GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Although the widespread fires in the Outeniqua Mountains damaged infrastructure, adventure tourism entrepreneurs are determined to still offer a thrilling experience to visitors over the holiday season.

“Outdoor activities inspire tourists to visit the Garden Route and adventure product holders are dedicated to ensure all visitors have a good time,” said Alewijn Dippenaar, who initiated the Adventure Tourism Indaba held in Wilderness on 26 October.

It was business as usual at Louvain Guest Farm in the Upper Langkloof Valley, where a wedding took place against the backdrop of fires that continued to rage on Saturday.

“It was a bit of a smoky wedding for the 110 guests, but everything went well,” said Nico Bester, manager at Louvain where 4x4 trails, mountain biking and trail running is also offered.

“We have done an assessment of the damage caused by the fire,” said Roche Schoeman of Fearless Adventures, who offers, among other activities, abseiling and canyoning in the Kaaimans River. 

“A lot of damage was caused along hiking trails to the top of our 70 m abseiling spot above the river, but we have repaired dangerous places and are preparing for the season. “Nature is our office and our playground, and we rely on it for our business. Yet, fire is a natural process that is necessary for clearing old vegetation to make way for new growth.”

The same area after the fire.

George Trails, also suffered damage to structures along some of the trails.“Wooden structures, such as bridges and supports for earthen embankments (berms), as well as signage, were destroyed along many of these trails,” said Werner Rall of the Green Sport Foundation.

“We will meet with the Hillbillies MTB Club on Tuesday to plot the way forward. We foresee that the fires will have a big impact on our trail tourism over the holiday season, but the fire also presented the opportunity to fix and upgrade existing trails and even establish new ones.”

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