Experiences Adventure Experiences
One of the Eastern Cape’s best hidden treasures, Wriggleswade Dam lies nestled between the rolling grasslands of the Amabele farming area. Stretching across 17km and covering 1000 hectares, this expanse of water has fast become a haven for avid fishermen and those who enjoy water sports.
The idea of building a dam was first conceived as early as 1959 but took a further 26 years before the work began. When the farm Wriggleswade was chosen above two other sites, excavation started on the first tunnels in 1985. More than 2000 jobs were created in an area with high unemployment constructing 100km of tunnels and canals which would carry water to King Williams Town, Berlin and East London. By the end of 1991 the wall was completed and the Kubusie River flowed into the area and started to saturate the land, but it was not until 29 February 1996 that it was filled to capacity for the first time.
Based at the edge of the indigenous forest, Natural High offers the adventure enthusiast an amazing variety of activities including abseiling, archery, guided forest walks, mountain biking, kayaking, obstacle courses and a host of teambuilding pursuits.
With 10 mountain bikes available (helmets and gloves provided), Natural High has marked out some fantastic routes through both the indigenous forest and forestry tracks. The view from the top of the ridge is magnificent and after some steep inclines, provides an excellent excuse to take a well deserved break! These tracks are ideal MTB territory and a perfect way to explore the area. For those who prefer less energetic rides there are a wonderful selection of gentle but superbly scenic routes for the family outing.
For those who enjoy adrenalin packed adventures, Ferndale 4x4 is an experience not to be missed and offers the ride of a lifetime. Voted in the top 5 South African 4x4 venues for 2009, trails of varying length and difficulty are there to be enjoyed on this stunning farm.
Set in the Henderson Valley, east of the N6 and between Cathcart and Stutterheim, the James family have worked this Döhne Marino sheep, Angora goat and stud cattle farm for five generations. Now they also offer the adventure enthusiast a host of options for an action packed holiday. The homestead, chalet and campsite sit at the edge of the Thomas River while the farm lands rise abruptly to the highest point on the Henderson Range at 4450ft..
Run by motorbike enthusiast Alan Steyn. A unique motor-bike experience from one hour trails to weekend packages, including complete family packages at Eagles Ridge Country House, where it is operated from. All biking gear is supplied by Eco Ride. Trails include scenic mountain routes, game trails, forests, the Kei Valley and various places of interest in the Amahlathi area.
To book your motorbike experience contact Alan on 082 494 3117
For the bird lover, it is an absolutely wondrous experience. Drifting in neutral between trees half submerged by water, the birds are not as wary of a boat and the opportunities for photography are phenomenal. We were lucky enough to watch a Lammergeier perch on the boughs of a tree and finally take off above our heads. It was so close to us that we could pick out all the markings on the underside of the wings. Crested Cranes observed us from the shore and displayed their beauty by spreading their wings and dancing. Cormorants floated lazily and a kingfisher perched on a short tree stump eagerly awaiting its next meal. It truly was an incredible experience.
Rambling gardens, dotted with bountiful colour and incredible displays of ancient bits and pieces along the stoep and best of all, the iron-roofed cottage. The lawns and paddocks are just the most amazing green, and of course the inscrutable forest that frames the property.