After what feels like a decade of incarceration and a longer than expected lockdown, we all seem to be craving the outdoors. Fair enough – we have all doing our bit the flatten the curve, but we now seem to have an insatiable appetite for wanderlust and exploration. Elgin offers this on a golden platter, or should we say, a fishbowl. Our inland valley is embraced by mountains with hidden roads, multiple dams, undulating hills and enough natural beauty to soothe your soul and leave you feeling revitalised.
OFF-ROAD WINETASTING
4Venture offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Elgin Valley. It combines the thrill of professional off-roading with the comforts of premium hospitality. This includes breathtaking views with delicious snacks and local wines after an exciting technical off-road driving route. Their undercover venue is based at the top of the Hottentots Holland Mountains offers all the necessary amenities. The journey also includes stops at the Historic Wagon Wheels lookout used by early settlers and the Giant’s Washbasin waterfall. While you will be taken off the beaten track, you will be on course to discover some of Elgin’s renowned wine estates. These include South Hill, Charles Fox, Oneiric, Highlands, Paul Wallace, Iona, Elgin Vintners, Almenkerk, Paul Cluver, Lothian and Shannon Vineyards, depending on the route.
Their vehicles are fully equipped to handle the challenging terrain while also offer you a comfortable experience with sweeping views all set within our Kogelberg Bioshpere. The options include a full-day package, half-day package, and of course, off-road wine tours.
The experience is child friendly.
WHERE EAGLES ROAM
Exploring nature on a zipline is probably the closest you will get to the unique and otherwise inaccessible mountainous spaces for which the Elgin Valley is known. Lonely Planet agrees that you have not experienced this outstanding valley if you cannot call yourself a zipliner! If you are hesitant, please note that this is a fully guided adventure activity and safe for all ages, even if this is to celebrate your 70th birthday!
Strict safety measures are put in place to slide along steel cables from platform to platform (13 in all), taking you past waterfalls and into the heart of Mother Nature. If the little ones want to slide in tandem, the maximum weight should be kept below 120kg, and the team needs to be notified in advance. Pregnant ladies will regretably need to pass. If you are worried about your level of fitness, please be aware that there is a 1km hike up and out of the mountain which can leave you huffing and puffing if you haven’t exercised for a while. Dress comfortably and be ready for buckets of fun!
Voted Africa’s 2ndBest Activity by Trip Advisor, you do not want to miss out on this experience.
ADVENTURE AT YOUR LEISURE
Once you become an Elgineer, you cannot wait but to share it with others, and this was exactly the plan that gave birth to Elgin Leisure Tours.
Ian Robertson is a qualified culture guide who shares his passion with his good friend Richard Portmann by introducing a new world of leisurely exercise within the natural environment. At the same time, you also get to try some of the award-winning local wines. And why not add a picnic on top of that? They offer 14 – 20km mountain biking (with the choice of renting a bike from them or bring your own), farm walks and winetasting, custom-designed to accommodate your plans.
DIFFERENT SADDLES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Two different crowds visit the valley: those looking for speed and those who want the adventure slowed down a notch. At Long shadows Farm, you can saddle up for a horseback journey that is tailor made to suit your level of experience. You can even sign up for lessons or keep it in mind for a birthday party activity. Others can get onto the fast track (or trail) by getting onto their mountain bikes and explore the famous MTB-routes for which Oak Valley, Paul Cluver, and Trail’s End are known.
WALK YOUR HEART OUT
And if the mountains are calling you to be emersed in their splendour, contact Wildekrans Country House to book four days of luxury slackpacking on the Green Mountain Trail. This is an experience of a lifetime introducing you to the indigenous Fynbos within the Kogelberg Biosphere, some of the countries best wine farms, seasonal cooking at its best. Witness little Klipspringer deer and soaring eagles, whilst you enjoy the wondrous pleasures of nature and healthy living.
