On Monday, 4 June 2018, eight excited learners from our local farm schools were ready to be brave and zipline in the canopy of the Karkloof’s magnificent indigenous forest. Earlier in the year, these learners achieved first prize in their age categories at the Three Cranes Big Day Out event, where they ran a mini cross country and took part in the various conservation activities on offer. These lucky learners won a voucher to do the Karkloof Canopy Tours – a local tourism attraction!
Fun at the 3 Cranes Big Day Out
Finally, the day had come for them to cash in their vouchers and the nerves in the beginning for some was quite evident, especially after watching the briefing and learning about the African Braking System (ABS) which relied on your glove and arm strength to slow you down. At platform one, we were welcomed by a troop of Samango monkeys who were playing in the trees above.
After the first slide, all nerves were gone and the learners had a fantastic time. Their occasional yelps from the height, speed and overwhelming joy echoed through the canopy of the forest.
They managed to spot their various schools and homes from platform 3, which intrigued them to see it from a different view. They seemed to enjoy placing themselves within the vast and beautiful landscape, and the debate between them about it was quite comical.
Zipping through the indigenous trees, winding down the mountain and enjoying the thrills and adventures that each slide offered was an experience that they’ll never forget.
They enjoyed the wonders of the Karkloof Forest from above, within and below. A truly unique opportunity that was appreciated by them – their smiles and stories as evidence of this.
Our sincere thanks to the Karkloof Canopy Tour team for sponsoring this incredible prize. The guides were top-quality as always and made the experience extra special. Our thanks to Mary Gray for her invaluable input into getting both the 3 Cranes Big Day Out and this outing organised, as well as to our various ladies who helped with transportation.