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ABSEILING IN SOUTH AFRICA
If you’re
not afraid of heights and you have a craving for the
extreme, then abseiling in South Africa is just for you.
Abseiling was initially a means for hardcore mountain
climbers to descend vertical cliffs but has now
developed into a globally popular activity for thrill
seekers. Abseiling involves using specialized ropes,
harnesses and other safety equipment, to make a
controlled descent down a jagged cliff face. For
beginners and first timers, this descent is usually very
slow, very nerve-wracking and always aided by a
professional.
Abseiling in South Africa has only quite recently
matured into a mainstream sport. It’s rapidly grown in
popularity with its claim to having the highest
commercial abseil of 112m. This legendary descent can be
found on the cliffs of Table Mountain in Cape Town. For
a reasonable fee, you can book the services of a
professional abseiling company who’ll guide you through
the in’s and out’s of abseiling and then help you to
face you fears as you repel off the cliff and drop 112m
back down to terra firma.
Abseiling’s attraction lies not only with the rush of
descending an otherwise impassable cliff, but also in
the opportunity to experience the view and magnificence
of the landscapes around you. The unique vantage points
that abseiling in South Africa provides you with, will
allow you to enjoy uninterrupted views of incredible
mountain rock faces, valley and gorges. Whilst your
first abseiling experience will probably not include
much sightseeing on the way down, once you’re accustomed
to it, the views and experiences that you’ll enjoy are
unparalleled.
A four hour drive along the Garden Route will bring you
to the spectacular sea side town of Knysna which is home
to a number of options for the abseiling enthusiast.
Whilst Knysna boasts of being one of the most scenic
areas in South Africa, the view will more than likely be
the last thing on your mind as you brave the cliff faces
and make your steady descent to the ground below.
Abseiling in Knysna provides the opportunity to make a
breathtaking descent on a totally exposed cliff with the
waves crashing into the rocks below - an experience for
only the very brave, or the slightly crazy abseiling
enthusiast.
An hours drive past Knysna will bring you to Storms
River Gorge, an area that is jam-packed with exciting
adventure sports. There are adventure combination
packages available that will allow you to have an
adrenaline filled day involving an amazing 100m abseil
into a stunning valley, a tube ride down the river and
finally an invigorating cycle to the village.
Other abseiling combination packages can be found inland
near the Hartbeespoort Dam. Those who’re keen to try
abseiling, but who don’t feel quite up to the challenge
of a 100m drop, can test their limits at the abseiling
spots around Crocodile River. A combination abseiling
package includes a 40m abseil into a magnificent
mountain gorge, followed by an exciting river-rafting
trip through Grade 1 and Grade 2 rapids.
Once you’ve tried it a few times and the 112m abseil on
Table Mountain isn’t so hair-raising anymore, then
abseiling’s big brother, ‘rapp jumping’ awaits you. Rapp
jumping is quite similar to abseiling in that you’re
descending frightful drops in a matter of minutes, but
it offers something more. With abseiling, the harness is
attached to your front, so you descend the mountain
backwards. With rapp jumping however, the harness is
attached to your back. Your descent is made going
forwards and is a lot faster than abseiling. In the
concrete jungles of Durban and Johannesburg cities, rapp
jumpers can be seen sprinting down the sides of office
blocks in what seems like a surrealistic defiance of
gravity.
So if you’re keen to get your adrenaline pumping, to
experience views that few others will see and push the
limits of excitement, then abseiling in South Africa is
not to be missed.
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