If you’re craving an adrenaline rush amid South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, the Standard Canyoning Trip in The Crags offers an adventure-packed experience that’s hard to beat. With a stellar 5.0 rating from over 380 reviews, this tour consistently impresses thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. From the thrill of jumping off waterfalls to soaring over a 98-foot cascade, it’s a perfect way to connect with the wild outdoors outside Plettenberg Bay.
What really sets this experience apart? We love the knowledgeable guides who make safety and fun their top priorities, the stunning scenery that makes every leap worth it, and the great value for money, which includes all necessary gear and expert supervision. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that participants need to be at least 8 years old, and the physical nature of the trip might not suit everyone.
This activity is best suited for adventurous families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who want to combine adrenaline with remarkable views. If you’re comfortable with heights, water, and some physical activity, you’ll likely find this trip to be a highlight of your time in the Western Cape.
Key Points
- Expert Guides: Highly praised for their professionalism, humor, and support.
- All-Inclusive Equipment: Helmets, wetsuits, harnesses, and life vests included for safety.
- Diverse Activities: Rappelling, cliff jumping, swimming, and zip lining.
- Stunning Scenery: Experience indigenous forests, waterfalls, and river views.
- Flexible Scheduling: Morning and afternoon departures available.
- Accessible for Most: Minimum age of 8, but not suitable for pregnant women.
What to Expect from Your Canyoning Adventure
This trip begins at Base Camp 1 in The Crags, where you’ll arrive about an hour early to gear up and attend a quick safety briefing. The staff at Africanyon River Adventures are known for their professionalism and friendliness, creating a relaxed atmosphere before the excitement begins. You’ll then hop into a short 5-minute drive to the canyon’s edge, where your adventure really kicks off.
Looking for more options in Plettenberg Bay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Route and Key Stops
The tour involves a walk through a lush, indigenous forest that sets a scenic tone from the start. Your guides will help you don your wetsuits, helmets, and harnesses, ensuring safety and comfort before you begin rappelling into the canyon. The initial descent provides a good warm-up, but things quickly escalate into more adrenaline-pumping activities.
Next comes the choice between swimming or hiking along the river, offering flexibility depending on your energy levels or comfort with water. The confluence point marks a key spot where your courage will be tested — you can either jump off a cliff into the water or rappel down with guidance. As noted by reviewers like Adrian, the guides, such as Julian and Tabzzz, “looked after us throughout” and helped keep the experience fun and safe.
The Waterfalls and Zip Line
The highlight for many is the 82-foot (25-meter) waterfall, where you’ll rappel down until you touch the cool water below. The guides are attentive, snapping pictures along the way—an added bonus if you want to remember your feats. But the real showstopper is the 98-foot (30-meter) waterfall — a real adrenaline rush as you zip line from the top into the river. This is a crowd favorite, with reviews describing it as “so much fun” and “a blast from beginning to end.”
Once you’ve splashed into the water, the journey winds down with a short drive back to base camp, where a warm shower awaits. Many reviewers, like Imke, mention how much they loved the positive energy of the guides and the variety of activities packed into just a 3-hour window.
Practical Aspects & Included Gear
- Duration & Group Size: The trip lasts around 3 hours, with a maximum of 10 people per booking, which allows for a more personalized experience.
- Price & Value: At roughly $60.68 per person, this includes all safety gear, local taxes, and expert guides—considered excellent value for such a full-on adventure.
- Equipment & Safety: Helmets, wetsuits, life vests, and harnesses are provided, ensuring safety without the hassle of bringing your own gear.
- Photography: Guides can take pictures during the trip, available for purchase afterward—a nice way to keep memories without the stress of capturing them yourself.
What to Bring & Wear
You’ll need to bring shoes suitable for water activities—if you don’t have your own, rentals are available for R140. A towel is also recommended for after the trip, especially if you want to enjoy a warm shower. Since food and drinks aren’t included, plan to grab something afterward or bring snacks if you’re hungry.
Best Time to Book & Considerations
Most travelers book about 28 days in advance, suggesting it’s a popular choice. Confirming your slot is easy with mobile tickets, and the activity is suitable for most travelers aged 8 and above—although pregnant women are advised against participating. The tour operates in good weather, with cancellations possible for poor conditions and full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
Authentic Experiences & Recommendations
Based on reviews, one of the biggest assets of this trip is the guides’ professionalism and humor. Reviewers like Danit_F point out how the guides “helped us through our fears” and made the adventure “phenomenal.” The guides’ support makes even nervous first-timers feel safe, which is crucial in activities involving heights and water.
Many travelers praised the stunning scenery—from the indigenous forest to waterfalls—making it more than just a thrill ride. The combination of adventure activities with such beautiful surroundings creates a memorable experience that balances adrenaline with tranquility.
While the price might seem modest, the value is high when you consider the expert supervision, all equipment, and diverse activities packed into a 3-hour window. The reviews also highlight the good organization—everything runs smoothly, and the guides’ positive energy ensures everyone has fun, regardless of their skill level.
Who Will Love This Tour
This canyoning adventure is ideal for those who love outdoor adrenaline and are comfortable with water and heights. Families with kids aged 8+ will appreciate the safety measures, but pregnant women are advised not to participate. It’s perfect for groups of friends seeking a fun, active day or solo travelers wanting a memorable story to tell.
If you’re after a mix of thrills and scenic beauty, this trip ticks all the boxes. However, anyone looking for a more relaxed experience or unsteady on their feet might want to consider other activities. The focus on safety, professionalism, and genuine fun makes it an experience worth considering if your goal is to get a dose of adventure in South Africa’s gorgeous landscape.
FAQ
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 8 years old, making it accessible for families with older kids who are comfortable with water and heights.
What should I wear for the trip?
You’ll be provided with wetsuits, but bringing suitable shoes for water activities is recommended. Rentals are available if needed.
How long does the tour last?
The total activity takes approximately 3 hours from start to finish, including gear-up, the canyoning activities, and debrief.
Is the experience safe?
Yes. Guides are professional and trained, and all necessary safety gear is included. The activity is designed to be safe for most participants.
Can I buy photos of my experience?
Absolutely. Guides will take pictures during the trip, which you can purchase afterward.
What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the activity is not included, so plan accordingly. The meeting point is at Africanyon River Adventures in The Crags.
Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant women are advised not to join due to the physical and safety requirements of the tour.
The Standard Canyoning Trip in The Crags offers a solid combination of adventure, stunning scenery, and professional guidance. It’s a well-organized activity that balances heart-pumping activities with safety and fun, making it a standout choice for thrill-seekers visiting South Africa.
If you’re ready for cliff jumps, waterfall rappels, and zip lining over cascading water, this tour will definitely deliver. It’s a fantastic way to experience the rugged beauty of the Western Cape from a unique vantage point—on the edge of adventure.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this canyoning trip is likely to be a highlight, especially if you thrive on scenic landscapes and adrenaline rushes. Just come prepared for some physical activity and a whole lot of fun in the wilderness.