Zip It!

by Sean Houghton in January 2012 - Xcape

Ivan attaches the slide and break mechanism to the cable. “Step forward,” he instructs. “Remember to break when you see the other guide signaling. Hold the break up… Okay… Step off.”

The next second I was speeding down a steel cable, over a river gorge, towards a wooden platform nestled among huge rocks… and loving every second!

This is Ceres Zipslide Adventures, the longest zipline tour in Africa, which is situated just 1½ hours away from Cape Town - this has got to be on every Capetonian’s bucket list! I promise you, it will be the ‘funnest’ thing you have done in a very long time!

At 1.4km long, the tour is situated below the Koekedouw Dam in the Schurweberg Mountains on the outskirts of Ceres. It is made up of 8 separate slides, varying in length from 100-290m, which zigzag across a river and pass over the gorge and rock pools below.

Operating for just over a year, owned and managed by Gabriel and Greg Le Roux, with a team of nine excellent guides, Ceres Zipslide Adventures is a first class operation which places top priority on the safety of their clients while offering exception and friendly service to ensure a great time is had by all.

Breathtaking is the only word to describe the rugged beauty of the mountains and that is before guests have even been on one slide!

Thrill seekers can ‘fly’ up to 40km per hour on the ‘fastest’ line but the very professional and friendly, engaging guides ensure the safety of all participants at all times.

It really is a bunch of fun and of people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the rush. Children as young as three can be taken in tandem with a parent or lead guide and people up to 80 years old have also enjoyed the excitement of speeding down a cable over rocky gorges! The company plans to extend the tour by a further 2.5-3km, making it even more thrilling.

Tour groups consisting of up to 12 people depart every half hour. Larger groups (and discounts) can be accommodated by prior arrangement. Vouchers can also be bought as gifts for the special people in your life!

Ceres Zipslide is open all year, in all weather and will only ever be stopped should lightning or anything else threaten the safety of the guests. All equipment is provided, even rain suits should they be necessary. People with long hair need to tie it up and sunscreen is a good idea in the summer heat.

For more information phone Greg on 079 245 0354 or Gabriel on 078 063 5134.

Five couples stand a chance to win a free Zipslide tour. To win, please send an email to editorial@fullcirclemag.co.za with “Zipslide” in the subject line and tell us the names of the brothers who run Ceres Zipslide Adventures.

Waverley Hills Wine Estate

There are many delightful restaurants, B&Bs and wine estates in the Ceres, Wolseley area to stop off for lunch or an overnight stay.

Full Circle enjoyed an excellent lunch and can confidently recommend Waverley Hills Wine Estate. This organic wine estate is situated in a beautiful fynbos garden on a mountainside with views to inspire and admire.

You can taste their organic wines and olives before your meal is served in their impressive dining room or alternatively you can enjoy a picnic in the superb fynbos garden.

They also cater for groups, hence they can easily accommodate any corporate team-building function.

To book at Waverley Hills contact them on 072 890 4373.

For more of our Zipslide Adventure go to www.fullcirclemag.co.za/zipslide.

For directions to Ceres Zipslide and Waverly Hills go to www.capewineroutes.co.za and enter their names in the search field.