Latest news with #CapeCanopyTour
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
Where to snow hunt this winter near Cape Town
Matroosberg Nature Reserve, close to Ceres 🕒 Around 2 hours from Cape Town Matroosberg is often covered with snow when strong cold fronts hit during the winter months. Snowfall can stick around for a bit, and the higher slopes (accessible via a 4x4, depending on the conditions) make this snow-hunting adventure a real treat. Expect proper winter vibes here with snowball fights, snowy hikes, and cosy stay options on the Erfdeel farm. While you're visiting, consider bringing old clothes, blankets, or empty yoghurt containers, as the farm conordinates donations for the Touwsrivier Soup Kitchen. Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve 🕒 Around 2 hours from Cape Town When conditions are just right, trails and the surrounding areas transform into mini winter wonderlands. You'll find the entrance to the reserve at Nuweberg, on Viljoen's Pass between Grabouw and Villiersdorp. Why not add some spin to your snow day with a Cape Canopy Tour. All in all, you'll find a delightful selection of things to do on colder days, with Elgin serving up excellent wine farms to explore and the Railway market is worth a stop in. Koue Bokkeveld, close to Ceres 🕒 About 1.5 hours from Cape Town The Koue Bokkeveld is a high-altitude plateau north of Ceres, known for its cold winters and regular snowfall. This rural farming area experiences some of the lowest temperatures in the Western Cape, often seeing snow-covered fields and mountain slopes during winter months. It's a quieter spot for snow lovers seeking peaceful landscapes and authentic country charm, with opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring small farming communities. Fun fact: The name Koue Bokkeveld literally means 'cold buck field', and it's no exaggeration. Cederberg Mountains 🕒 Around 3 hours from Cape Town The Cederberg doesn't get as much snow as Matroosberg, but when it does, wow! The combination of red rock, blue skies, and white snow is unreal. Keep an eye on the forecast, especially around Algeria and Sanddrif. Witzenberg Valley, close to Tulbagh 🕒 Around 1.5 hours from Cape Town While snow in the town itself is rare, the mountains that cradle Tulbagh, especially the Obiqua and Witzenberg ranges often get a dusting in winter. It's the perfect low-effort snow chase. Warm up with wine tastings and stroll through one of SA's best-preserved heritage towns, which also happens to be the ideal gateway to the wider Cederberg area and Route 62.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- IOL News
WATCH: Thrill-seeking tourist hangs around for 90 minutes on zip-line adventure
Footage from the scene shows the man hanging motionless above a steep gorge, while firefighters on a bridge high above him prepare to lower a rescue line. Image: X/@cpbmalaga South Africa is known for having some of the best zip-lines in the world. From the Cape Canopy Tour in Elgin to the dizzying thrills of the Zip 2000 in Sun City, adrenaline junkies have no shortage of places to scream their lungs out while soaring above valleys and mountains. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour in the Eastern Cape offers an unforgettable glide through indigenous forest, while the Karkloof Canopy Tour in KwaZulu-Natal lets you coast through the treetops in misty bliss. Lekker stuff - until it all comes to a sudden halt. Now imagine you're zooming through the sky, the wind in your face, heart racing, when suddenly, you stop. Dangling mid-air with nothing but your harness and a birds-eye view of the earth far, far below. Scary stuff, right? A Spanish man found himself suspended more than 60 metres above the ground for over an hour and a half after his ride stopped unexpectedly in the middle of a rocky canyon. The terrifying incident took place at the Presa de los Caballeros Via Ferrata zip-line, in Spain, a popular destination for hikers and adventure lovers. Emergency services were called in, and dramatic footage shows the man hanging from a harness, with firefighters perched on a suspension bridge above him, preparing to carry out a technical rescue. Firefighters had to manoeuvre to access the man from above, positioning themselves between 15 and 20 metres above him. Eventually, they hoisted him up to safety, and fortunately, he was unharmed and did not need medical attention. The Provincial Fire Consortium of Malaga later confirmed that the operation was a success. Now, you might be wondering: how on earth does something like this happen? Well, there are a few possible reasons. Mechanical failures can sometimes lead to abrupt halts, especially if pulleys or braking systems jam. Strong winds, especially in mountainous areas, can also interfere with a ride's smooth progress. And in some rare cases, riders may come to a stop because they're too light to generate enough momentum to reach the other side, particularly on longer zip-lines. This is why it's crucial to follow the safety instructions given before each ride. Keeping your legs up, for instance, helps reduce drag and ensures you maintain a streamlined posture which can be the difference between making it across or getting stuck mid-way. Most tour guides will also instruct you on how to hold the harness properly and what to do in case of an emergency stop. So next time you're gliding through the air in South Africa's stunning landscapes, remember: keep your legs up, your wits about you, and say a little prayer that gravity stays on your side.
