The canopy tour is the activity that put Storms River village on the adventure map. Guides lead small groups through the forest on a series of ziplines and walkways between platforms built around the trunks of ancient trees, so that you spend a couple of hours moving through the canopy at the height where the birds and monkeys live. Everything is clipped on with harnesses and the guides run a safety briefing and check each person before every slide. The tour is led in the style of a nature walk with thrills, which means the guides point out the forest, the trees and the birdlife between the slides. It suits first-timers because the early ziplines are short and gentle and the longer ones come once you have your confidence. It is also a good way to experience the Tsitsikamma forest if hiking is not your thing. The booking page for this activity carries a very high rating from more than a thousand reviews, which is one of the strongest records of any Garden Route experience.
What to expect
You meet at the activity base in the village, get fitted with a harness and helmet, and travel to the forest start with your guides. The route follows a line of platforms, and each slide ends in the arms of a guide who unclips and clips you onto the next line.
The pace is relaxed, with time to look around, and groups are kept small enough that nobody feels rushed. Most people say the best part is the sense of floating through the tops of the trees, so keep your eyes open on the slide as well as on the platform.
Who it suits
It works for most adults and many children, but there are age, weight and fitness limits set by the operator, so read the conditions on the booking page and tell the guides about any health issues. You do not need to be athletic, since the walking is short, but you should be comfortable with heights. Wear closed shoes, quick-dry clothes and a layer for cool mornings, and leave loose items in the car or locker because pockets must be empty on the lines.
Planning it
Book ahead in the holidays, because the morning slots go first, and check the weather, since tours may be delayed or cancelled in heavy rain or strong wind. It combines well with a morning in Tsitsikamma National Park, and it is an easy stop between Plettenberg Bay and the Bloukrans Bridge. If you are travelling with a mixed group, some of you can zipline while others walk the forest trails nearby.
What to expect
The experience
A guided zipline tour through the forest canopy, moving between platforms built around the trunks of large trees, with safety briefings and guides on every platform.
Best time
Morning slots tend to be calmer and sell out first; avoid days of heavy rain or strong wind.
How long
Around two to three hours including the briefing and the transfer to the start.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and quick-dry clothes, empty your pockets, read the age and weight limits when you book and tell the guides about any health concerns.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want a thrill that feels safe and gives a real look at the forest.
- Families
- Many children can join, but check the operator's age and weight limits before you book.
- Couples
- A fun shared adventure that ends with a coffee or lunch in the village.
- Pair with
- Tsitsikamma National Park for a forest walk, or the Bloukrans Bridge bungy for a bigger thrill.
- Time needed
- Half a morning.
Good questions
Is the canopy tour safe for beginners?+
Yes, the early slides are short and gentle and guides clip you on and off at every platform. Most people who have never done a zipline find it easy.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, the operator sets minimum age and weight limits for safety, so read the conditions on the booking page. Tell the guides about any health problems when you arrive.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, comfortable quick-dry clothing and a light layer for cool mornings. Empty your pockets and leave loose items behind.
What happens if it rains?+
Light rain is usually fine, but tours can be delayed or cancelled in heavy rain or strong wind for safety. The booking page explains the cancellation terms.
How far in advance should I book?+
In school holidays and peak summer, book several days ahead, especially for morning departures. Outside those times you can often book a day or two before.
