Zipping from one platform to another is a unique way to experience the stunning natural scenery of the Lowveld.

However, to get your blood pumping usually means driving at least 60 kilometres if you reside in the province’s capital. Now, thanks to Dave Busschau (aka Crazy Dave), his wife Bella, and his dedicated team including experienced guides, you can go on an adventurous journey down two zip lines on the outskirts of the city. The zip lines, which are part of the newly introduced adventure centre on Dakota Ranch, officially opened on September 4.

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They offer a thrilling 330-metre zip from one platform to another, followed a shorter but equally adventurous 160-metre zip back to almost exactly where the journey started, making for an adventure for all ages. While elevated around 30 metres, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dakota Ranch and its array of activities like horse rides, as well as the picturesque surrounding mountain range. Before the official opening, Dave invited Lowvelder to be the first to experience the thrill on Thursday. Without much hesitation, some accepted the challenge.

“You don’t have to ask me twice. I would do it again without giving it a second’s thought. The instructors see to it that you know exactly what to do – and not to do. My favourite part by far was seeing the different reactions from my co-workers once they had to let go and place their trust in the zip line cable. Well, that and the Lowveld views, of course,” said Linzetta Calitz, who started as an environmental journalist at this publication in March this year.

Chelsea Pieterse, who only recently starting working as a journalist at Lowvelder, said that being new to the Lowveld, she had no idea what great people and fun activities the area held until she was invited to go zip lining. “While I have been on a zip line before, there is nothing like flying through the air over the breathtaking landscape of the Lowveld. It was such a wonderful afternoon that it cannot be experienced once, but as many times as possible,” she said.

Well-known local Helen Thrush, said that you are never too old to try something new. “You are never to young to set another dream or to attain a goal – age is a state of mind – you are as young as you think,” she said, after her father of 84 years old ziplined for the first time ever during their visit over the weekend. And, when he did so, it left the initially hesitant Helen obliged to follow.

“It was a little different than what I expected – a little more rapid,” the 84 year old Scotty Stewart said. “I didn’t expect to get a panoramic view as I spun around,” he giggled, explaining the ride as very interesting and very exciting. “Next time I will have to find a way to stabilise my flight more effectively,” he said, confirming that this will not be the last time. “I have bungy jumped before and I’m not sold on hanging from an elastic cord. I hear that when you turn 90 you can do it for free, but I’m not going to wait that long,” he said, highly recommending the zipline at Dakota Ranch. “What a clever use of the environment, without leaving behins a single carbon footprint. This is something that should be encouraged,” he said.

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Dakota Ranch and Adventure Centre is situated near Best of the Rest, Plot 3, Snyman Road, with an ice cold beer to calm the nerves just a stone’s throw away at Little Loftus. Drinking beforehand is, however, strongly discouraged. For the duration of tourism month, Dakota will be offering two for the price of one at R200. For more information, contact Bella on 071-685-0381 or Dave on 082-313-0223 or send an email to bella@krugerandmore.co.za.