We hope
the start to 2013 has been as exciting for you guys as it has for us and we
also hope that you’re managing to stick to those new years resolutions – the
ones that involve fitness, exercise, getting out there, you know… Well, we want
to help, there’s nothing like setting an awesome goal, say, set your sights on
the summit of a lofty peak or maybe an ultra endurance challenge, to keep you
motivated when working out. We have some suggestions for you.
MOUNTAINS
Join us
on the Drakensberg Grand Traverse –
that’s how we started our year – 14 days of the best the mountains can offer,
sun, wind, snow, eagles and spectacular views – note, no traffic jams, no cell
phone reception, no pollution, no civilisation, in fact quite possible not
another soul to be seen, it’s pure bliss. It’s also a demanding trek for the
fit and seasoned hiker!
If two
weeks is a little long, we’ve got The Northern
Drakensberg Traverse coming up on the 7th of March and again on
the 27th of March (over Easter), 6 days of awesome views, fantastic
trekking and that’s a major score for your fitness points this year! That treks
on the cards just about every month so send us an email for more details.
Don’t
let those long weekends go by without a trip to the Drakensberg, our most
popular 3 day Adventures are:
Amphitheatre Trek – The best of the Northern
Drakensberg, overnight camping in the magnificent World Heritage site. Trekking
only
Double Summit – An overnight camping trip,
summit the trekking peak Mont – Aux – Sources and the Technical Rock Climbing
Peak, The Sentinel. The Sentinel climb is great for those who’ve done a
climbing course, have some climbing experience or are very fit, not afraid of
heights and eager to learn.
Thabana Ntlenyana – The highest peak in the
Drakensberg 3842m Two options: a hair raising 4x4 trip up Sani Pass then two
days of trekking before the return 4x4 trip back down or 4 days of hiking up
one pass, to the peak and down another pass, awesome scenery and a great
achievement.
Oh yes, we’re
having a serious think about an Expedition to MT KENYA http://www.govertical.co.za/page7.html
in June this year that would be both the trekking Peak of Lenana as well as the
technical climb of Nelion and Batian. Mt Kenya is spectacular, it’s far wilder
than Kili, you get that real mountaineering feeling, wide open spaces, massive
peaks, peace and tranquillity, superb scenery and pure achievement.
OCEAN
We have
places available on the 29th
of September 2013 for The Whale
Trail: Internationally acclaimed 5
night Slackpacking trail traversing the magnificent De Hoop Nature reserve on
South Africa’s Cape Coast. You can enjoy walking though coastal plains full of
game, meandering along magnificent porcelain white beaches, swimming in the
turquoise ocean and whale watching from the shores. Accommodation is in well
appointed Hikers cottages, all with great views., if you are keen to know more,
want to book or have other dates in mind, visit our website or email us for
details.
What’s ‘slackpacking’? – It’s hiking for smart
people; you walk, we work. We make sure your bags get transported to your
night’s accommodation, supply the food and wine and we cook your meals. Sounds
good hey?
Knysna Slack Packing Trail, a day of canoeing, a day of
magnificent beaches and then some forest walking to round off you trip, all
meals, accommodation and luggage transport provided for you!
Our day
adventures of Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Guided Hiking and Kloofing
are available to thrill, chill or challenge you 7 days a week and they’re great
if you only have a day or two to spare.
Our KNYSNA ADVENTURE
TRAIL is
breathtaking. The fresh breeze heralds the start of a sizzling day as you your
paddles dip into the glassy Lagoon. The aquatic birdlife keep you company while
you spy on the fish as you paddle across the estuary, look up every now and
then ‘cause the views from the canoes are spectacular. After a half day of
canoeing we enjoy a lunch before heading off to the ocean for a lazy beach
walk. It’s a really chilled out adventure, just the perfect way to enjoy those
warm summer days.
Looking
for a little last minute corporate ‘timeout’? Put the team through our Canoe Challenge on the Knysna Lagoon –
hey, if you’re from out of town, let us know, we’ll arrange the whole thing for
you, flights, transfers accommodation and of course ADVENTURE! Browse through
the adventure diary below and let us know if you’re keen to join us – or tell
us what dates you have available.
ADVENTURE COURSES: Not keen on working in an
office? We’re running the courses that prepare you for becoming an Abseiling,
Mountain Walking and a Climbing guide, we hold them in Knysna, in Johannesburg
and at any suitable site in South Africa, just send us an email for the
details.
ADVENTURE
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS: see below for awesome opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this
year, Remember ALL of our adventures are available 365 days
a year.
Follow
the links to our website www.govertical.co.za
or email us for the full details on any adventure below.
DRAKENSBERG
AMPHITHEATRE
TREK 2nd to 4th December
The best of the
Drakenberg, splendid views of the magnificent Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls and
hike to the Summit of Mont-aux-Sorces, the highest peak in the area. Wilderness
camping all meals included.
THABANA
NTLENYANA TREK 5th &
6th December
We start this
trip with a hair raising 4 x 4 ride up Sani Pass, pack on the back packs, trek
to the highest peak in the Drakensberg, camp in the Wilderness and round it off
the following day with a stop at South Africa’s highest pub. A trip not to be
missed!
SENTINEL
PEAK 7th & 8th December
Climb the
highest free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg 3165m, a rewarding
technical Rock Climb. Our Introductory Rock Climbing course is excellent prep
for this climb, however if you’re fit, adventurous and not scared of heights
we’ll make this an awesome 1st time climbing experience for you!
DRAKENSBERG
DOUBLE SUMMIT ADVENTURE 6th
to 8th December
Tick
Mont-aux-Sources 3452m, highest peak in the Northern Berg and The Sentinel
3165m the highest free standing peak in the Northern Drakensberg off your list
of summits. M-A-S is a trekking peak overlooking the magnificent Amphitheatre,
and the Sentinel is a technical Rock Climb. The nights in between the two are
spent camping and exploring the Amphitheatre escarpment.
WESTERN CAPE
– Have a look at some of the great
pics from our winter trips and then join us for a half day of canoeing on the
Knysna Lagoon and a half day glorious beach walk. Includes lunch
KNYSNA
CANOEING ADVENTURES – Guided nature Trails on the
Knysna Lagoon, it’s beautiful, you’ve got to join us.
KNYSNA
SLACKPACKING TRAIL - GARDEN ROUTE, WESTERN CAPE Anytime
Three days of
the best coastal scenery that the Knysna has to offer, a day of canoeing on the
Knysna Lagoon, a stunning beach walk and a rewarding dune hike, no need to
carry a heavy pack, we transport all your gear to the accommodation ahead of
you. Great food, stunning scenery, well appointed accommodation and invigorating
fresh air.
MONTAGU
ROCK CLIMBING Are you looking for a
great ay to spend Easter? Join us 28 March to 2 April or there abouts…
Join us for
guided climbing and hiking in Montagu Western Cape. This area is superb with
hundreds of excellent Rock Climbing routes, spend a few days learning to climb,
improving your grades or learning new skills, we provide the guiding,
instruction and gear. This beautiful mountain region is also home to some of
South Africa’s best wine cellars
ROCK
CLIMBING IN THE SWARTBERG MOUNTAINS 14 to 17 JUNE
Climb the first
Rock Climbing Route in South Africa on Towerkop in the Swartberg Mountains near
Ladismith Western Cape, lots of trad routes to try out while camping on this
gorgeous mountain, we’ll guide, instruct and provide gear, when we’re done
climbing we’ll descend and join the festivities in Calitzdorp for the annual
Port Wine Festival.
LADY’S SLIPPER
ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE – EASTERN CAPE - anytime
Close to PE is a
superb climbing site with great Sport and Trad Routes, we’ll be holding our
Introductory Rock Climbing course our Sport Climbing course and plenty of
guided climbing get your skills sharp enough to set you up for a lifetime of
climbing the crags.
NAMAQUALAND FLOWER TOUR - WESTERN CAPE - AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER
2013
Spring time in
the Cape is a celebration of life, the whales move into the coastal waters and
the dessert give rise to a magnificent display of flowers. We’ll be hiking
through some of the most amazing botanical hotspots in the area, the hikes are
rewarding in themselves, but coupled with the amazing floral display, the whole
experience is fantastic, backpacking and slack packing options available. Email us for
details.
SEA & SUMMIT
TOURS: CRADOCKS BERG & SWARTVLEI
anytime
Can’t choose
between the beach or the berg? Combine both with our Sea and Summit Trails.
Hike to the summit in the magnificent Cape Fold mountains, dine in style at an
arty town with excellent cuisine and finish off your trip with a superb coastal
hike.