The Midlands is not just farmers’ markets, local shops and meandering – it’s also filled to the brim with exciting, adrenaline-inducing activities that are fun for both adults and kids! Make the holidays one to remember with some of these local activities.
Karkloof Canopy Tour
Based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, the Karkloof Canopy Tour has been built in a spectacular valley of the mist belt Podocarpus Karkloof Forest Reserve. The tours first started in 2003 and people as young as three and as old as 96 have enjoyed this world-class adventure experience. The guided experience takes approximately two hours, depending on the group size and dynamics, and includes 10 incredible forest canopy ziplines.
Enjoy beautiful views of the valley below and sightings of birds and a waterfall while you soar through the trees and take in the fresh air! The tours can be enjoyed all year round, but the weekends and public holidays tend to get busy so booking is essential. The team of guides wears masks and buffs throughout the tour to keep themselves and the guests safe while having fun.
Tel: 033 330 3415
Cell: 076 241 2888
Email: info@karkloofcanopytour.co.za
Lions Trailblazer Adventures
At Lions Trailblazer Adventures, their motto is, “Every day is Saturday”. This reflects how every day feels when you’re on an adventure with them. Based at Caversham Mill in the Midlands, a beautiful setting and the start of their white-water rafting trips on the Lions River is where you’ll start a fun-filled half-day outing. The white water is Grade 2 at low water and Grade 3 at high water. With the international white-water grading from one to six, this stretch of river is the perfect level to get the heart pumping. Stepping into the valley and floating downriver while having the challenge of navigating rapids really is exhilarating, and rafters get to experience the beauty of the Midlands from a different perspective on the water.
Lions Trailblazer trips include all equipment access to and from the take out. Guests can also enjoy on-river refreshments and are in the safe and capable hands of legally qualified and experienced river guides. Single-seater inflatable rafts are used, and these are very easy to paddle so guests will quickly adapt to paddling their own craft downriver. If you are feeling a little nervous, you also have the option to join one of the guides in a two-seater raft. All guests need to bring is a costume, sunscreen and a sense of adventure, of course!
Lions Trailblazer Adventures is open all year round, but as one can imagine, the best time to be on the river is during the summer months. No previous rafting experience is needed as a full and comprehensive safety briefing is provided on the river bank prior to heading off. Typically, smaller rapids are run to gain confidence and a few basic skills before attempting larger rapids. Participants should be of moderate fitness levels and need to be able to swim in order to avoid panic situations should they end up in the water.
COVID-19 has not slowed down the team at Trailblazers, and they take their team’s safety and the safety of their guests seriously. A temperature screening and questionnaire is completed as part of your indemnity. They also opt for single-seater rafts rather than group rafts to be able to social distance on the river. All equipment is sanitised before and after each trip, and the team is determined to offer an amazing experience while being safe. This is one experience that those with a sense of adventure won’t want to miss!
Call: 082 871 3157
Email: lions@trailblazeradventures.co.za
Website: www.trailblazeradventures.co.za
Ashton Wold Estate
If you are looking to embrace the outdoors and enjoy lots of wonderful activities, then Ashton Wold Estate is the place for you. Located on Curry’s Post Road, the prime location of Ashton Wold offers guests easy access to the Midlands Meander, but with so much to do on the Estate, you don’t really need to leave!
For individuals and families who enjoy getaways that are filled with activities, as well as peace and tranquility, you’ve come to the right spot. Ashton Wold Estate boasts two gorgeous dams that are fully stocked with bass, making for an awesome fly fishing experience right on your doorstep. You might even spot some reedbuck enjoying a drink of water while you flick a line. The Estate also has direct access to a Sappi Forest, which offers scenic walks and fantastic mountain biking experiences. If you don’t feel like going too far you can also enjoy some of the walks on the farm, viewing the cattle, sheep or horses, as well as the little forest area, small stream and water feature. Two of the dams on Ashton Wold are also available for those fun water activities we love to do in summer, such as swimming, tubing and canoeing.
Then, what would any getaway be without an evening or afternoon braai? All of the cottages on Ashton Wold have braai facilities and verandah areas with spectacular views of the dams. End off your activity-filled day by watching the sun go down over the water and having a hearty meal!
Call: 082 440 1882
Email: bookings@ashtonwold.co.za
Instagram: @ashtonwold
CheckPoint 103 Activity Hub
This is where the fun happens! Come enjoy some active, unique entertainment offerings with friends or family of all ages. CheckPoint 103 is an adventure hub right here in the Midlands that offers a wide variety of speed-fuelled adventures, exhilarating games, and guaranteed fun. They host a myriad of fun games and activities to keep the young ones happily entertained. If you’re an adult, embrace your inner child and have the time of your life too. It’s the perfect venue for birthdays, bull or hen parties, team building, or general weekend entertainment with friends and family.
If you’re looking to let loose, have fun and rediscover your inner child, or trying to find ways of keeping your easily bored kids entertained, then you’ve come to the right place. From Epic Karting (the indoor kart track) and Bubble Soccer (soccer with a difference – you’ll be wearing an inflatable mini zorb ball over your upper torso as you run about, rollover, bump into your mates, and have a laugh) to Airsoft battles and target shooting, there is something for everyone to enjoy. They also offer sand art, mini putt-putt, an obstacle course, and a jungle gym.
Guests can pop into the beautiful thatch building, an old wedding chapel turned into a café and pop-up retail shop, to browse a selection of locally made gifts, kids’ toys, activity kits, décor, clothing and more. Enjoy a cappuccino, local homemade ice cream, baked treats, and snacks. There are also catering options for groups and picnics available on request. Come and try something new and get your heart racing at this awesome activity hub!
Call: 079 320 1770
Email: hello@checkpoint103.co.za
Website: www.checkpoint103.co.za