The Crags: Canyoning, Abseiling & Zipline Adventure Trip

Summary

Canyoning in The Crags with cliff jumps and zip lines led by local guides

You’ll suit up at base camp before hiking into The Crags’ canyon with local guides leading every step—from abseiling down cliffs to leaping into clear pools and flying across zip lines. Expect laughter, nerves, and those small silences where you realize you’re actually doing it. All gear is included; just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to step off a rock ledge and trust a rope? That’s how my day started in The Crags. We met at base camp (I was almost late because I couldn’t resist stopping for coffee on the way—bad idea, you really do need that full hour before). The guides, Sipho and Li, were already joking around as they handed out wetsuits and helmets. There was this earthy smell in the air—wet moss, river stones, maybe a hint of sunscreen from someone else’s bag. I remember my hands fumbling with the harness buckles while Li checked everything twice.

The first abseil looked taller than I expected. My heart thudded so loud I could hear it over the water below. Sipho grinned and said something about “just lean back and trust the rope,” which sounded easy until my feet actually left solid ground. There’s this weird quiet when you’re hanging there—except for distant shouts from someone ahead trying their first cliff jump. And then you’re down, knees shaking a bit but grinning like an idiot. We hiked through patches of sunlight and deep shade; the forest felt ancient, roots twisting everywhere.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a canyoning trip in The Crags. Turns out watching your friends try to pronounce “kloofing” is almost as fun as the zipline itself (Li laughed at my attempt—probably butchered it). The water was colder than I thought; it woke me up more than that coffee ever could. There were moments where we just floated quietly between rocks, everyone catching their breath or swapping stories about other trips gone sideways. It all felt very unfiltered—not just another day trip from Plettenberg Bay or Knysna, but something you’d talk about later over dinner.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Canyoning adventure in The Crags

• Arrive 1 hour early for briefing
• Gear up with provided equipment
• Receive safety instructions
• Abseil down the canyon
• Cliff jump into water
• Zip-line across the canyon
• Swim and hike through canyon

Top questions

How long does the canyoning trip in The Crags take?

The activity itself lasts several hours; arrive 1 hour early for gear-up and safety briefing.

Is equipment provided for canyoning in The Crags?

Yes, helmets, wetsuits, life vests, and harnesses are included in the cost.

Are there age or fitness requirements?

The minimum age is 8 years old; suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Swimming is part of the experience; life vests are provided for safety.

Can I get photos from my canyoning trip?

Yes, guides take pictures along the way which you can purchase afterward.

Where does the canyoning tour start?

You meet at base camp in The Crags area near Plettenberg Bay.

How many people are on each tour?

A maximum of 10 people per booking keeps groups small.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment—helmet, wetsuit, life vest, harness—and guidance from two trained local canyon adventure guides throughout abseiling, cliff jumping, ziplining and hiking down the canyon. Photos taken by guides are available for purchase after your trip.