person which includes a picnic lunch on the river.
SMS the word Xama, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize.
Terms and conditions
Excludes public holidays, school holidays and special events | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 30 January 2015.
3. Hiking – One step ahead
Breathtaking scenery, the world at your feet and only a dusty trail ahead of you. Just the way you like it. The Overberg is well known for its beauty, rugged terrain and varied trails…The hardest part will be deciding which one to follow.
Greyton – McGregor Walk | De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Whale Trail | Waterfall Trail, Fynbos Retreat, Gansbaai | Leopard’s Kloof Trail, Betty’s Bay | Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve Hiking Trails | Swellendam Hiking Trail.
Green Mountain Trail
A four day slackpacking trail around the Green Mountain in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Just one hour from Cape Town International Airport this superb walking trail is an outstanding experience for nature lovers who enjoy the good life.
“People love this hike. During the day they get a good cardiac workout while being able to switch off mentally from their normal schedules; plus all the logistics are taken care of by us. When the day’s walking is done clients put up their feet and relax, enjoying good food and wine in comfort,” Alison Green, owner/operator of the trail.
Email, Cell: +27 (0)28 284 9827, website.
Win a one day taster of the Green Mountain Trail for two people
The itinerary would be as follows: Leopard & Ox Wagon Route (11 km/ 4 to 5 hours). Bed and Breakfast at Wildekrans Country House. Head towards Bot River through Biosphere fynbos. Rest stop at Stony Beach and Ledge Rock. Climb up Pincushion Ridge and discover Hawston View. Walk into Bot River and experience Beaumont Wines and lunch in Bot River village. Transfer to Wildekrans Country House, refresh, and collect your car.
SMS the words Green Trail, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize.
Terms and conditions
Please note this is subject to availability at time of your booking | The trail is only run from Monday to Friday | Excludes public holidays, school holidays and special events | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | This voucher excludes minibar, any gratuities or extras | cancellations will only be refunded where replacements can be found | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 30 January 2015.
4. Horse Riding – Walk or Canter
Two Feathers Horse Trails offers scenic rides through forests, across rivers and along the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain Range. All levels of riders are welcome. Walk or canter. Breathtaking or heart stopping? It’s up to you.
The horse rides are offered twice daily (early morning or late afternoon) for one or two hours. For accomplished riders, full day rides with riverside forest picnics are available.
You can spend a couple of nights in the Koloniesbos Mountain Hut (situated next to our stables) and awake to the splendour of a mountain sunrise. Take a horse ride before breakfast, stroll through the mountains, bathe under waterfalls and spend your nights around a blazing fire under bright, starry skies.
5 Lichtenstein Street, Swellendam, 6740. Cell: +27 (0)82 494 8279
5. Zip Slide – Cape Canopy Tour
Just an hour from Cape Town, the Cape Canopy Tour is situated in a World Heritage Site within Cape Nature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, located in the scenic Elgin Valley.
The tour consists of eleven thrilling slides, some over 300m long, each ending on a platform constructed on the cliffs and fynbos-covered mountain slopes above the Riviersonderend Gorge.
A unique suspension bridge between a narrow sandstone ravine high above a spectacular double waterfall is guaranteed to be one of the unforgettable highlights of the tour. Cape Canopy Tour is a fully guided nature experience with a strong emphasis on client comfort and safety. Two trained guides will accompany each group on the 3½ hour tour. They will provide information about the endemic fynbos and geology of this unique World Heritage Site.
Included in the tour is a 4×4 journey through the nature reserve, refreshments on one of the cliff-side platforms as well as a light lunch afterwards. Cape Canopy Tour is suitable for almost all ages (5-75 years is the recommended limit) and will operate in most weather conditions (rain gear is provided).
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, R321, Elgin, South Africa
S34 04.467 E19 03.724 | Tel: +27 (0)21 300 0501
Win a zip slide for two from Cape Canopy Tour
Entitles 2 people to hours of fun swinging through the World Heritage Site of the Hottentots Holland Mountains! Look forward to a scenic 4×4 trip, a fun and safe nature adventure over 13 elevated platforms, a suspension bridge over a waterfall and slides over 330m long! Includes a light meal on the decks of our Sunbird Cafe.
SMS the words Cape Canopy Green Trail, your name and surname to +27 (0)83 652 5489 to win this fabulous prize
Terms and conditions
Please note this is subject to availability at time of your booking | Excludes public holidays, school holidays and special events | This voucher is not transferable | This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash | This voucher excludes drinks, any gratuities or extras | Activity undertaken at own risk | Closing date for entries 30 January 2015.
Need more?
Kloofing Suicide Gorge | Run | Hike | Slide | Climb
If you are a real adrenaline junkie, then kloofing Suicide Gorge in the scenic Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve may just be for you. If you are new to kloofing, this madness entails you test your courage by a combination of walking, bum slithering down rocks, swimming and jumping.
This is a 17km, 8 hour, rugged hike, up a gorge, that once in, the only way out of this section of the Riviersonderend Mountains, is via some Africa’s version gravity-defying jumps and scrambles. This is not for sissies, but the adventure seeker will love the wet hike, ideal for summer, set amidst rock pools and towering cliffs, with leaps from waterfalls and huge jumps into freshwater pools of up to 20 metres. A major adrenalin rush!
Permits: +27 (0)21 483 0190
+ 27 (0)21 483 2949
Paintball
Specially built barricades will give you and your mates protection from your opposition while you contemplate your next assault. Various obstacles to jump over, hide and duck behind. The paint is biodegradable and will washout.
Sandboarding
Africa’s version of snowboarding, sandboarding is an exhilarating sport taking advantage of South Africa’s gradients and global gravity. An all over body workout, this hobby (also known as sand surfing), is set in the rolling Cape dunes of Lost City in Atlantis or Silver Sands in Betty’s Bay.
TIP: Safety first!
- Pay attention to safety briefings and guidance while enjoying your experience – your life depends on it!
- Nature needs you – be respectful!
- Have fun | spread the word!
