FAQ's

How long has Forest Lake been in existence ?

The adventure centre opened in 1998 and in 2008, we expanded to a second venue on Albert Falls Dam.

Which venue do you recommend ?

The original Forest Lake (Clan Bay) is situated at the water’s edge and is very popular with schools, given the variety of adventure activities and easy accessibility to these activities.

The new venue (Khayalami Bay) is well suited to weddings, functions and church groups, and is also a big plus for large school groups (120+) that request the use of both venues simultaneously in a mobile adventure program.

How do we book a particular venue ?

We recommend that you arrange to visit both venues beforehand as this also allows us to propose numerous program options and discuss meal planning.

Two night stays are available from Mon – Wed, Wed – Fri or Fri – Sun. Three nights stay and longer are flexible. Weekends are also available for bookings.

Can we do our own catering ?

Yes, we allow self catering.  A meal planner is also available for your perusal. We cater for for Halaal, vegetarian, kosher and diabetic preferences.

What activities are available ?

This really depends on your final numbers and length of stay. However, for a lengthy five day program we can program the following activities in. Canadian canoeing, sea kayaking, obstacle course, interactive dynamics, hiking, camp outs, wetlands, raft building, fuffi slide, sports, mountain biking, evening activities, swimming, fishing, climbing, abseiling and orienteering.

Is your equipment safe ?
Forest Lake's outdoor equipment meets the highest safety standards. ISO 9001 certification on all of our climbing equipment. Our safety equipment is thoroughly checked before, during and after each activity. Where possible we provide equipment to fit individual sizes, this includes helmets, life jackets, harnesses, canoes and paddles.

What is expected of the teachers ?

You can decide to sit back and casually observe the adventure program or become involved and play a role yourself. Some schools actually run their own program, with Forest Lake staff handling the more technical activities.

Who are your staff ?
Staff are recruited and trained from the community as well as from GAP International and exchange staff from other adventure centres around S.A.

Is cell phone reception good ?
With school groups, we discourage the use of cell phones. There are a number of reasons for this, the most important is that calls from home often interrupt the development process of a course. Forest Lake is an opportunity to take time away for you without worrying about distractions elsewhere. You can bring your mobile phone but we request that your teachers hold it for safe keeping and they may only be accessed should an emergency arise.

Is Albert Falls Dam bilharzia free?
Yes, Umgeni Water has conducted water testing and has found Albert Falls Dam free of any pollutants or disease carrying bodies.

Do you have medical backup?
Yes, we are prepared for mishaps and can also call on qualified nurses and doctors in the area. Pietermartizburg is close enough for any emergencies.

Are Children supervised at all times?
Yes, there is a Duty Instructor available 24 hrs and apart from the day adventure program, children are kept entertained in the evenings with night activities.

Is there a tuckshop ?
Yes, you are also able to purchase Forest Lake t-shirts in the tuck shop.