In search of the sun

The end of the year is almost in sight, time for holidays, time for sunshine and time for fun. I hope all you folks up there in the busy Johannesburg are going to head down to the Coast for some seaside adventure and chill time or escape into the mountains for some rejuvenating, energising time out.

GARDEN ROUTE ADVENTURES: If you’re down on the Cape coast this vacation and are looking for some adventures, guided mountain hikes, forest and nature trails or canoeing trips, get in touch with us. A day spent on the glorious Knysna Lagoon on a guided canoe trail is soothing for the soul and as a treat, our famous ‘Summit sandwiches’ are included. 

Plan Ahead for 2013

The Whale Trail is an 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.

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?

This trail is really popular, really, not a marketing gimmick, it’s always full. We have places available on the 29^th of September 2013 & the 20^th of November 2013, if you are keen to know more, want to book or have other dates in mind, visit our website or email us for details.

Keen on a shorter Trail? Join us for the 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.

We’re also pretty excited about our great new Western Cape Treks. We’ve got some new options coming out for the Swartberg and Cedarberg mountains, by next month the website will be updated with the full info, I must tell you, the Drakensberg does have competition, the Cape’s Cedarberg is rather fine! In the meantime check out our Swartberg Traverse, a great for fit lovers of really wild places.

DRAKENSBERG ADVENTURES: Spring came though and delivered carpets of flowers all over the mountains, they’re still there, so book a gorgeous Drakensberg experience to end off your year try our Amphitheatre Trek or combine trekking camping and Rock Climbing in our Double Summit adventure! If you’re not sure what to do with your energetic, adventurous children let them join us in the Drakensberg for 5 days of hiking, Rock climbing and abseiling in the first week of the school holidays. We’ve got plenty of trips to join and if you have specific dates in mind, just let us know. Don’t forget about the ultimate South African trekking experience The Drakensberg Grand Traverse – but only if you keen for a challenge.

GAUTENG ADVENTURES:

Our comprehensive, action packed, informative Rock Climbing course is available in December. We teach you everything you need to know from how to tie your first knot and choose cool climbing gear through to the technical nitty gritty of Sport Climbing. Of course this all takes place on real rock, so be prepared to spend a full day outdoors, getting to grips with the rock, uncovering your natural ability to climb and enjoying the awesome sport of ROCK CLIMBING!

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, well, 366 days this 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  2^nd to 4^th  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  5^th & 6^th 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 7^th & 8^th 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!

CATHEDRAL PEAK AND AMPHITHEATRE HIKE  5^th & 6^th December

Cathedral Peak standing at 3005m is a great challenge for the fit and energetic. A typical berg hike of 10 hours takes you from the base of the Drakensberg to the top of this spectacular peak and back. An overnight option is available to break this climb into a more comfortable backpacking experience. Hiking and scrambling, no technical experience needed to summit this Drakensberg classic.

DRAKENSBERG DOUBLE SUMMIT ADVENTURE  6^th to 8^th 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. 

NORTHERN DRAKENSBERG TRAVERSE  10^th to 15^th January, 12^th to 17^th February 2013

A classic trekking expedition in the Northern Drakensberg Ukhahlamba World Heritage Site, arguably the best scenery in the Drakensberg

HOLIDAY ADVENTURE CAMP 8 -12 DECEMBER 2012

An action packed 5 days of mountaineering skills and adventures, including Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Hiking and Camp Craft for 12 to 17 year olds.

DRAKENSBERG GRAND TRAVERSE- NORTHERN TO SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG 30 March 2013

Are you prepared? That’s the question you really need to ask. 16 days of wilderness trekking across the Drakensberg Mountains from The Sentinel in the North to Bushmans nek in the South, The whole Transberg is a big challenge, but what an amazing experience. Arguably the toughest trek in South Africa

WESTERN CAPE

KNYSNA ADVENTURE TRAIL – 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 12 – 14 JAN

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.

ROCK CLIMBING IN THE SWARTBERG MOUNTAINS JAN 2013

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.

MONTAGU ROCK CLIMBING 10^th to 13^th January 2013

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.

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.