Canopy Tours in the Magaliesberg

The Magaliesberg Canopy Tours^TM takes the whole canopy tour concept one step further as the platforms have all been individually designed and built within the cliffs and rock faces of the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains.

This tour takes people on a journey through the ecology and geology of one of the oldest mountain ranges at the world - estimated to be 2,500 million years old. Eleven platforms have been built within a beautiful gorge carved out of the mountainside and the canopy tour slides take clients zig-zagging through this pristine environment over the river below.

The Magaliesberg Mountains are home to a wide variety of plant, animal and birdlife – watch out for the shy klipspringer jumping from rock to rock below you or look up to spot an endangered black eagle circling above. Your local guides will explain a bit more about the fascinating surroundings while you relax at each platform before the next slide.

Laughter is guaranteed!

This tour is a short drive away and will certainly need to be booked in advance, so if this is what you are wanting to include in your romantic outing, please let us know well in advance.

What does the experience involve?

Canopy Tours involve sliding from one high level forest platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to thirty metres above the forest floor. The tours consist of about ten platforms and slides that zig-zag down through a pristine forested valley or ancient rocky gorge. Two trained guides accompany the tour and ensure the safety of each group while also pointing out any interesting plants, birds or animals along the way.

• The Canopy Tour begins with a safety briefing at the canopy office.
  Here your guides will first demonstrate how to slide on the cables and the safety procedures to be followed on the tour, before kitting you up with full body harness, pulley, climbing equipment and safety helmet.
• You and your group will then be transported into the forest or up to the mountain in an open vehicle to the start of the canopy tour.
• From the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently glides on a steel cable to the first platform. All groups are escorted by a lead guide and safety guide at all times.

If anyone looks too nervous or would rather not slide on their own then we will gladly take you on a tandem tour. This is the ‘look ma no hands’ version and allows you to slide down each cable attached in front of a guide who controls your speed and allows you to take in the whole experience without worrying about a thing! We have found that many of our younger and older clients have enjoyed this service.

And don’t forget to take a camera!

Once you arrive at each platform we encourage you to stop awhile and enjoy the view while your guides point out interesting features or facts about the surrounding ecology.

Each tour ends with a short walk out of the forest to the waiting vehicle. Upon returning to the office you will then be shown into the restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved meal and refreshments. Laughter is guaranteed.

HOWEVER, if you didn't bring a camera or video, don't worry, because this is provided for (at an edditional cost), so at the end of your tour, you can purchase the video and still photos as a momento to take with you. Really kewl hey?

Canopy Tours - FAQs

All the canopy tours have been designed and constructed by a qualified civil engineer. During the tour two trained guides assure the safety of each group while describing interesting facts about the surrounding environment, bird and animal life. We use full body harnesses and all our pulleys, carabiners, etc carry standard safety certification ratings. All that’s left for you to worry about is having a good time!

How old or fit do I need to be?

Our brochures say that anyone between 7 and 70 is welcome on the canopy tour. However the current youngest and oldest client records stand with a 4 year old and an 85 year old! The canopy tour is not very physically demanding and as long as you are able to walk out of the forest over uneven ground we will probably be able to provide you with the canopy tour experience. Those who do not have the ability to regulate their speed on the slides will be able to go in tandem along each cable with one of our trained guides. If you have a medical condition or disability please enquire with our office staff before booking a tour.

Canopy Tours are ideal for the individual thrill seeker, family getaways, group or student excursions and corporate team building events.

What if I’m scared of heights?

It is quite normal to be afraid of heights. Many of our clients arrive at the canopy tour a little nervous and are often quite anxious on the first slide. The experience may even be a bit scary. But for most of you by the end of the tour these fears will have disappeared and been replaced with an immensely rewarding sense of achievement. You can even take home your own Canopy Tour completion certificate if you need to prove it to your friends!

What if my sister is too scared to slide?

Anyone who is a little nervous or not competent enough will be able to slide in tandem connected in front of a guide. This is the care-free approach that allows you to take in the fun of each long slide while not worrying about a thing. In fact you are quite free to scream ‘FASTER!’ if you’d like to go a bit quicker and feel the wind through your hair. Tandem tours also provide fantastic photo opportunities.

What if I weigh 150kgs?

Then your nervous guide will probably suggest you take a short stroll around the forest instead. Our recommended weight limit is in fact 120kg.

How long does a tour take?

The entire trip takes approximately two and a half hours. This includes the drive up and down from the actual cables themselves. It also includes some very interesting and informative local info about the shrubbery, rocks and more.

What do we need to wear or bring?

You should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe footwear. Shorts or long pants are fine, miniskirts are not. Running shoes, takkies, and veldskoene are perfect and strap-on sandals will do.

You are welcome and encouraged to bring a camera.

Canopy Tours^TM provide for excellent photo opportunities. A video camera is also nice to have, but not one from 1984 as you’ll have to carry the heavy thing all along the tour with you.