If you’d like to get your blood pumping, SA Forest Adventures is for you.
When I think of Constantia I think of its fantastic wines, impressive properties and the lush greenery. There’s nothing too extreme about it, at least that’s the impression I was under until I was strapped into a harness, given a safety brief while a rabbit hopped across the lawn, and then ushered into a Jeep that began climbing the mountains that loom over Silvermist Mountain Lodge and Wine Estate.
Nerves
To say I was mildly terrified is an understatement. Every few minutes a nervous giggle would escape from my mouth as we hiked the short distance to our destination. I kept thinking about how unprepared I was and how I definitely shouldn’t have worn skinny jeans. The anticipation was killing me. I was about to zip-line from the main platform through the treetops and be suspended more than 100m above the ground.
Denial
I’d read the itinerary so I was aware of the activities of the day, but as a coping mechanism I put it to the back of my mind, pretending that it wasn’t happening. Instead I focused on the wine tasting, food and scenery which was an excellent distraction. But it was now impossible to back out. I was strapped in and first in line to fly as the upbeat instructors psyched us up. I flew through the air so fast that tears streamed down my face. I wasn’t crying, it was the wind, I told the instructor.
Adrenaline
This is one of Africa’s longest zip-line tours with +- 2,3km. There are seven cables in total; each one is longer, but surprisingly more exhilarating. I actually started to enjoy myself and found myself laughing as I zipped through the air, taking in the beauty that is the Constantia valley. Unfortunately we ran out of time and could only complete five of the zip lines because we had to get back to work. We returned to the office with sore muscles and adrenaline pumping in our veins – the perfect way to end the week. Next time I plan on doing all seven.
Experience it for yourself:
Cape Town Zip-line Tour
saforestadventures.co.za
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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