Acrobranch, a forest jungle gym for kids and adults
by Merle Dieterich, passionate mom and businesswoman whose 2 beautiful children, Lerato and Marvin never cease to amaze and teach her about what counts. You’ll find her at jozikids.co.za
This review submitted by Corrinne Lamoral on Jozikids, sparked my interest in Acrobranch:
This is a wonderful outing in the heart of Joburg. I took my three children, age 4 1/2, 6 1/2 and 10 and they all loved it. There are stages for every age and much is decided by height – my tall 4 1/2 year old did the beginning of the Cheetah’s course and when the ropes got too high for him (and got a bit scary), the guide safely lowered him down. You do need to keep an eye on your children as they have the responsibility of remembering to keep a carabiner attached to the guide ropes at all times. Bring two parents if you have children of different ages otherwise you’ll be running back and forth. This was the most enjoyable two hours spent under the trees on a Sunday morning, we’ll be back! (PS: booking ahead is essential)
So one Sunday morning my entire family of 4 made our way there.
First each child aged 9 and 13 yrs, was decked out with gear
Then a quick lesson and practise session
And then they were off. My husband and I watched in amazement as they disappeared with their ropes and carabiners, swinging and balancing. Our only complaint was that we had stiff necks the next day from watching them perform their amazing feats up in the trees. We’ll also be back and maybe then, the adults will also have a go!
Click here to find out more about Acrobranch
Acrobranch – an absolute nightmare of a place to hold a kiddies party.
My daughter turned 5 and had her birthday party there.
The venue is lovely and the course stunning. However, the safety issues are horrendous.
I’m a former “ropes course instructor” – in fact you don’t even need to be one to see the danger. All the parents of the 3-6 year olds had the same concerns.
In the first place kids don’t have helmets – this is an accessory that is NOT negotiable on ANY professional ropes course.
Secondly, the kids get given a quick talk on what to do. They get told about carabiners and pulleys, and if they dare not have two on the ropes all the time, they will be taken off the course immediately. What child between the age of 3 and 6 years old understand this concept! Especially if they’re scared or don’t know the course and have to manoeuvre to the next task? Thirdly, one gets assured of an instructor for every 10 kids. On the cubs course there should be AT LEAST one instructor at every point. I was concerned for each child’s safety there and embarrassed as each parent one by one came to me with the same concerns. Twice there was a kid on her own with absolutely no one to help her, screaming for help in the middle of a zip line. We requested for more instructors at least 3 times. Very reluctantly did they come at intervals and then disappeared.
It is a very lovely venue. However without any changes to the custsomer service and the safety issues, I will discourage anyone to go.